Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) — A Minimally Invasive Alternative to Traditional Bariatric Surgery
For Americans struggling with sustainable weight loss, ESG offers an evidence-based, minimally invasive solution — without major surgery, long recovery, or ongoing medication costs. All-inclusive from $8,500 USD at a JCI-accredited hospital.
ESG Packages for US Patients
Procedure Only
- Complete ESG procedure
- General anesthesia
- JCI-accredited hospital stay
- Pre-operative lab work & imaging
- Post-operative medications
All-Inclusive Package
- Everything in Procedure Only
- VIP airport transfers
- 4-star hotel accommodation
- 12-month dietitian support (telemedicine)
- Ongoing follow-up consultations
US private clinics: $15,000-$25,000+ | Most insurance plans do not cover ESG
HSA/FSA funds may be used toward your ESG procedure
How ESG Works — The Science
ESG is an innovative endoscopic procedure that reduces stomach volume by 70-80% without surgical incisions. A flexible endoscope is inserted through the mouth, and internal sutures are placed using FDA-cleared Apollo OverStitch technology. Unlike traditional sleeve gastrectomy, no tissue is removed, and the procedure is potentially reversible.
Published clinical data demonstrates 15-20% total body weight loss at 12-18 months, with durable results at 2-5 year follow-up. The procedure takes approximately 60-90 minutes under general anesthesia with same-day or overnight discharge.
minutes
incisions
serious complications
🇺🇸 Why American Patients Choose ESG in Turkey
A growing number of Americans are choosing internationally accredited facilities abroad for bariatric procedures — here's why.
Limited US Access & High Costs
ESG is not widely available in US clinics. Where offered, prices range from $15,000-$25,000+ out-of-pocket, as most insurers consider ESG investigational. Wait times for bariatric programs can exceed 6-12 months.
65-70% Cost Savings
Our all-inclusive package is $8,500 USD — a fraction of US pricing. This includes the procedure at a JCI-accredited hospital, hotel, VIP transfers, and 12-month dietitian support via telemedicine. HSA/FSA-eligible.
Fast Scheduling, No Waitlists
Skip months-long waiting lists. From consultation to procedure in as little as 2 weeks. Direct flights from major US hubs (NYC, Chicago, LA, Houston, Miami). Complete treatment in 3-4 days.
ESG vs Weight Loss Medications
Many US patients start with GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or Wegovy. Here's how ESG compares as a long-term solution.
| Factor | Ozempic / Wegovy | ESG |
|---|---|---|
| Long-term effectiveness | Limited — studies show 2/3 of weight returns within 1 year of stopping | Durable — permanent physical stomach reduction with lasting results at 2-5 year follow-up |
| Side effects | Common (nausea, diarrhea, pancreatitis risk, thyroid concerns) | Minimal (mild discomfort for 1-3 days) |
| Annual cost | $12,000-$18,000/year without insurance ($1,000-$1,500/month) | One-time: $8,500 USD all-inclusive |
| Weight regain | Significant after discontinuation | Limited with healthy lifestyle adherence |
| Treatment type | Weekly injections indefinitely | Single endoscopic procedure (60-90 min) |
| FDA status | FDA-approved | FDA-cleared device (Apollo OverStitch) |
ESG vs Gastric Sleeve Surgery
A detailed comparison of ESG with surgical sleeve gastrectomy.
| Feature | ESG | Gastric Sleeve |
|---|---|---|
| Procedure type | Endoscopic (through the mouth) | Laparoscopic surgery (4-5 incisions) |
| Anesthesia | General | General |
| Duration | 60-90 minutes | ~60 minutes |
| Hospital stay | Same day or 1 night | 2-3 nights |
| Recovery time | 1-3 days | 2-4 weeks |
| Scarring | None | 4-5 small scars |
| Weight loss | 15-20% of total body weight | 60-70% of excess weight |
| Reversibility | Potentially reversible | Permanent (stomach tissue removed) |
| Risk profile | Very low (<1% serious complications) | Low (1-3% serious complications) |
| US cost range | $15,000-$25,000 (US) / $8,500 (Istanbul) | $15,000-$35,000 (US) |
Why Choose Istanbul Bariatric Center?
World-class medical expertise with a patient experience designed for American patients who expect the highest standards of care.
Dr. Murat Üstün
Pioneer of ESG in Turkey. Thousands of successful bariatric procedures with complication rates comparable to leading US centers.
JCI-Accredited Hospital
All procedures at Liv Hospital — JCI-accredited, the same standard as Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, and Johns Hopkins.
US Patient Support
Dedicated English-speaking coordinators. Telemedicine follow-up compatible with US time zones. 12-month aftercare program.
From $7,500 USD
No surprise bills. Procedure, hospital, hotel, transfers, tests, dietitian support — all included in our $8,500 all-inclusive package.
