Apollo OverStitch: The innovative non-surgical endoscopic weight-loss procedure

Being overweight or obese is a disease that affects a large part of society and it impacts different parts of an individual’s life. Besides the lack of quality of life, there are a series of concomitant diseases related to obesity that pose a serious health risk: these include hypertension, higher risk of heart attack and stroke, joint diseases, sleep apnoea or respiratory distress syndrome.

Thanks to the latest medical advancements, there are surgical and non-surgical options that can help individuals live a healthier life. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is becoming more and more popular among patients because it’s performed endoscopically and doesn’t require any incisions. This means that recovery is quicker than other bariatric procedures, including the gastric sleeve.

What makes endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty so advanced is the use of an innovative suturing technology called OverStitch™ Endoscopic Suturing System by producer Apollo Endosurgery. For this reason, the procedure is also known as the Apollo OverStitch. This is the technology used by our bariatric surgeons at KCM Clinic.

In this article, we are going to explain what endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is and how the Apollo OverStitch system works.

What is endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) or Apollo OverStitch?

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, also known with the acronym ESG and also as Apollo OverStitch, is a weight-loss procedure that involves reducing the size of your stomach to limit food intake.

Unlike other bariatric procedures, the Apollo OverStitch requires no incisions as it is performed using an endoscope that is inserted through your mouth.

This procedure is recommended to patients with a BMI of 27 (you can calculate your BMI here). Bariatric procedures are typically recommended to individuals whose BMI is 32-35. This makes ESG a suitable treatment for individuals who are at obesity stage I.

Individuals who have already undergone a different weight-loss procedure and need a revision may also be ideal candidates. A revision is necessary when the stomach has stretched out and needs to be reduced once again. Thanks to its low invasiveness and risks, the Apollo OverStitch may be a viable option in these cases.

How is the Apollo OverStitch performed to reduce the stomach endoscopically?

The OverStitch™ Endoscopic Suturing System by Apollo Endosurgery is a cutting-edge suturing system used for endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. The system comprises a long flexible tube with a HD camera and a suturing device at the end. During an Apollo OverStitch procedure, the doctor inserts this device through your mouth. The camera helps the surgeon navigate the device into your stomach. Here, the surgeon will stitch parts of the stomach together from the inside. The stomach is now reduced by two thirds of its original size. Then, the endoscope is removed.

The procedure lasts 1-2 hours and the patient can go home the next day. Patients can expect to lose approximately 20% of their body weight over the next 1.5-2 years.

What are the benefits of the Apollo OverStitch?

The OverStitch™ Endoscopic Suturing System has paved the way for advanced endoscopic surgery, optimum results and less invasiveness. This technology ensures secure approximation of the tissue endoscopically, making endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty a low risk procedure.

The sutures are non-absorbable, so they stay in place and are meant to remain there permanently. With time, the stomach will heal and the stitches will hold the newly-formed sleeve tight and become part of it.

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty or Apollo OverStitch allow for a minimally-invasive procedure with no incisions or scars. Moreover, the procedure is fully reversible: before the stomach has completely healed and absorbed the sutures, stitches can be removed, allowing the stomach to go back to its original size.

Recovery is also shorter: patients can leave the clinic on the day of surgery or the next day, and there will be no incisions left to heal on the abdominal wall.

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty and Apollo OverStitch: What to consider

Just like any other weight loss procedure, the Apollo OverStitch procedure requires the patient’s full commitment to drastically change their lifestyle and diet. By having a smaller stomach, you will feel full sooner and this will help you step by step to lose weight. It is recommended, however, to never really reach the sensation of feeling really full. Try portion eating and listening to your body: you need to understand what your body actually needs. Eat slowly and avoid drinking and eating at the same time, as it would inevitably stretch your stomach.

Moreover, you need to do regular exercise and make it part of your routine. Working out is great not only to stay fit but also to improve your overall health, both physically and mentally.

Apollo OverStitch at KCM Clinic

You will not be alone in this: our team at KCM Clinic is here to help you in your weight-loss journey and will give you all the support necessary to make the treatment successful in the long run. This includes a pre and post-op dietary plan, an on-site support group for bariatric patients and post-op check ins once you’re back home.

If you’d like to know more about the Apollo OverStitch procedure, please get in touch with us anytime. Our patients coordinators will have a first consultation call with you to ask about your expectations, your overall health, or any conditions you might have. They will also explain in detail how travelling and staying at KCM Clinic is made easy for you. We welcome hundreds international patients every year and pride ourselves in providing a worry-free service before, during, and after your medical stay.