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Pros and cons · Renew Bariatrics

Gastric Sleeve vs Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG)

The gastric sleeve (VSG) and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) both make the stomach smaller. The sleeve is surgery that removes most of the stomach. ESG is done through the mouth with sutures, with no incisions. Here’s how they compare on weight loss, risks, recovery and cost.

  • $4,899Gastric sleeve
  • CustomESG quote
  • 9,000+Surgeries performed
  • 4.9From 850+ reviews

Renew offers both. ESG is performed by Dr. Héctor Pérez.

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Quick pros and cons

Which procedure is best?

The best choice depends on your BMI, how much weight you want to lose and whether you want to avoid surgery.

More weight loss: gastric sleeve

About 9.6 percentage points more body weight lost than ESG across 13 studies (meta-analysis).

Less invasive: ESG

Done through the mouth, with no incisions and nothing removed.

Fewer readmissions: gastric sleeve

1.6% were readmitted after the sleeve vs 3.8% after ESG in matched US patients (ACS).

Less new reflux: ESG

New reflux in 1.9% after ESG vs 14.5% after the sleeve in a matched study (Fayad et al.).

Lower BMI range: ESG

At Renew, ESG is for a BMI of 29.5 to 40. The sleeve goes up to 65.

Fixed price: gastric sleeve

$4,899 at Renew. ESG is a custom quote.

How they work

How each procedure causes weight loss

Both are restrictive: a smaller stomach holds less food, so you feel full sooner. The sleeve removes about 80% of the stomach. ESG uses an endoscope passed through the mouth to stitch the stomach into a narrower tube, so nothing is removed.

Illustration of a gastric sleeve, with about 80% of the stomach removed
Gastric sleeveAbout 80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow, banana-shaped sleeve. The intestine isn’t changed.
Illustration of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, with sutures folding the stomach into a narrower tube
Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG)Sutures placed through the mouth fold the stomach into a narrower tube. No incisions, and nothing is removed.

Side by side

Gastric sleeve vs ESG

Gastric sleeveSurgeryESGEndoscopic, no incisions
How it’s doneLaparoscopic surgery through small incisionsThrough the mouth with an endoscope, under general anesthesia
Stomach removedAbout 80%None
Surgeon at RenewOur bariatric surgeonsDr. Héctor Pérez
Your stay at Renew2 hospital nights, 1 hotel night2 hospital nights, 1 hotel night
BMI range at Renew29.5 to 6529.5 to 40
Body weight lost at 6 months23.6%17.1%
Body weight lost at 5 years18.8%15.9%
Readmitted within 30 days1.6%3.8%
New reflux14.5%1.9%
Cost with Renew Bariatrics$4,899, all-inclusiveCustom quote

6-month weight loss and new reflux from Fayad et al., Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 2019, which matched 54 ESG and 83 sleeve patients. 5-year results come from two different sources: the PCORnet Bariatric Study, Annals of Internal Medicine, 2018 for the sleeve and Sharaiha et al., 5-year ESG outcomes, 2021 for ESG, so compare them with care. Readmissions from the American College of Surgeons, 2026. These are averages from studies. Your results will be different.

Results

Expected weight loss

The gastric sleeve led to more weight loss than ESG in the studies that compared them. ESG still leads to meaningful weight loss that can last for years.

9.6 pointsMore body weight lost after the sleeve than ESG, as a percentage, across 13 studies.meta-analysis of 13 studies, Obesity Surgery, 2026
18.5% vs 12.3%Weight lost 6 months after the sleeve vs ESG, in 3,753 matched US patients.American College of Surgeons, 2026
49.2%Average excess weight lost 1 year after ESG in the MERIT randomized trial, vs 3.2% with lifestyle changes alone.MERIT randomized trial, Lancet, 2022
15.9%Average body weight lost 5 years after ESG, in a 216-patient study.Sharaiha et al., 5-year ESG outcomes, 2021

Health conditions

Effect on diabetes and other conditions

Both can improve type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and sleep apnea. In the MERIT trial, 80% of ESG patients had improvement in at least one of these conditions at 1 year (MERIT randomized trial, Lancet, 2022). In the 2026 review, diabetes remission was more likely after the sleeve (meta-analysis of 13 studies, Obesity Surgery, 2026).

Complications

Risks and side effects

Both procedures are low risk. After the sleeve, the main risks are leaks, bleeding and reflux. After ESG, nausea and stomach pain are common for the first few days, and serious problems such as bleeding or a leak are rare. In matched US patients, ESG had more readmissions and reoperations within 30 days, while a smaller study found fewer adverse events after ESG.

