A Minimally Invasive Path to Weight Loss
Minimally invasive endoscopic procedures offer a safe, effective way to lose weight, without surgery. With faster recovery times, fewer risks and real results, endoscopic weight-loss options like the endoscopic gastric sleeve (ESG) can help you take control of your health.
Whole-Person Healing Starts With Incisionless Treatments
- Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Procedure (ESG)
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The ESG procedure doesn’t involve any cuts or incisions. Instead, a doctor uses a flexible tube (called an endoscope) with a special stitching device to gently fold and tighten your stomach, reducing your stomach’s size by about 70%, helping you feel full faster, eat less and stay full longer. Many patients lose up to 20% of their body weight.
ESG offers similar results to surgical weight-loss procedures but without the surgery. Because it’s minimally invasive, recovery is quicker and risks are lower. Most people go home the same day and return to their routine within a few days.
To get the best results, ESG should be paired with healthy lifestyle changes like eating well and staying active. It’s not just about losing weight — it can also help lower blood sugar and blood pressure, and may improve conditions like fatty liver disease and sleep apnea.
- Endoscopic Balloon Therapy
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This is another nonsurgical option for weight loss. During the procedure, a soft balloon filled with liquid is placed into your stomach using an endoscope. The balloon takes up space, so you feel full sooner and eat less.
The balloon is typically removed after six months but can be removed earlier if desired. Since it doesn’t permanently change your stomach, the balloon is a great option for those looking for short-term weight-loss support.
Like ESG, this procedure works best when combined with healthy habits. It’s safe, reversible and doesn’t require a hospital stay — you’ll be home the same day.
- Transoral Outlet Reduction (TORe)
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TORe is a nonsurgical, endoscopic procedure designed for people who’ve regained weight after a gastric bypass. Over time, the connection between the stomach and small intestine (called the gastric outlet) can stretch, allowing food to pass through too quickly and leading to weight gain.
TORe helps restore that outlet to its original size. Using a flexible tube (endoscope) and a suturing device, your doctor places stitches through the mouth to tighten the outlet. This helps you feel full again after eating and supports renewed weight loss.
Because TORe is minimally invasive, it comes with fewer risks and a quicker recovery than traditional surgery. Most patients go home the same day. As with any weight loss procedure, maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help promote long-term success.
- Endoscopic Revision of Sleeve Gastrectomy (Sleeve-in-Sleeve or SIS)
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If you've had a sleeve gastrectomy and are experiencing weight regain, SIS may help. Over time, the stomach can stretch, reducing the effectiveness of the original procedure.
SIS uses an endoscopic suturing device to tighten the stomach and restore it to its original sleeve shape—without surgery. This helps you start to lose weight again, much like after the original operation.
Our Weight-Loss Specialists, Dedicated to Your Care
Marco Rajo, MD, FACS, FASMBS
Bariatric Surgery, General Surgery, Weight Management
John Gonzalvo, DO
Bariatric Surgery, Weight Management
FAQs About Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
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Q:Question: Who is an ideal candidate for an incisionless endoscopic gastric sleeve procedure?
A:Answer:An endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) procedure is best suited for patients with a BMI of 30 to 40 who have not achieved sufficient weight loss through diet, exercise and lifestyle changes alone.
An ESG may be the right choice for patients who don't qualify for or prefer to avoid more invasive surgical procedures.
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Q:Question: Does insurance cover the incisionless sleeve procedure?
A:Answer:While an ESG is an effective weight-loss method, it’s still a relatively new procedure and not yet covered by many insurance providers. However, as of December 18, 2025, ESG is covered by Elevance Health (formerly known as Anthem), making this option more accessible for eligible patients. Our team offers free insurance verification to help you understand your coverage. We also offer a self-pay rate to help ensure this life-changing care remains within reach.
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Q:Question: How does endobariatrics differ from traditional weight-loss surgery methods?
A:Answer:Endobariatric procedures, including the endoscopic incisionless sleeve, differ from weight-loss surgeries in several ways. Here’s what you can expect with an ESG:
- Can be combined with weight-loss medications
- Faster recovery period (three to seven days rather than weeks)
- Ideal for mild to moderate obesity
- Performed through the mouth (no incisions)
- Minimally invasive and often reversible
- Moderate weight loss (15 to 20% total body weight)
- No malabsorption; minimal need for supplements
- Outpatient or short-stay procedure
An Expert Team Dedicated to You
Trying to lose weight can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you have to consider deeper factors like genetics or health issues. The good news is that you don’t have to face it alone.
At AdventHealth, you’ll have a team of expert specialists dedicated to helping you live your fullest and best life, including:
- Bariatric surgeons who are skilled in the most advanced and minimally invasive solutions.
- Bariatric nurses who are specially trained in bariatric surgery to help you heal and keep your hopes high.
- Care navigators to help you connect with your medical team and schedule appointments.
- Chaplains to help you feel whole, caring for your mind and spirit as well as your body.
- Exercise physiologists to help you discover the physical activity you enjoy.
- Registered dietitians to empower you to shop, cook and even eat out while still maintaining a healthy weight.
- Behavioral health providers to help you overcome any mental roadblocks in your way.
- Support groups and classes to educate, deliver support and provide collaboration among others on the same journey.
- Pre-op class facilitated by a registered nurse provides the education needed to better prepare you for your surgical procedure, hospital stay and first week at home.
Take the First Step Toward a Healthier You
An endoscopic gastric sleeve is more than a procedure — it’s a lifelong commitment to a healthier you. To schedule an appointment, call us at Call833-783-5335 to speak with one of our team members and start your journey to better health.