Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
in Washington, DC
How Does the Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Work?
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is one of the safest and most advanced weight loss procedures that has been used by people across the world for more than a decade now. The procedure does not involve any incisions or cuts through the skin because it is done with the help of an endoscope and a special suturing device that is inserted into the stomach through the mouth. The ESG procedure is performed with the Apollo ESG Overstitch™ because it is the only device approved by the FDA for this purpose.
The ESG reduces the available space in the stomach to a smaller size without any scars or risks that are usually associated with surgery. Sutures are used to shrink the size of the stomach from the inside by 70–80%, leaving a small, tubular-shaped stomach. The smaller remaining stomach allows for less intake per meal, which results in early satiety or feeling full earlier. Not only that, it leads to slowed gastric emptying, meaning the stomach empties slower, and patients feel full longer in between meals. These all result in less food intake and successful weight loss.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Vs. Bariatric Surgery
ESG
- No hospital admission: the same-day procedures
- No surgical incisions: the procedures are completed through the mouth
- No scars
- Fast recovery & fewer complications
- No permanent anatomy changes
- No lifelong supplementations needed
Bariatric Surgery
- Patient must be admitted to a hospital
- Undergoes surgery including incisions that take time to heal
- Increased risk of complications
- 1-5 days of hospitalization
- Permanent surgical anatomy change
- Lifelong supplementations needed
Before and After: ESG Patients
ESG stomach tightening®
A non-surgical, minimally invasive, reversible procedure to significantly reduce your stomach size and help you lose weight.
- ESG Stomach Tightening®
- Smart scale
- Pre-procedure blood work
- Post-procedure IV fluid therapy
- Dietitian consultations
- 12-month follow-up with your care team
- Unlimited messaging with your care team
- Medications not included
Financing Options
Meet Dr. Janese Laster-Butler
Testimonials
FAQs
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure takes about 30 min – 1 hour. The recovery period is about 1 hour, and then patients are discharged home.
What is the recovery time?
Following the procedure, we expect some nausea and/or vomiting, bloating, mild abdominal pain, or cramping for the first 1-3 days. However, we provide medications to help with symptom relief. Patients may return to work within 1-2 days after the procedure.
Am I a Candidate for The ESG Weight Loss Procedure?
The endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is indicated for those with a BMI of 30–50 kg/m2 who have failed diet and weight loss efforts alone.
What Is Covered in The Total Cost of ESG with Gut Theory?
- The ESG procedure
- Anesthesia fees
- Facility fees
- One-year membership for ongoing weight management support follow-up
How Much Weight Loss Can I Expect?
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is one of the most effective non-surgical procedures for weight loss. On average, patients can lose about 20% of their total body weight over a year. Results for each person vary and can be greater or less depending on the individual’s motivation and willingness to stick to the doctor’s guidelines and recommendations. It is important to mention that to achieve the best results, the procedure must be accompanied by dietary changes and increased physical activity.
How easy is it to get to Gut Theory Total Digestive Care office?
Gut Theory Total Digestive Care office is located in Friendship Heights, right next to Friendship Heights Metro Station on the Red Line, making it easy to reach from many parts of Washington, DC, including Chevy Chase, Tenleytown, the American University area, and other Northwest DC neighborhoods.
Which Weight Loss Option Should I Choose?
| Category | Gut Essentials – Overhaul | Gastric Balloon | ESG (Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty) | Gastric Sleeve Revision |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $350 – $475/mo (6-month commitment) |
$7,495 total |
$12,995 total |
$11,995 total |
| Invasiveness | Non-invasive | Minimally invasive (endoscopic) | Minimally invasive (endoscopic, no incisions) | Minimally invasive (endoscopic, no incisions) |
| Avg. Weight Loss | 5 – 25% of body weight (varies widely) |
10 – 15% of body weight |
15 – 20% of body weight |
Additional 10 – 20% on top of prior loss |
| Recovery Time | None | 2 – 3 days (mild discomfort) |
2 – 3 days off work | 2 – 3 days off work |
| Reversible? | Yes — stop anytime | Yes — balloon removed at 6 months | Technically yes; not routinely done | Sutures, yes — not the initial surgery |
| Procedure Type | Ongoing membership program | Temporary (6-month balloon) |
Long-term durable results | Long-term durable results |
| Key Pros |
+ No procedure needed
+ Lowest entry cost
+ Flexible & reversible
+ Medication option avail.
+ Virtual wellness incl.
|
+ No surgery required
+ Reversible option
+ Jumpstarts habits
+ 12-mo follow-up incl.
|
+ No incisions
+ Greater weight loss
+ Durable long-term results
+ No hospital stay
+ Full care team incl.
|
+ Addresses sleeve failure
+ Significant add’l loss
+ Treats complications
+ Established approach
+ Full care team incl.
|
| Key Cons |
– Depends on adherence
– Slower weight loss
|
– Balloon removed @ 6 mo
– Nausea common early
– Weight regain possible
– Medications not incl.
|
– Highest upfront cost
– General anesthesia req.
– Post-op diet restrictions
– Medications not incl.
|
– General anesthesia req.
– Post-op diet restrictions
– Medications not incl.
|
Our Location
Mon – Fri:
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
