Obesity has become a major health concern in many parts of the world, and it is known to be responsible for a host of health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and more.
Many people struggle with weight loss and despite their best efforts, find it difficult to shed those extra pounds. For those who have tried and failed to lose weight through diet and exercise, a balloon implant in the stomach may be a great option for weight loss.
Though this type of weight loss therapy may sound strange, patients who have used the Orbera gastric balloon have been successful in losing 3x the amount of weight than using diet and exercise alone.
In today’s blog post, we are going to talk about how a balloon is inserted in the stomach for weight loss and the help it can provide to a patient with obesity.
What Kind Of Balloon Is Implanted In The Stomach For Weight Loss?
The type of balloon that is inserted in a patient’s stomach for weight loss is actually a special medical device that is made from a soft silicone material.
The best type of balloon to use in the stomach for weight loss is spherical in shape and completely smooth, so it does not cause complications such as ulcers. At Simmons MD Advanced Weight Loss Solutions, we prefer the Orbera balloon because it meets all the standards for safety and efficacy as outlined by an international committee of experts.
How Is A Balloon Placed In The Stomach For Weight Loss?
The endoscopic procedure for implanting a weight-loss balloon in the stomach is called the intragastric balloon procedure or gastric balloon procedure. This technique has been found to be an effective weight loss solution for many people.
This procedure involves inserting a deflated silicone balloon through the mouth, down the esophagus, and into the stomach using an endoscope. The endoscope is a flexible tube with a camera and light that allows the physician to visualize the balloon’s placement.
Once the balloon is in place, it is filled with a sterile saline solution, which expands the balloon and takes up space in the stomach, making the patient feel full faster and eat less. The entire procedure typically takes about 30 minutes and is performed under sedation.
After the procedure, patients are usually monitored for several hours and may experience some discomfort or nausea. The balloon is usually removed after six months or up to one year, depending on the type of balloon used.
This procedure is recommended for individuals who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher and have been unsuccessful with other weight loss methods.
What Benefits Does A Balloon Inserted In The Stomach Offer?
Historically, the only medical intervention options available to patients who needed help losing weight required surgery. Today, patients are fortunate to have options that are much less invasive, such as gastric balloon therapy. Some of the benefits of using a gastric balloon include:
- Non-surgical
- Unlike other weight loss procedures, such as bariatric surgery, a balloon in the stomach is non-surgical and does not involve any incisions. This means that there is no risk of surgical complications and the procedure is less invasive and less painful.
- Quick procedure
- The procedure to insert the balloon takes around 20 to 30 minutes and most patients can go home the same day. This means that there is no need for an extended hospital stay or recovery period.
- Safe and effective
- Clinical studies have shown that gastric balloon therapy is a safe and effective weight loss solution, with patients losing an average of 10-15% of their body weight in the first six months.
- Helps with portion control
- The balloon reduces the amount of space in the stomach, which leads to feelings of fullness and reduces appetite. This helps patients eat smaller portions and make healthier food choices.
- Temporary solution
- The balloon is designed to be removed after six months, which means that it is a temporary solution that can help kick-start weight loss and encourage healthy habits.
- Affordable
- A balloon in the stomach is a more affordable weight loss option compared to other surgical procedures. Most weight loss doctors offer financing that can break down the cost of the Orbera weight loss balloon into small, affordable monthly payments.
What Happens When The Balloon In The Patient’s Stomach Is Removed?
While a weight loss balloon is in place, patients learn to make significant changes to their diet and exercise habits to support weight loss. The balloon helps limit the amount of food the patient can consume by taking up space in the stomach, so it supports their efforts. Patients also spend time with lifestyle coaches, learning strategies for living and eating healthier.
When the balloon in their stomach is removed, patients should follow a healthy, balanced diet to ensure that they are getting the nutrients they need to support their overall health and well-being.
They should eat small, frequent meals throughout the day to ensure they are getting what they need while avoiding overeating. It is also important that they stay hydrated to reduce the risk of constipation.
Additionally, they should continue to incorporate physical activity into their daily routine because it helps to support weight loss and improves overall health. If necessary, patients can consult with their healthcare provider to determine what types of exercise are safe and appropriate for them.
Maintaining A Healthy Weight After A Weight Loss Balloon
It’s important to note that the weight loss balloon is a tool to help patients achieve weight loss and is not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise. Patients must make permanent lifestyle changes to maintain weight loss after the balloon is removed.
A gastric balloon is a safe, effective, and affordable weight loss option that can help patients achieve their weight loss goals. While it is not a long-term solution, it can help kick-start weight loss and encourage healthy habits.
If you are struggling with weight loss and have tried other options without success, consider speaking with the experts at Simmons MD Advanced Weight Loss Solutions about gastric balloon therapy as a viable weight loss option.
Set up your appointment today to determine if the Orbera weight loss balloon procedure suits you. The professionals at Simmons MD Advanced Weight Loss Solutions are here to support you in reaching your weight loss goals.