3.8% vs 1.6%Were readmitted within 30 days after ESG vs the sleeve, in matched US patients.American College of Surgeons, 2026
1.0% vs 0.3%Needed another operation within 30 days after ESG vs the sleeve.American College of Surgeons, 2026
5.2% vs 16.9%Had an adverse event after ESG vs the sleeve, in a smaller matched study.Fayad et al., Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 2019
1.9% vs 14.5%Developed new reflux after ESG vs the sleeve, in the same study.Fayad et al., Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 2019

Which is right for you?

Choosing between a sleeve and ESG

A sleeve may fit if

You have a BMI of 29.5 to 65.

A sleeve may fit if

You want the most weight loss from a restrictive procedure.

A sleeve may fit if

You’re comfortable with surgery and lifelong vitamins.

ESG may fit if

You have a BMI of 29.5 to 40.

ESG may fit if

You want to avoid incisions and keep your whole stomach.

ESG may fit if

You have reflux, or a sleeve isn’t a good fit for you.

Another non-surgical option is the gastric balloon, which is temporary. You can also compare all 11 procedures we offer.

Cost

Gastric sleeve vs ESG cost

At Renew, the gastric sleeve is $4,899, all-inclusive except airfare. ESG is a custom quote after Dr. Pérez reviews your health history. HSA and FSA are accepted, with financing available.

Gastric sleeve

$4,899, all-inclusive, vs about $18,000 in the US.

Gastric sleeve cost →

ESG

Custom quote, with Dr. Pérez.

ESG cost →

Gastric balloon

From $3,999 placement, plus $2,599 removal.

Gastric balloon cost →

Single-incision sleeve

Custom quote, for a BMI of 29.5 to 35.

Single-incision sleeve →

Not sure which is right for you?

Send your health history and our team will review your options. Virtual consultations are available.

Reviews from Renew sleeve patients and Dr. Pérez’s patients

Read all patient reviews →

5-star Google reviews. Want to talk with a past patient? Ask your coordinator.

★★★★★
“Loved the doctors and staff, would recommend this surgery center in TJ. My gastric sleeve procedure was so seamless. Thank you guys so much for such a great experience.”
Brenda T. · Gastric sleeve · Google review
★★★★★
“Had a Gastric Sleeve on 4/18/24 in Tijuana Mexico. The hospital was very clean all of the staff were very polite and professional. I would 100% recommend.”
maskedgamer 9. · Gastric sleeve · Google review
★★★★★
“Absolutely wonderful from the coordinators being on top of everything and efficiently to the transportation. I had Dr. Perez and he was phenomenal. The nurses are so adorably sweet and attentive to their patients. I 10/10 recommend Renew Bariatrics to anyone!”
Kelsee A. · Renew patient · Google review
★★★★★
“Dr. Hector Perez and his team were absolutely amazing! I highly recommend using Renew Bariatrics. You can tell they honestly love what they do and make you feel at home.”
Jon W. · Renew patient · Google review
Read all patient reviews →
4.9

from 850+ reviews across 4 platforms

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Frequently asked questions

Which is better, the gastric sleeve or ESG?

Neither is better for everyone. The sleeve leads to more weight loss and works for a wider BMI range. ESG avoids incisions, keeps your whole stomach and causes less new reflux. Our team will recommend one after reviewing your health history.

How much weight do you lose with ESG vs the sleeve?

In a matched study, patients lost 17.1% of their body weight 6 months after ESG vs 23.6% after the sleeve. A 2026 review of 13 studies found about 9.6 percentage points more weight loss after the sleeve.

Is ESG safer than the sleeve?

Both are low risk. In matched US patients, ESG had more readmissions within 30 days (3.8% vs 1.6%). A smaller study found fewer adverse events and less new reflux after ESG.

Who is ESG for at Renew?

ESG at Renew is for a BMI of 29.5 to 40. It’s performed by Dr. Héctor Pérez.

Can I have a gastric sleeve after ESG?

Yes. Because ESG doesn’t remove any of the stomach, a sleeve or another surgery is still possible later. Ask our team about timing.

How much do the sleeve and ESG cost at Renew?

The gastric sleeve is $4,899, all-inclusive except airfare. ESG is a custom quote after Dr. Pérez reviews your health history. HSA and FSA are accepted.

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