New weight loss procedure at Royal Alexandra Hospital being hailed a ‘game-changer
Adults in Alberta living with obesity now have access to a publicly funded, minimally invasive weight-loss option. The Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton has become the first facility in the province to offer endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG).
The procedure is designed for those seeking long-term weight maintenance without the need for traditional, invasive surgery. It is currently available through the Edmonton Adult Bariatric Specialty Surgery Clinic.
A Minimally Invasive Approach to Weight Loss
ESG is a semi-surgical process that takes approximately 90 minutes under general anaesthesia. A surgical team inserts a thin, flexible tube with a camera down the patient’s throat to reach the stomach.
Using tools via the endoscope, doctors stitch the stomach from the inside to reduce its size. Unlike some other bariatric procedures, no tissue is cut away or removed during this process.
The result is a smaller stomach that reaches satiety faster, creating a calorie deficit that leads to weight loss. Dr. Kirles Bishay, a gastroenterologist at the Royal Alex, described the technology as an impressive, minimally invasive approach.
Comparing ESG to Traditional Surgery and Medications
Bariatric surgeon Dr. Noah Switzer noted that the field has evolved significantly from early “stomach stapling.” Because no organ tissue is removed, ESG can be completely reversed if necessary.
The recovery process is notably shorter than traditional gastric bypass surgery, which often requires four to six weeks of recovery. ESG patients typically experience no pain because there are no external incisions, allowing for same-day discharge.
The procedure can also be used in conjunction with GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound). While these drugs slow stomach emptying to increase satiety, they can cost nearly $500 a month and may lead to weight regain if stopped.
Patient Impact and Mental Health
For 65-year-old Mary-Ann Thurber, ESG provided a tool to maintain weight after she had already lost 80 pounds through diet, exercise, and Wegovy. She has since lost an additional 12 pounds and returned to work within three weeks.
Thurber highlighted the psychological benefits of the procedure, noting an increase in confidence and a reduction in the shame often associated with chronic obesity. She encourages others to seek help without fear of judgment.
Accessing the Program
To receive ESG treatment, adults must meet specific clinic criteria and obtain a referral from a physician, nurse practitioner, or specialist. Alberta Health Services provides both medical and psychological interventions to ensure patient success.
As the stigma surrounding medical weight-loss interventions fades, more patients may seek combined treatments of surgery and medication. This shift could lead to a broader adoption of minimally invasive tools to combat chronic obesity in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG)?
It is a procedure where the stomach is stitched into a smaller size from the inside via a tube inserted down the throat, requiring no external incisions.
How does ESG differ from traditional bariatric surgery?
Unlike some other procedures, ESG does not remove or cut away any stomach tissue, meaning it is completely reversible and generally involves a faster recovery without the need for strong painkillers.
Can ESG be used with weight-loss drugs like Ozempic?
Yes, the procedure can be performed alongside the use of GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide or tirzepatide.
How do you feel about the shift toward semi-surgical options for long-term weight management?