Dr Murat Ustun
Pioneer of ESG in Turkey with thousands of successful bariatric procedures. Internationally recognised for endoscopic innovation.
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.

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 £5,700 | From £3,400 | From £1,900 |
All procedures performed at JCI-accredited Liv Hospital, Istanbul, by Dr Murat Ustun and his specialist team.
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:
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.
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.
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.
No food allowed after the procedure
Only liquids allowed
Semi-liquid foods for four 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.
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.
Istanbul Bariatric Center combines world-class surgical expertise, JCI-accredited facilities, and transparent all-inclusive pricing.
Pioneer of ESG in Turkey with thousands of successful bariatric procedures. Internationally recognised for endoscopic innovation.
All procedures are performed at Liv Hospital, Istanbul — holding the gold standard Joint Commission International accreditation.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Packages include hospital stay, transfers, hotel, dietitian support, and 12-month aftercare.
Patients achieve 15–20% total body weight loss within 12–18 months, supported by a dedicated nutrition and wellness programme.
Everything you need to know about Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty
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Contact Dr Murat Ustun today for a free consultation to learn if Apollo Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty is right for you.