Your Treatment Timeline — Step by Step
From your first inquiry to telemedicine follow-up back home — we handle every detail.
Free online consultation
Contact us via WhatsApp or our website. Our medical team reviews your BMI, health history, labs, and goals to determine ESG eligibility — typically within 24-48 hours.
Travel to Istanbul
Choose your dates — we coordinate everything. Direct flights from NYC (~10h), Chicago (~11h), LA (~13h), Houston (~12h), Miami (~11h). Turkish Airlines offers daily nonstop service from multiple US cities.
VIP transfer & hotel
A personal driver meets you at Istanbul Airport (IST) and takes you to your 4-star hotel. Comfortable accommodation with international amenities throughout your stay.
Pre-operative assessments
Comprehensive blood panel, ECG, abdominal ultrasound, and health screening at the hospital. In-person consultation with Dr. Murat Üstün to finalize your treatment plan.
ESG procedure
ESG is performed under general anesthesia at Liv Hospital (JCI-accredited). Duration: 60-90 minutes. No incisions, no scars, no tissue removal.
Recovery & travel home
Rest at your hotel with continuous medical support. Most patients fly home 2-3 days after the procedure. Telemedicine follow-up begins within one week of returning home.
Comfort & First-Class Service
Your wellbeing is our highest priority — from the moment you land in Istanbul. VIP transfers, comfortable 4-star hotel accommodation, and Liv Hospital with state-of-the-art medical facilities that rival the best US medical centers.
Expected Results with ESG
Based on published clinical data and our patient outcomes.
Total Body Weight Loss
Over 12-18 months
Average (BMI 38+)
First 6 months
Health Improvement
A1C, blood pressure, sleep apnea
🇺🇸 What American Patients Say
“After spending over $15,000 on Ozempic in two years with limited lasting results, ESG was the breakthrough I needed. The quality at Liv Hospital was on par with the best NYC hospitals — but at a fraction of the cost. I've lost 42 lbs in 6 months and kept it off.”
Jennifer R.
New York, NY
−42 lbs
6 months
“As a physician, I did extensive research before choosing Istanbul Bariatric Center. The JCI accreditation, Dr. Murat's credentials, and published outcomes convinced me. The entire experience — from the VIP transfer to the follow-up care — was first-class. I lost 48 lbs.”
Michael C.
Houston, TX
−48 lbs
7 months
“I was quoted $22,000 for ESG in Chicago with a 6-month wait. In Istanbul, I paid $8,500 all-inclusive and was treated within two weeks of my consultation. The dietitian support has been incredible — regular check-ins via video call for the full year.”
Amanda K.
Chicago, IL
−35 lbs
5 months
Who is a Candidate for ESG?
ESG is designed for individuals struggling with excess weight who are looking for an evidence-based solution between lifestyle interventions and major surgery.
BMI between 30 and 40
Diet, exercise, and medications haven't delivered lasting results
Prefer to avoid invasive surgery and its associated risks
Want a minimally invasive approach with rapid recovery (1-3 days)
Weight-related comorbidities (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, NAFLD)
Willing to commit to dietary and lifestyle changes post-procedure
Am I a Candidate for ESG?
Calculate your BMI and check your eligibility
Safety & Quality Standards
ESG is recognized as one of the safest weight loss procedures available. Dr. Murat Üstün has performed thousands of ESG procedures at JCI-accredited Liv Hospital — the same international accreditation held by Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, and Johns Hopkins.
JCI-accredited hospital (same standard as top US hospitals)
Board-certified surgeon with thousands of ESG procedures
FDA-cleared Apollo OverStitch suturing technology
Comprehensive pre-operative health screening (labs, ECG, ultrasound)
24/7 medical support post-procedure
Complication rates comparable to or better than published US data
Life After ESG
The procedure is just the beginning. Here's your post-procedure recovery roadmap.
First 8 hours
Clear liquids only. Rest and recovery under medical supervision at Liv Hospital.
Weeks 1-2
Full liquid diet — protein shakes, broth, water. Begin reintroducing nutrients gradually.
Weeks 3-6
Gradual transition to soft foods. Puréed proteins and well-cooked vegetables.
Week 7+
Transition to healthy solid foods. Focus on lean proteins, vegetables, and balanced macronutrients.
Months 3-12
Continued dietitian support via telemedicine. Regular progress check-ins and plan adjustments.
12-Month Dietitian Support via Telemedicine
Every ESG package includes access to a qualified nutritionist who creates personalized dietary plans and guides you through the entire first year — via video consultations compatible with US time zones.
Frequently Asked Questions — ESG for US Patients
Everything you need to know before traveling to Istanbul.
Take the First Step Today
If you're looking for a safe, evidence-based alternative to traditional bariatric surgery, Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty could be the right solution for you.
Schedule your free online consultation today. Our medical team will assess your eligibility, answer all your questions, and create a personalized treatment plan — no obligation.
Email: [email protected]