Gastric Bypass vs ESG: Which Weight Loss Option is Right for You?

Struggling to lose weight and thinking about surgery? You’re not alone—and you’re not without options. Two effective choices you may have heard about are gastric bypass and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG). While both help with significant weight loss, they work in very different ways.

In this blog, the team at Weight Loss and Wellness Center compares gastric bypass vs. ESG. We’ll discuss how each procedure works, who they’re best suited for, and what to expect before and after treatment.

What Is Gastric Bypass?

Who Is It For?

If you’ve tried everything to lose weight and haven’t had success, gastric bypass may be an option for you. It’s typically recommended for individuals who:

Have a BMI of 40 or higher
Have a BMI of 35 or higher with weight-related health conditions like diabetes or sleep apnea
Have tried other weight loss methods without long-term success

While lifestyle changes are necessary to lose weight and keep it off, we understand that for some people, diet and exercise aren’t enough to realize their weight loss goals. Gastric bypass can be a life-changing solution for people who need help losing a substantial amount of weight.

How It Works

Gastric bypass surgery makes your stomach smaller and reroutes part of your small intestine. This means you’ll:

Feel full after eating less
Absorb fewer calories and nutrients

Remember, gastric bypass is a major surgery — but it comes with major benefits, too.

Benefits of Gastric Bypass

Weight loss: Most patients lose 60–80% of their excess weight within 12 to 18 months.
Improved health: It can improve or even resolve conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
More energy: Gastric bypass patients consistently report an improved quality of life due to weight loss and increased energy.

Risks and Considerations

As with any surgery, there are risks associated with gastric bypass:

Bleeding
Infection
Leaks from surgical connections
Long-term issues like vitamin deficiencies or “dumping syndrome“

Our team will talk through all potential risks (and resolutions) to make sure you’re fully informed and comfortable with your decision.

Life After Surgery

Recovery from gastric bypass takes a few weeks. You’ll follow a staged diet — starting with liquids, moving to soft foods, then regular meals. In addition, you’ll need to:

Eat smaller meals
Take daily vitamin and mineral supplements
Exercise regularly

Yes, gastric bypass surgery is a big commitment. But our experts at Weight Loss and Wellness Center will be with you every step of the way to ensure that it’s one of the best decisions you’ll ever make for your health and well-being.

What Is ESG (Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty)?

A Non-Surgical Weight Loss Option

ESG is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces the size of your stomach — without cutting or removing any part of it. Using a thin, flexible endoscope passed through your mouth, your doctor places internal sutures to make your stomach smaller.

Why Choose ESG?

No surgery or incisions
Faster recovery
Minimal pain
Outpatient procedure
Technically reversible (though not commonly reversed)

ESG is ideal for people with a BMI between 30 and 40, especially those who may not qualify for or want surgery.

How Much Weight Can You Lose With ESG?

Most patients lose about 15–20% of their total body weight within the first year. With healthy eating and exercise, some patients see substantial results within just a few months.

What Are the Risks of ESG?

ESG is minimally invasive and very safe, but minor side effects may include:

Temporary nausea
Abdominal discomfort
Difficulty swallowing (for a few days)

Serious complications are rare but will be discussed in-depth during your consultation with Dr. Majid. Our goal is to help you find the ideal weight loss procedure to suit your needs and produce the best results.

Recovery and Lifestyle After ESG

ESG is an outpatient procedure, so you’ll usually go home the same day. Recovery is quick — most people return to normal activities in 1–2 weeks. You’ll follow a gradual diet as your body adjusts to a smaller stomach size. We’ll also provide a personalized wellness plan to support your weight loss for long-term success.

Gastric Sleeve vs. ESG: What’s the Difference?

It’s easy to confuse gastric sleeve with endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG). There are a few major differences between these weight loss procedures. Here’s a comparison at a glance:

Procedure	Type	Change To Stomach	Recovery	Reversible?	Ideal BMI
Gastric Sleeve	Surgical	Part of stomach is removed	2–4 weeks	No	35+
ESG	Non-surgical	Stomach is made smaller, nothing is removed	1–2 weeks	Yes, but not common	30-40

As you can see, ESG and gastric sleeve are quite different. Gastric sleeve involves removing part of the stomach through surgery, while ESG keeps your stomach intact and reshapes it with sutures that are placed endoscopically (without surgery).

If you are considering gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, ESG, or any other weight loss procedure, schedule a free consultation at Weight Loss and Wellness Center to discover the best option for you.

Recovery, Diet & Lifestyle: What to Expect After Gastric Bypass or ESG

Regardless of which procedure you choose, there will be an adjustment period. Here’s what to expect:

Recovery Time

Gastric Bypass: 2–4 weeks
ESG: 1–2 weeks

Lifestyle Changes

Smaller, slower meals
High-protein, nutrient-dense foods
Regular exercise
Adequate hydration

Supplement Needs

Gastric Bypass patients will need lifelong vitamin and mineral supplements.
ESG patients may not require supplements unless advised.

Follow-Up Care

You’ll have regular check-ins with our team to track your progress, support your goals, and make adjustments along the way. Don’t forget, Weight Loss and Wellness Center is a comprehensive weight loss clinic. We provide a wide variety of solutions and support options to enhance your weight loss journey — everything from support groups, nutrition counseling, body sculpting, and more!

Cost and Insurance: What You Should Know

What Does Insurance Cover?

Gastric Bypass: Often covered if you have a BMI of 40+, or 35+ with health conditions.
ESG: Still considered “new” by some insurers and may not be covered, even though it’s a safe and effective option.

Always call your insurance provider to discuss your coverage for either procedure. Our team at Weight Loss and Wellness Center is happy to help you navigate the insurance process, as well.

Estimated Costs

Gastric Bypass: $20,000–$35,000
ESG: $10,000–$15,000

These are general ranges — actual costs can vary substantially by provider and location. Gastric bypass is more expensive due to things like surgical fees, a hospital stay, etc. During your initial consultation with Weight Loss and Wellness Center, we’ll discuss both procedure costs in-depth.

Financing Options

At Weight Loss and Wellness Center, we firmly believe that cost shouldn’t stand in the way of improving your health. We offer flexible financing through Cherry Financing and CareCredit to help make your health goals more accessible. Our team will review your financing options to help you find a plan that suits your budget.

Which Procedure Is Right for You?

Think About:

How much weight do you want to lose?
How fast do you want to see results?
Are you ready for surgery, or would you prefer a non-surgical route?

The Bottom Line

Gastric Bypass delivers faster, more dramatic weight loss, but it involves surgery and longer recovery.
ESG offers moderate, steady weight loss with less risk and downtime.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s why we’re here — to help you make the best decision for your body, health, and future.

Let’s Start Your Weight Loss Journey Together

At Weight Loss and Wellness Center, personalized care is our hallmark. Here’s how we’ll help:

Medical Evaluation – We thoroughly assess your health and goals.
Expert Consultation – We explain your options clearly.
Pre-Procedure Support – We help you get ready with diet, exercise, and counseling.
Custom Plan – You get a plan designed for lasting success.