Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a non-surgical weight loss procedure that makes the stomach about 70% smaller using sutures placed through an endoscope, with no incisions. At Transform Bariatrics, ESG is performed by board-certified surgeon Dr. Hitesh Amin for patients in Greenbelt, Maryland, Alexandria, Virginia, and the greater Washington, DC area.

What Is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty?

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty is a non-surgical weight loss procedure performed through the mouth using an endoscope. The stomach is sutured to create a smaller sleeve-shaped pouch, which reduces stomach capacity and slows digestion. This helps patients consume smaller meals, control appetite, and achieve sustained weight loss while avoiding the risks and recovery time associated with traditional surgery.

How Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Works

• Uses an endoscope to place sutures inside the stomach without external incisions.
• Creates a smaller, sleeve-shaped stomach pouch to limit food intake.
• Slows stomach emptying to prolong satiety and reduce hunger.
• Supports lasting weight loss when paired with diet and lifestyle changes.

Who Can Benefit from Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty is ideal for patients struggling with obesity who seek a less invasive alternative to surgical procedures. It is effective for managing weight and improving obesity-related conditions.

• Obesity (BMI ≥ 30 or higher)
• Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
• High blood pressure or hypertension
• Sleep apnea and metabolic syndrome

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty in Maryland and Virginia

We see ESG patients from across Prince George's County, Montgomery County, Anne Arundel County, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC. Consultations and follow-up visits are available at our Greenbelt, MD office (6401 Golden Triangle Drive, Suite 307) and our Alexandria, VA office (6000 Stevenson Avenue, Suite 104).

ESG vs. Gastric Sleeve

Both procedures make the stomach smaller, but they work differently:

• Incisions: ESG has none because it is done through the mouth. A gastric sleeve uses several small laparoscopic incisions.
• Stomach removed: With ESG, none of the stomach is removed; it is folded and sutured. A gastric sleeve removes about 75 to 80% of the stomach.
• Recovery: Most ESG patients return to work in 2 to 3 days, compared with about 2 to 4 weeks after a gastric sleeve.
• Typical weight loss: About 15 to 20% of total body weight with ESG, compared with about 25 to 30% with a gastric sleeve.
• Who it suits: ESG is generally for a BMI of about 30 to 40. A gastric sleeve is generally for a BMI of 40 or more, or 35 or more with obesity-related conditions.
• Permanence: ESG can be revised or converted to surgery later. A gastric sleeve is permanent.

Dr. Amin performs both procedures, so your consultation can compare them based on your health history and goals.

Your Bariatric Surgeon: Hitesh P. Amin, MD, FACS

Dr. Amin is a board-certified bariatric and general surgeon (American Board of Surgery) and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, with more than 20 years of experience helping patients lose weight with surgical and non-surgical options. He is the medical director of Transform Bariatrics and sees patients at our Greenbelt, Maryland and Alexandria, Virginia offices, serving Prince George's County, Montgomery County, Northern Virginia and Washington, DC.

More Questions About ESG

Who is a good candidate for endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty?

Adults with a BMI of about 30 to 40 who have not reached their goals with diet, exercise or medication, or who want to avoid weight loss surgery or are not eligible for it. Dr. Amin reviews your health history, past weight loss attempts and goals at your consultation.

Is ESG better than a gastric sleeve?

Neither is better for everyone. ESG has no incisions and a much faster recovery, while a gastric sleeve usually produces more total weight loss. Because Dr. Amin offers both, he can recommend the option that fits your BMI, health conditions and lifestyle.

Is endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty considered surgery?

ESG is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure, not traditional surgery. There are no incisions and nothing is removed. It is performed under sedation, and most patients go back to normal activities within a few days.

Where can I get endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty in Maryland?

Transform Bariatrics offers ESG with board-certified surgeon Dr. Hitesh Amin. Consultations are available at our Greenbelt, Maryland office, convenient to Prince George's County, Montgomery County and Washington, DC, and at our Alexandria, Virginia office. Call (240) 468-7995 to schedule.

Your Next Step

Not sure if ESG is right for you? Take our candidate quiz, call (240) 468-7995, or request a consultation at our Greenbelt, MD or Alexandria, VA office.