A different route to the stomach
Weight-loss surgery, such as a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass, is done through several small keyhole incisions, and recovery takes several weeks. Endoscopic procedures take a different route. A small camera-equipped tube, called an endoscope, passes through the mouth into the stomach, so nothing is cut on the outside.
Three of the six procedures we offer work this way: endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), transoral outlet reduction (TORe), and the intragastric balloon.
How the endoscopic approach compares with surgery
- No incisions, rather than several keyhole incisions of 0.5 to 1.5 cm
- Most people go home the same day
- Recovery usually measured in days rather than weeks
- Sutures or a balloon work from the inside, and no part of the stomach is removed
- Generally less weight loss than surgery
Every procedure has risks, and your surgeon will go through them with you.
The three endoscopic options
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG)
Sutures fold the stomach from the inside and reduce its volume by roughly 70%. ESG often suits people with a BMI of 27* to 50 (*27 to 30 with related health conditions) who would prefer to avoid surgery. It's long-term, and it can be revised or converted to surgery later. Most people are back to desk work within 1 to 3 days. Typical total body weight loss is 15 to 20%.* The price is $16,000 to $17,000. About ESG
Transoral outlet reduction (TORe)
TORe is for people whose weight has returned after a gastric bypass or mini bypass. Sutures tighten the stretched connection between the stomach pouch and the small intestine, restoring some of the bypass's original restriction. Recovery is about 1 to 2 days. Typical total body weight loss is 7 to 10%.* The price is $12,000 to $13,000. About TORe
Intragastric balloon
A soft balloon is placed in the stomach through the mouth and filled with saline, so you feel full sooner. It's temporary by design: it comes out after about six months, and the habits you build while it's in place carry on. It often suits people with a BMI of 27 to 35 who want a temporary first step. Typical total body weight loss is 5 to 7%.* The price is $8,000 to $9,000. About the balloon
*Published literature, not SmartSleeveMD outcomes data. Individual results vary.
Each price includes two years of follow-up and aftercare, plus 3+ more years of support. Pricing and financing
When surgery may suit you better
An endoscopic procedure isn't the right answer for everyone. Surgical sleeve gastrectomy generally produces more weight loss, and from a BMI of 30, especially with conditions like type 2 diabetes, a surgical option may be appropriate. Your surgeon confirms which fits after reviewing your full health history. Our team includes a consultant surgical endoscopist. Meet the team or compare all six procedures.
Your next step
A free consultation, by video or in person, tells you whether an endoscopic option fits. Check your BMI below to see which options you may be able to discuss.