Braemar Hospital is set to become the only facility in the Midland region offering Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG), a groundbreaking weight loss procedure that bridges the gap between lifestyle changes and traditional bariatric surgery.
The innovative procedure, which requires no incisions and allows patients to go home the same day, will launch from April 2026 under the guidance of gastroenterologist and advanced endoscopist Dr Jerry Chin.
“There is a big gap between non-invasive therapies and surgical interventions for weight management, and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty helps bridge that gap,” says Dr Chin. “It is highly effective, has a strong safety profile, and allows for a streamlined recovery. Importantly, it is also potentially reversible, offering patients the benefits of both minimally invasive and surgical approaches.”
A Game-Changer for Weight Management
Unlike traditional bariatric surgery, ESG is performed entirely through the mouth. During the 45-60 minute procedure, Dr Chin places internal sutures that reduce the stomach’s volume by approximately 80%, creating a sleeve-like structure that promotes early satiety and significant weight loss.
“Any type of weight loss is life changing,” Dr Chin explains. “From a procedure point of view, most people tolerate ESG very well. Compared to post-operative complications that come from traditional surgery, it is very smooth.”
Dr Chin’s expertise in ESG stems from his fellowship training at the prestigious Mayo Clinic in the United States, where he specialised in advanced endoscopy procedures. The technique, refined over recent years, consistently achieves around 20-25% weight loss in appropriately selected patients.
Addressing an Unmet Need
While ESG is currently offered in Auckland and Wellington, it is not yet available in the public health system. Braemar Hospital’s investment in the specialised device and Dr Chin’s training means Midland region patients will have local access to this life-changing option.
“The biggest thing with ESG is that a lot of patients don’t know about it,” says Dr Chin.
To build this awareness, Dr Chin held three GP Open Day evenings last year, presenting the procedure and its benefits to local medical practitioners. As patient numbers build in 2026, word-of-mouth referrals are expected to grow.
Pru Sheahan, Braemar Hospital’s General Manager, Clinical Services says this is a fantastic alternative for patients and is proud to give people in this region more options.
“It also adds to the suite of advanced endoscopy procedures that Jerry and our other gastroenterologists complete here at Braemar,” says Pru.
The Benefits Beyond Weight Loss
The procedure’s advantages extend beyond the numbers on the scale. Because ESG preserves the stomach’s anatomy rather than “replumbing” it like traditional surgery, complications such as leaks are much rarer. The minimally invasive nature means minimal side effects – primarily temporary nausea that improves over time.
“With reduced volume in your stomach, you are learning how to manage the volume and appetite,” Dr Chin notes. “ESG is part of the weight management algorithm. The procedure is minimally invasive, preserves the anatomy, and is enough to counter other elements like diabetes and high blood pressure.”
The procedure is also complementary to weight loss medications and lifestyle changes, offering a comprehensive approach to weight management.
Furthermore, patients who have previously undergone gastric bypass surgery and experienced recurrence of weight gain; the same device can be used to place sutures around the gastric pouch to tighten the pouch to promote further weight loss.
Taking the First Step
Patients interested in ESG should start by talking to their GP about a referral to the Tailor Clinics on Grey Street, Hamilton. This multidisciplinary clinic offers both non-surgical weight management options and bariatric surgeries, with ESG now joining their comprehensive service offering.
As Braemar Hospital prepares to launch this service, Dr Chin and his team are ready to welcome patients who have been waiting for a solution that offers the effectiveness of surgery without the invasiveness.
“It may not suit everybody, and for some it may not be enough,” Dr Chin acknowledges honestly. “But for many people, it’s exactly what they need to achieve life-changing results.”
ESG Procedure Fact Sheet
What is ESG? Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is a minimally invasive, incisionless weight loss procedure that reduces stomach size by approximately 80% using internal sutures placed through the mouth.
Who is it for?
Adults with a Body Max Indes of 30 kg/m² or higher who have struggled to lose weight with lifestyle changes alone and have weight-related health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or sleep apnoea.
Patients who prefer to avoid traditional surgical procedures or are poor candidates for surgery
Individuals committed to long-term dietary and behavioural modifications
Who should NOT have ESG?
Patients with prior upper GI surgery
Active gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, or severe oesophagitis
Uncontrolled psychiatric illness or eating disorders
Blood clotting disorders or inability to tolerate general anaesthesia
Active cancer or receiving cancer treatment
Procedure Details:
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Performed under general anaesthesia
Completely through the mouth – no external incisions
Day-stay procedure (same-day discharge or overnight observation)
Recovery Timeline:
Return to normal activities: 2-3 days
Clear liquid: first 1-3 days
Full liquid, high protein liquid: week 1-2
Puree/soft diet: week 3-4
Soft food diet: week 5-8
Normal eating patterns resume: after 8 weeks
Weight loss period: 6-24 months
Expected weight loss: 20-25% of excess body weight at 24 months
Benefits:
No incisions or scarring
Preserves stomach anatomy
Minimal complications compared to traditional surgery
Same-day discharge
Can be combined with weight loss medications
Effective for obesity-related conditions including diabetes and high blood pressure
Reversible procedure (if required)
Potential Side Effects:
Nausea (most common, temporary lasting several days after procedure)
Mild abdominal discomfort
Rare: GI bleeding, infection, or stomach perforation
Very rare: Suture loosening (may reduce long-term effectiveness)
Getting Started: Contact your GP for a referral to the Tailor Clinics, Grey St, Hamilton – a multidisciplinary weight management clinic offering comprehensive assessment and treatment options.
Availability: Braemar Hospital – the only facility offering ESG in the Midland region (launching from April 2026)
Video Links:
ESG https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKnPm3adVf4
Patient video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIGfhorl6mo
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