What is the Apollo method?
The Comprehensive Overweight and Obesity Unit at Clínica Planas develops the latest techniques for treating obesity with the aim of reducing stomach capacity endoscopically.
The APOLLO method, also referred to as Endoscopic Vertical Gastroplasty (EVG), Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) or Endosleeve, is indicated for patients who have previously followed diets supervised by nutrition professionals with limited or temporary success. The procedure is also applicable to patients with Class I and II obesity. Furthermore, it is an option for those with Class III obesity who either decline surgery or have a specific surgical contraindication.
The APOLLO Method helps patients reduce their stomach capacity with an average weight loss of over 20 kg, although this depends on each individual's BMI, their level of motivation and their commitment to the follow-up programme proposed by Clínica Planas.
By limiting the capacity of the stomach, our patients can achieve a greater feeling of fullness, which can help them to:
Forestall obesity-related health complications
Improve their quality of life
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What does the procedure involve?
This involves the creation of an endoscopic gastric sleeve using the Overstitch system, which is the first method designed to perform continuous endoscopic suturing.
How does it work? Using a suture kit that is inserted into the gastric cavity. From here, continuous sutures are made in the stomach to reduce its size by approximately 50%.
The procedure is minimally invasive:
It takes approximately 60 minutes
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia
No incisions are made, thus minimising the risk of surgical complications
Designed for a speedy return to daily activities
Benefits of the Apollo method
The APOLLO method offers multiple benefits, starting with immediate weight loss right after the procedure. Our subsequent program is specifically designed to help patients develop, and crucially, maintain good eating habits for life.
The team of nutritionists at Clínica Planas works closely with psychologists and sports coaches to support patients on their journey towards acquiring new healthy habits.
1. Health. Obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders (osteoarthritis), and certain types of cancer. Losing weight is the first step. The second is to re-educate the patient so that they can modify their eating habits and assimilate the instructions and suggestions during the 24-month follow-up period.
Eating should be synonymous with health.
2. Aesthetic. By improving their relationship with their body and their own perception in the mirror, patients gain confidence, self-esteem and tools to manage their relationship with food and physical fitness.
3. Follow-up for 24 months. Acquiring new eating habits does not only mean knowing which foods are healthy and which are not, but also encompasses other aspects related to behaviour: emotional eating, guilt and satiety. All this means that our team will closely monitor the patient's progress over a two-year period. To achieve this, our offer includes:
Team of psychologists. Our clinic has specialists who provide emotional and behavioural support to patients.
Personal trainer. Moving your body involves much more than walking to the fridge. Practising sport is a decisive factor in the patient's progress. With a cross-disciplinary approach, our physical fitness trainers adapt exercise routines specially designed for each patient's BMI.
Study of resting metabolism. Based on the results of this test, patients learn which foods their bodies burn most easily, enabling them to quantify the specific amount of fat, carbohydrates, or protein their bodies need.
Gas stress test. The results of this test are used to define a personalised training routine that allows for increased fat loss while maintaining and improving muscle structure, always supervised by our medical team and personal trainer.
Stomach reduction price
Obesity is a chronic condition, not a lifestyle choice, shaped by multiple factors. That said, obesity is a chronic condition driven by multiple factors. Therefore, someone considering non-surgical stomach reduction needs information that goes beyond the stomach reduction price. They also need to see credible reviews and before and after results to make an informed choice.
At Clínica Planas, we take a cross-disciplinary and holistic approach.
Our multidisciplinary team accompanies the patient for two years so that they can modify their eating habits and adopt a healthy lifestyle. This entire 24-month process is included in the price.
The next time someone asks about the price of a stomach reduction, just tell them: at Clínica Planas, it's one price, and everything is included:
€280.00 per month (48 monthly payments)
Initial medical assessment and guidance.
Study of resting metabolism.
Gas stress test.
Preoperative tests.
Pre-anaesthetic consultation.
Endoscopic technique for placing and removing the device after performing a gastroscopy.
Device and necessary materials.
Anaesthesiology service
Medication inherent to the process during the stay at the centre.
Two-year nutritional monitoring.
Psychology service with assessment and preliminary report and one year of follow-up
6-month Personal Training Service.
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F.A.Q.
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What type of patients can access the Apollo Method for weight loss?
This procedure is intended for patients with obesity classified as having a BMI between 30 and 40. However, it is crucial to account for the comorbidities, past medical history, and individual patient factors during each evaluation.
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How much weight can a patient lose with the Apollo Method?
This depends on three fundamental factors: What is our approach? A patient who is 20 kg overweight represents a different clinical profile than one who needs to lose 40 kg.
Patient involvement. By adhering to the comprehensive plan recommended by our multidisciplinary team (nutritionists, psychologists, and personal trainers), patients should expect an average weight loss of 18% to 20% of their initial body weight within the first 12 months.
The patient sets the limit and their involvement with the programme. This is what ultimately determines whether that percentage rises or falls. -
What is the difference between the Apollo Method and the gastric balloon?
The selection of the best technique requires a comprehensive (holistic) assessment of the patient's condition and past medical history. Unlike the gastric balloon, which is reversible and preserves the patient's anatomy, the Apollo Method is an irreversible technique that involves a subtle modification of the gastric cavity. It is important to note that these two endoscopic techniques involve two different working strategies over time. Therefore, the answer to this question depends on the assessment made by our medical team and a tailor-made 24-month plan.
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Can the stitches come loose?
No, they won't come loose. And in the hypothetical case that one were to come loose, the fibrosis that has developed is actually the success; not the suture itself.
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Following the Apollo Method, can a patient develop a stomach illness?
No, absolutely not. It has been scientifically proven that performing the Apollo Method will not interfere with pathologies specific to the patient's life trajectory.
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Is it possible to go to work the next day?
If the patient does not perform heavy labour and, for example, works in an office environment answering calls and emails, the answer is yes. The return to work can be considered practically immediate.
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Once the first phase is over, can the patient eat everything?
Of course. This procedure does not involve any restrictions on food intake. It is possible to have a balanced diet and eat everything within the context of healthy habits. For example, if it is your birthday, you can have cake.
