Photo by Anna Shvets 

Modern life can feel like a whirlwind. Between looming deadlines, family obligations, financial pressures, and health concerns, it’s no wonder stress often takes center stage. And with that stress comes a host of physical consequences—most notably, weight gain. Emotional eating quickly becomes a coping mechanism, exercise routines fall by the wayside, and before long, many find themselves trapped in a cycle of poor health and rising anxiety. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

That’s where industry pioneers like Bariendo step in. Their transformative approach, particularly the non-invasive ESG treatment at Bariendo in Dallas clinic, is helping people interrupt the stress-weight cycle and reclaim control over their well-being. 

By addressing not just the physical but also the psychological barriers to weight loss, Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) is turning a new page in how we approach long-term health.

Understanding the Weight of Stress

The connection between stress and weight gain is deeply rooted in our biology. When we’re stressed, our bodies produce more cortisol—a hormone that promotes fat storage, particularly around the abdomen. This hormonal response was once critical for survival, but in today’s world of chronic stress, it’s often more harmful than helpful. 

Add to this the tendency to seek comfort in food and the disruption of healthy habits like exercise and sleep, and it becomes clear why so many struggle to manage their weight during stressful periods.

Dieting alone often fails to address these underlying issues. That’s why Bariendo’s ESG is such a compelling option—it not only reshapes the stomach but also reshapes the way patients relate to food and their bodies.

What Makes ESG Different?

Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG), also known as ESG Stomach Tightening®, is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that reduces the size of the stomach by about 60 to 75 percent. Unlike traditional bariatric surgery, ESG involves no external incisions. Instead, a flexible endoscope is inserted through the mouth, and internal sutures are placed to reshape the stomach.

The entire process takes roughly 60 minutes, and patients usually return home the same day. By limiting how much food the stomach can hold and slowing down gastric emptying, ESG promotes a feeling of fullness and helps patients naturally eat smaller portions. More importantly, it positively influences hunger hormones like ghrelin and GLP-1, reducing cravings and supporting long-term satiety.

Results That Last

Patients undergoing ESG at Bariendo typically lose around 18 to 20 percent of their total body weight within the first year. Even five years post-procedure, many maintain an average of 16 percent weight loss—an impressive statistic in a field where regaining weight is a common concern.

What makes ESG stand out is not just the weight loss itself, but the holistic transformation it supports. With fewer cravings, increased satiety, and renewed energy, patients often find themselves enjoying life more fully—from better mobility to improved self-esteem.

A Leader in Non-Invasive Weight Loss

Bariendo’s approach is rooted in expertise and innovation. Founded by Dr. Christopher Thompson, one of the pioneers of ESG, Bariendo brings unmatched experience to the table. Backed by a Scientific Advisory Board of Harvard-affiliated experts in gastroenterology and endoscopy, the clinic sets a high bar for quality and safety.

Each procedure follows rigorous protocols, including a standardized suture pattern and a multidisciplinary support system that extends far beyond the operating room. Bariendo patients receive a full year of ongoing care, including access to dietitians, fitness professionals, and even a smart scale to help monitor progress in real time.

Stories of Transformation

Take Susana, for example. Dealing with chronic stress due to her family’s health issues, she struggled with cortisol-driven weight gain and was seeing only limited results with medication. After undergoing ESG, she lost 27 pounds—14% of her body weight—in just three months. She reports feeling re-energized, free of joint pain, and emotionally present with her loved ones once again.

Then there’s Kevin, a 65-year-old retired executive whose obesity was affecting his heart and limiting his mobility. Within a year of his ESG procedure, he had shed over 20% of his weight and experienced a remarkable improvement in both physical and emotional well-being. “It is by far the most positive life-changing action I could have taken,” he said.

ESG vs. Other Options

Compared to GLP-1 medications like Wegovy or Ozempic, ESG delivers more significant results—often with fewer long-term costs. While these drugs help patients lose 12 to 15 percent of their body weight, ESG consistently exceeds that range. And unlike medications, ESG is a one-time procedure with no daily maintenance required.

When stacked against bariatric surgery, ESG offers the benefits of less downtime (typically just 1–3 days), no visible scarring, and a dramatically lower risk profile. It’s a middle path—ideal for people seeking meaningful weight loss without the invasiveness or complications of surgery.

A Sustainable Shift Toward Wellness

ESG isn’t just about shrinking stomachs—it’s about expanding possibilities. Patients report less stress around food, greater confidence in their choices, and renewed motivation to care for their bodies. And because Bariendo provides 12 months of integrated support, including nutritional guidance, exercise coaching, and mental wellness resources, patients are set up for success from day one.

This comprehensive model is what makes ESG not just a procedure, but a sustainable lifestyle shift. Like mindfulness practices that train the brain to respond instead of react, ESG trains the body to feel satisfied, to move with ease, and to heal from the inside out.

Is ESG Right for You?

ESG at Bariendo is open to adults with a BMI over 30, or to those with a BMI between 27 and 29.9 who have conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea. If you’re motivated to change your habits, eager for long-term support, and not interested in invasive surgery, this could be the right path for you.

While insurance may not yet cover the full cost (around $11,995), Bariendo offers financing options to make the process more accessible. And with its impressive safety record—complication rates under 2%—you can feel confident you’re in expert hands.

Taking the First Step

The journey begins with a virtual consultation to determine your eligibility and goals. If you’re a candidate, you’ll be scheduled for a 60-minute ESG session. After the procedure, you’ll transition from a liquid diet to solids over a few weeks, gradually incorporating light movement and regular coaching sessions.

With the right guidance, ESG can be your launchpad for better health—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally.

Final Thoughts

For anyone stuck in a cycle of stress-induced weight gain, the non-invasive way offers more than just a fresh start—it offers a foundation for lasting change. Combining expert care, cutting-edge methods, and a wellness-first philosophy, Bariendo is helping people shed more than pounds—they’re shedding the burdens of stress, self-doubt, and defeat.

This is about more than looking slimmer. It’s about feeling better, living fully, and reclaiming your story—one mindful step at a time.