Many struggle with the decision to get serious about losing weight, but this is just the first in a series of challenging decisions that need to be made. If this describes you, chances are you have struggled with your weight for a while and your previous attempts at weight loss have been unsuccessful. If so, don’t feel bad; you are not alone. This is a very common story.
Most people do not realize that there can be forces working against your weight loss efforts that require expert help and medical intervention. Choosing a doctor to help guide your weight loss efforts is one you should not take lightly because you want to feel comfortable with them and confident in their abilities. Choosing the technique you would like to use to lose weight will be the other big decision you will need to think about.
If you have been looking into getting help for weight loss, chances are you have heard about the ESG weight loss procedure. If you are not familiar with this groundbreaking technique or where you can find a doctor who does ESG for weight loss, keep reading! We are about to deliver all these details!
What Is ESG Weight Loss?
ESG stands for endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, which is a non-surgical weight loss procedure that was approved by the FDA in June 2022. This procedure has been used for years, and the impressive results during the clinical trials prompted its approval.
How Is Non-Surgical ESG For Weight Loss Done?
The E in ESG stands for endoscopic,” which indicates that this procedure is done using a medical device called an endoscope. There are a few different types of endoscopes, but the one used for ESG is a thin, flexible, hollow tube-like device that has a tiny video camera attached to one end.
The hollow feature of the endoscope allows special tools to be fed through it to be used during the procedure. The endoscope does not require any incisions and is used to access the patient’s stomach through the mouth and throat. The entire procedure takes place from the inside, unlike bariatric surgery, which requires several incisions to be made in the patient’s abdomen.
During the ESG weight loss procedure, the doctor uses special tools fed through the endoscope to shape the patient’s stomach into a significantly smaller size and then uses stitches to hold it in this new shape. The doctor can see everything up close and magnified during the procedure thanks to the tiny video camera mounted on the endoscope. It sends a live, continuous video feed to a monitor that is located nearby.
What Results Can ESG Patients Expect?
The results that are attained through ESG are very similar to the results of the bariatric gastric sleeve, but they are achieved without any incisions, a hospital stay, or an extended recovery. Patients can go home the same day as their procedure, and most are back to their normal schedule in about three days. After, ESG patients cannot eat as much as they did before because their stomachs have decreased in size by about 75%. They also do not get hungry as often because their smaller stomach takes longer to digest food so this helps them lose weight.
Since patients do not have activity restrictions after having an ESG for weight loss, they can begin exercising right away and get a jump on attaining their goals.
Who Does ESG Weight Loss Surgery?
ESG is not a surgery, but many people still use this term when referring to the procedure. Finding a qualified doctor to perform your endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is probably the most important decision you will make. Your safety and weight loss results rely on the expertise of this professional.
ESG is an endoscopic procedure, not a surgery, so it requires a different skill set and area of expertise. A bariatric surgeon is qualified to perform surgeries such as the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, duodenal switch, etc. Some bariatric surgeons are also trained in endoscopy, which is what is used for the ESG procedure, but for most, their expertise lies in performing surgery to promote weight loss.
A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in endoscopy, and out of all the different types of doctors, they are required to have the highest level of endoscopic procedure training. They are trained to treat conditions that relate to a patient’s digestive system and could specialize in the treatment of the stomach, esophagus, intestines, or the lower gastrointestinal tract.
ESG should be performed by a doctor with extensive training in endoscopy who has expertise in ESG and has performed a significant number of these procedures.
Where Can I Find ESG Weight Loss Near Me?
If you are asking yourself who is the best doctor to perform the ESG procedure, this is a good question because it can be a bit confusing since the field of treating obesity through endoscopy (endobariatrics) is a more recent addition to the marketplace.
A bariatric surgeon is trained to carry out surgeries to help promote weight loss, and a gastroenterologist is trained to be an expert in endoscopy, but neither doctor requires training in obesity medicine to be an expert in their field.
Recently, there have been many new ESG weight loss providers advertising their services. This is because of the FDA’s recent approval of the procedure and because more people are looking for non-surgical alternatives for help with losing weight.
When you are looking for an expert to perform your ESG procedure, it is very important to do your research. Not only do you want a doctor who is skilled technically to perform the procedure with precision, but you also need a doctor who understands how to treat your condition. Did you know that only 1% of the doctors in the United States have training in obesity medicine?
Weight loss is a complex situation, and no two individuals are alike. Underlying factors can influence their ability to lose weight or facilitate weight retention. Only a doctor who understands the nuances of obesity will have the knowledge and expertise to identify these factors and address them.
Patients suffering from obesity need a doctor who can provide them with the tools they need to make their weight loss journey a bit easier, but also the expertise and support to know how to best address their unique circumstances and make their weight loss sustainable.
If you want an expert in not only the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty procedure but also a doctor who has been trained in the treatment of obesity, you may need to consider traveling outside of your area. Now that you understand just how much of a rarity it is to find a doctor who is highly skilled in both of these disciplines, you can see why it may be difficult to find an obesity-trained, skilled ESG weight loss provider that is located near you.
Sometimes Traveling To A Qualified Doctor Makes The Most Sense
If you do not have qualified ESG weight loss providers near you, do not be discouraged. You can travel to a qualified doctor to have your ESG procedure, and because it is not uncommon these days to attend consultations and follow-up appointments via telehealth, you will still receive all the support you need.
Select your doctor with care because you want an expert who is trained to perform the procedure but also one who will provide ongoing support to help you reach your weight loss goals. Also, if you have any other conditions related to your weight (type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, etc.), having a doctor who understands the complexities of obesity will help you lose weight safely and more effectively.
If you are looking for an ESG doctor in Miami, Dr. Okeefe Simmons of Simmons MD Advanced Weight Loss Solutions would be the perfect choice.
Dr. Simmons is the first physician in this country to have finished a triple fellowship in gastroenterology, bariatric endoscopy, and obesity medicine. He has performed countless endoscopic procedures and is an expert in endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG).
If you are not in the area, it would be worthwhile to visit him because of his expertise in the field and his established track record. The team at Simmons MD Advanced Weight Loss Solutions will be by your side every step of the way, providing the support you need to reach your weight loss goals.
Set up an appointment either in person or online to begin your journey to better health with the experts at Simmons Advanced Weight Loss Solutions.
