What to Expect During and After an Accordion Procedure

The accordion procedure, also known as endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, is a minimally-invasive, weight loss procedure that involves the use of an endoscopic suturing device to reduce the stomach size. The process typically recreates what would occur during a sleeve gastrectomy, without the surgery element. The accordion procedure is ideal for people with a body mass index of 30 or more and for those who have tried all diet and exercise plans but have not seen any significant results. The procedure demands patients’ commitment to a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise to help ensure permanent weight-loss and get rid of serious weight-related problems. Continuing further, let’s look at what to expect during and after the procedure. Read on!

During the Procedure

During the accordion procedure, weight loss specialists insert a long tube along with a camera and endoscopic suturing device down the patient’s esophagus to the stomach. Later, the doctors sew pleats into the stomach in the shape of an accordion to reduce its volume so that patients feel full faster and therefore eat smaller quantities. The camera allows weight loss specialists to see and operate inside a patient’s stomach without making incisions in the abdomen. With the help of an endoscope, they can place approximately 12 sutures in the stomach to change its structure.

The procedure does not involve any major incisions and allows patients to recover faster and get back to their normal life within a couple of days. The procedure is reliable, safe, and a cost-effective option for patients.

After the Procedure

People who have undergone endoscopic sleeve gastronomy are not allowed to eat for at least eight hours after completion of the procedure. Later, doctors will recommend starting on sugar-free clear liquids such as ice chips and water. After some time, patients can have diet iced tea, broth, propel water, sugar-free Popsicles, and Jell-O and continue for one-two weeks, after which they can start on semi-solid food such as eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt, soft fish, and canned fruits. The food should be low in fat and sugar. After four weeks from ESG, patients can start a solid low-fat and sugar diet that includes meat, potatoes, beans, fruits, and vegetables. If the patient has no complications and risks, the doctors may release them from the hospital on the same or next day. Sometimes patients may be required to stay for a few days in the hospital for observation.

Wrap Up

People looking to undergo the accordion procedure must understand that their stomach will be reduced to the shape of a narrow tube and its reservoir function significantly diminished. The procedure produces results because of the reduced food intake capacity of the stomach. It is, therefore, important to eat less calories and stick to a proper exercise plan to ensure quick and long-term results. Besides, the outcome of the procedure may vary from person to person and how they comply with the aftercare program. If you are looking to go for accordion procedure, look no further than DFW Bariatrics and General Surgery. We have a team of professionals who help people to shed excess weight and lead a healthy life. Call us today at 469-620-0222 or reach us at [email protected].