Apollo Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a promising advancement in the treatment of obesity that offers an obese person a great chance of having a significant weight reduction in a short period.
Apollo Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is considered as a promising form of weight reduction treatment. Its biggest appeal is that patients benefit from a reduced risk level and quicker recovery period since it is a non-surgical and incisionless procedure of weight-loss.
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, utilizing an endoscopic suture system (Apollo), decreases the size of the stomach without the need for surgery. If the person is severely overweight (Over 30 on BMI) and can't drop weight with a proper diet and exercise program, this treatment may be a good choice.
Apollo Endosleeve (ESG) Animation
ESG vs Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Balloon
Compare key factors to find the procedure that best matches your goals, BMI, and lifestyle.
| Criteria | ESG | Gastric Sleeve | Gastric Balloon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Procedure Type | Endoscopic (through mouth) | Laparoscopic surgery (4–5 incisions) | Endoscopic (through mouth) |
| BMI Range | 30–40 | 35+ | 30–40 |
| Expected Weight Loss | 15–20% of total body weight | 60–70% of excess weight | 10–15% of total body weight |
| Procedure Duration | ~90 minutes | ~60 minutes | ~20 minutes |
| Hospital Stay | Same day / 1 night | 2–3 nights | Same day |
| Recovery Time | 1–3 days | 2–3 weeks | 1–3 days |
| Risk Profile | Very low — no incisions | Low — minimally invasive surgery | Very low — temporary device |
| Reversibility | Potentially reversible | Permanent (stomach removed) | Fully reversible (removed at 6–12 months) |
| Starting Price (Istanbul) | From £4,950 | From £2,950 | From £1,650 |
All procedures performed at JCI-accredited Liv Hospital, Istanbul, by Dr Murat Ustun and his specialist team.
How Does Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Help?
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is done to help reduce overweight and prevent the chance of having health issues related to extra weight and obesity, such as:
Diabetes (Type 2)
Cardiac diseases and strokes
High blood pressure (Hypertension)
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder
Sleeping Apnea disorder
Who Is Eligible For Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty?
Generally, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is an alternative form of treatment for some of the bariatric procedures and for individuals who are not candidates for other bariatric surgery types. This procedure is applicable and suitable to those whose BMI is 30 or higher, or others who have not been responsive with just diet and exercises.
It should be known that Apollo Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty isn't necessary right for all people that are morbidly obese. Before anyone tries to undergo such a surgery, a full health checkup and test must be done by a specialized bariatric doctor in order to make sure that person is the right candidate for the surgery.
Important: Surgery itself won't help to reduce weight as expected without applying a healthy supervised nutrition plan, performing daily exercises, and engaging in continuing counselling.
What Is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty And How Does It Work?
The ESG surgery is conducted by a system called "Apollo Overstitch". This is a device that is inserted in the stomach from the mouth that helps one to insert a variety of sutures (stitches) within the stomach to greatly decrease its size by up to 70-80%.
The sutures modify the stomach's form, making it shaped like a tube, which mimics the sleeve gastrectomy. The surgery is conducted under general anesthesia in order to remove any discomfort that might happen.
Minutes Procedure
Go Home
Incisions Required
The surgery requires approximately 90 minutes and patients in general can go home at the same day of surgery. In some cases they might stay for one or two days under supervision of the medical staff.
Unlike other bariatric surgeries, in order to reach the abdominal cavity, there is no need to make any incisions, thereby reducing the harm and ensuring a quick recovery period.
Are There Any Risks Or Side Effects?
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty procedure demonstrated a highly strong safety record in all cases. After the treatment, pain and nausea can persist for many days. Typically, these conditions can be treated with pain and nausea medication.
In general, most patients felt better after two days of surgery.
Nutrition Advice After Apollo ESG
First 8 Hours
No food allowed after the procedure
First 2 Weeks
Only liquids allowed
Weeks 3-6
Semi-liquid foods for four weeks
After 6 Weeks
Transition to healthy diet with regular checkups
There will be a medical and nutrition checkup on a weekly or monthly basis and all dietary instructions will be provided and privately tailored.
How Much Weight Loss Can Be Achieved?
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty led to a significant weight reduction in many cases. But the surgery itself won't be enough if patients would not obey to a healthy diet and lifestyle and follow nutritionists' instructions.
~20 kg in 6 months, ~25 kg in 12 months
~33 kg in first 6 months
15-20% weight loss over 12-18 months
Studies also showed an improvement on many health conditions related to obesity such as heart disease or stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes (Type 2). In summary, Apollo Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty leads to a significant weight loss of about 15-20% over a 12-18 month period and it helps to prevent the development of many health problems related to obesity.
Why Choose IBC for ESG?
Istanbul Bariatric Center combines world-class surgical expertise, JCI-accredited facilities, and transparent all-inclusive pricing.
Dr Murat Ustun
Pioneer of ESG in Turkey with thousands of successful bariatric procedures. Internationally recognised for endoscopic innovation.
JCI-Accredited Hospital
All procedures are performed at Liv Hospital, Istanbul — holding the gold standard Joint Commission International accreditation.
All-Inclusive from £4,950
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Packages include hospital stay, transfers, hotel, dietitian support, and 12-month aftercare.
Proven Results
Patients achieve 15–20% total body weight loss within 12–18 months, supported by a dedicated nutrition and wellness programme.
Frequently Asked Questions About ESG in Turkey
Everything you need to know about Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
What is Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)?
Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical weight loss procedure that reduces the size of your stomach by up to 70-80% using an endoscopic suturing device inserted through the mouth. No incisions are required.
How much does ESG cost in Turkey?
ESG in Istanbul starts from £4,950 for the Relaxation package and £5,950 for the Luxury package. Both include JCI-accredited hospital stay, procedure with Dr Murat Ustun, preoperative tests, airport transfers, hotel accommodation, and dietitian support — approximately 50–70% less than UK or US prices.
What is the recovery time after ESG?
Most patients can go home the same day or within 24 hours. Recovery is quick with most people returning to normal activities within 3-5 days. Full dietary progression takes about 6 weeks.
How much weight can I lose with ESG?
Patients typically lose 15-20% of their total body weight over 12-18 months. Those with BMI 38+ can expect to lose around 20kg in 6 months and 25kg in 12 months.
Who is a good candidate for ESG in Turkey?
ESG is ideal for patients with BMI 30-40 who haven't succeeded with diet and exercise alone, those who want to avoid surgery, or those who don't qualify for traditional bariatric surgery.
Is ESG safer than gastric sleeve surgery?
Yes, ESG has a lower risk profile than surgical procedures as it requires no incisions, has shorter procedure time (~90 minutes), and is reversible. It has shown a highly strong safety record in clinical studies.
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Get Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty in Turkey
Contact Dr Murat Ustun today for a free consultation to learn if Apollo Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty is right for you.