Efficacy
- Approximately 15–18% total body weight loss within 12 months
- Improvements in blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol, and joint stress
- Long-term success depends on lifestyle changes and ongoing care
- Individual results may vary.
ESG Non-Surgical Weight Loss
ESG Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a non-surgical weight-loss procedure performed through the mouth with an endoscope and internal suturing. Weight loss is typically around 15–18% of body weight within 1 year, and results vary from person to person.
No abdominal incisionPerformed endoscopically through the mouth
Reduced capacityHelps selected patients feel full sooner
Long-term careNutrition, behavior, and weight follow-up
ESG Non-Surgical Weight Loss
Overview
ESG is not stomach cutting. It uses endoscopic suturing from inside the stomach to reduce capacity and support portion control. Strong outcomes require follow-up for nutrition, habits, and metabolic health.
Who it may suitESG may suit selected patients with overweight or obesity who want an option before major surgery. The doctor reviews BMI, related conditions, prior weight-loss attempts, and readiness for follow-up.
How it worksA flexible endoscope is passed through the mouth. Internal sutures narrow the stomach, helping patients feel full sooner without removing stomach tissue.
After the procedureDiet advances step by step. Hydration, protein intake, medication review, and regular monitoring are part of the long-term plan.
Care led by our physician team
Dr. Noppachai Siranart — Endoscopy physician
- Peer-reviewed research on endoscopic weight-loss procedures, published in international medical journals
- Postdoctoral research at Brigham and Women's Hospital / Harvard Medical School, and Mayo Clinic
- ESG
- Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty
- Non-surgical weight loss
- Weight reduction
Why patients choose to have ESG at YOUNIFY
We do not only perform this procedure — we research it
Our medical team has published in international medical journals on endoscopic weight-loss procedures. It means the advice you get comes from reading the evidence at source.
| Study | Journal | What it examined |
|---|---|---|
| Comparison of bariatric procedures | Digestive Diseases and Sciences (2026) | How different bariatric procedures compare in improving obesity-related comorbidities |
| Weight regain after sleeve gastrectomy | Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (2026) | Endoscopic versus surgical management of recurrent weight gain |
| GLP-1 medication and upper endoscopy | Obesity (2025) | Real-world data on endoscopy preparation in people taking GLP-1 medication |
What our care includes
Assessment before any decisionExamination and discussion to establish whether ESG genuinely suits you. For some people we recommend a different option.
Same-day discharge for most patientsThere is no external surgical incision.
Structured follow-upNutrition, behaviour and scheduled review — long-term results depend more on the months after than on the procedure itself.
A medical team you can actually reachAsk your first questions on LINE before you travel.
How ESG compares with the alternatives
| ESG (endoscopic suturing) | Intragastric balloon | Sleeve gastrectomy | GLP-1 medication | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surgery? | No surgery, done through the mouth | No surgery, done through the mouth | Laparoscopic abdominal surgery | No procedure |
| Is stomach removed? | No | No | Permanently removed in part | Not applicable |
| External incision | None | None | Abdominal port sites | None |
| Typical weight loss | Around 15–18% of body weight in one year | Less than ESG | More than ESG | Depends on the drug and continued use |
| How long it stays | The sutures remain | Must be removed on schedule | Permanent | Effect lasts while the drug is taken |
| Recovery | Most go home the same day | Most go home the same day | Hospital stay required | No recovery period |
| Adjustable later | Possible in many cases | Can be removed | Harder to revise | Dose can be stopped or adjusted |
| Usually considered for | BMI 30+, or 27+ with a weight-related condition, not wanting surgery | Wanting to start with something reversible | Very high BMI, or a clear medical indication | Before considering a procedure, or alongside one |
No single option is right for everyone. The choice depends on BMI, other conditions, weight-loss history, readiness for long-term follow-up, and your own goals. Our medical team assesses this with you before any decision.
Endoscopic (Non-surgical) Pathway
Minimally invasive, incision-free procedures performed through the mouth.
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) — Stomach Tightening
For patients who have not previously undergone stomach surgery
What is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) Stomach Tightening?
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a non-surgical weight loss treatment performed using a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope. The endoscope is gently passed through the mouth, allowing the doctor to see and treat the digestive system without making any cuts on the skin.
Because there are no surgical incisions, these procedures are minimally invasive and typically have a shorter recovery time compared to traditional surgery.
Safety & Potential Complications
ESG is minimally invasive. The rate of serious complications reported in the literature is approximately 1.5–2.3% (ASGE–ESGE Joint Guideline, Gastrointest Endosc 2024;99:867-85; SOFFCOMM Position Statement, J Visc Surg 2025;162:71-78).
For patients assessed as suitable, ESG is a minimally invasive procedure with a low reported rate of serious complications. Any comparison with surgery must be considered individually with our medical team.
