Endoscopic Weight Loss Treatment

Bariatric endoscopy is a group of weight-management procedures performed entirely through an endoscope, without abdominal surgery. The two main options at the clinic are the intragastric balloon and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty.

An intragastric balloon is a soft, saline-filled balloon placed inside the stomach for a fixed period (typically six months) to reduce stomach capacity and slow gastric emptying. ESG uses endoscopic sutures to reshape the stomach into a narrower tube, similar in concept to surgical sleeve gastrectomy but without external incisions and without removing any stomach tissue.

Performed under sedation or short general anaesthesia.

For intragastric balloon: the balloon is passed through the mouth and filled with saline inside the stomach.

For ESG: rows of endoscopic sutures are placed to fold and shorten the stomach into a sleeve shape.

Both procedures are followed by a structured dietary and exercise programme with regular follow-up.

Nausea, vomiting and reflux are common in the first few days and usually settle.

Less common risks include dehydration, balloon-related ulcer or, very rarely, perforation. These are discussed in detail before consent.