- Nausea (common, temporary)
- Abdominal discomfort (common, temporary)
- Fatigue (common, temporary)
- Bleeding (rare)
- Infection (rare)
- Injury to the stomach (rare)
How Does ESG Work?
ESG works through:
1. Restriction – Internal sutures reduce stomach size by about 60–75%, helping you feel full sooner.
2. Hormonal & Metabolic Effects – Slows gastric emptying and supports improved appetite control.
Because the stomach is not removed, normal digestion is preserved.
Are You a Candidate?
A comprehensive medical evaluation is required.
- Have a BMI ≥30
- Have a BMI ≥27 with obesity-related conditions
- Have not achieved success with diet and exercise alone
- Prefer a non-surgical option
- Wish to avoid or delay bariatric surgery
Recovery & Hospital Stay
Structured nutritional guidance and follow-up are essential for long-term success.
- Performed endoscopically (no incisions)
- Same-day discharge in most cases
- Mild nausea or discomfort for several days
- Most patients return to light activities within a few days
Care Pathway
01
Health, weight, and metabolic assessment
02
Choose ESG, medication, or surgery when appropriate
03
Procedure plus post-ESG diet planning
04
Ongoing weight, nutrition, and behavior follow-up
Who It May Suit
- Patients wanting a non-surgical weight-loss option
- Weight regain or difficulty sustaining weight loss
- Readiness for long-term nutrition and behavior care
Price list
What this starting price covers
- General anaesthesia with an anaesthesiologist
- Three-day, two-night admission at a five-star medical facility
- Preoperative blood tests, chest X-ray and ECG
- Preoperative medical and cardiology assessment
- Meals during your admission, planned with nutritional guidance
- Medication and post-gastroplasty care during your stay
- Postoperative care and scheduled follow-up consultations
- Home medication and nutritional support after the procedure
Final pricing depends on an individual assessment. Results vary between individuals. Please consult a doctor before undergoing any procedure.
ProcedureStarting Thailand price (฿)Starting Thailand price (AUD)Standard Australia price (AUD)
Endoscopic weight-loss procedures
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) — scarless490,000A$21,304A$26,000
Intragastric Balloon159,000A$6,913A$12,000
* Indicative prices for reference only. Final pricing depends on an individual assessment. Overseas prices are indicative market estimates for comparison only — contact our team for a personalized quote.
FAQ
What is ESG (endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty)?
ESG reshapes the stomach from the inside using an endoscope passed through the mouth, making it smaller with internal sutures. There is no abdominal surgery, no external incision, and no part of the stomach is removed.
How is ESG different from sleeve gastrectomy?
ESG sutures the stomach from within and removes no tissue. Sleeve gastrectomy surgically removes part of the stomach permanently. The two have different indications and different things to weigh up.
How much weight can you lose with ESG?
Typically around 15–18% of total body weight within one year. Results vary between individuals and depend on changes to eating habits and on continued follow-up.
Does ESG hurt? Is general anaesthesia needed?
The procedure is done under sedation managed by the medical team, so you feel nothing during it. Mild nausea or abdominal discomfort in the first few days afterwards is common.
Is a hospital stay required, and how long is recovery?
Most patients go home the same day and return to light routine within a few days. This is assessed individually — some are advised to stay overnight for observation.
How much does ESG cost?
At YOUNIFY Clinic it starts at ฿490,000. The exact figure depends on individual medical assessment. You can request a detailed quote on LINE @younifyclinic.
Who is ESG suitable for?
It is usually considered for people with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27–29.9 with a weight-related condition such as raised blood sugar, high blood pressure or sleep apnoea, who have not achieved enough with behaviour change alone. The final assessment is made by the medical team.
Who is ESG not suitable for?
People with an untreated stomach ulcer, a bleeding disorder, or previous stomach surgery may need special assessment or a different approach. The medical team always assesses this first.
Is ESG dangerous? What are the side effects?
The common effects, which usually settle on their own, are nausea, abdominal discomfort and tiredness in the first days. Serious complications are uncommon, with a rate reported in the literature of approximately 1.5–2.3% (ASGE–ESGE Joint Guideline, Gastrointest Endosc 2024;99:867-85; SOFFCOMM Position Statement, J Visc Surg 2025;162:71-78).
Will the weight come back after ESG?
Weight control is a long-term matter. The sutures help with fullness, but lasting results depend on behaviour change and continued follow-up. If weight does return, there are further options, assessed case by case.
Will I still need weight-loss medication after ESG?
It depends on the individual. For some, ESG is an alternative to staying on medication; for others the doctor may consider using both for a period. The plan is decided together after assessment.
How long do overseas patients need to stay in Bangkok?
The medical team advises the appropriate length of stay based on your individual plan. Please ask before booking travel, so that both the pre-procedure assessment and the follow-up are covered.
Related Services
Reviewed by The YOUNIFY Clinic medical team · Last reviewed
Individual results may vary. Please consult a doctor before treatment.