If you are looking into your options for medical intervention to help you lose weight, you have probably heard about a device called a gastric balloon. Like any other weight loss tool or medical intervention, a gastric balloon cannot do all the work for you, and making the lifestyle changes necessary to lose weight can be challenging.
One of the most common questions we hear is, “Can you gain weight back after a gastric balloon? Today, we are going to talk about this common concern of regaining weight after the balloon is removed. We will begin with an overview of what a gastric balloon is, how it works, why weight gain may happen after removal, and strategies you can use to keep the weight off for good.
@doctorweightloss305 Do you regain the weight after the weight loss balloon is taken out of the stomach? 🎈 In part 1, Dr. Simmons explains a study which compared patients who had the gastric balloon (PLUS diet/exercise) vs. those who only did diet/exercise. 📖 Check out the full paper here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28017964/ ❕Stay tuned for part 2 #GastricBalloon#BalloonWeightLoss#NonSurgicalWeightLoss#balloonremoval #weightloss ♬ original sound – Simmons MD Weight Loss
@doctorweightloss305 Part 2 is here❗️Do you regain the weight after the weight loss balloon is taken out of the stomach? Discover the 🔑 strategies to prevent weight regain after your weight loss balloon🎈 is removed. Stay informed, stay on track, and maintain your success long-term!💪 Make sure to check out Part 1 in case you missed it, where Dr. Simmons explains a study which compared patients who had the gastric balloon (PLUS diet/exercise) vs. those who only did diet/exercise. 📚#gastricballoon #balloonweightloss#nonsurgicalweightloss #balloonremoval#weightloss #healthcare ♬ original sound – Simmons MD Weight Loss
Why Do People Experience Gastric Balloon Weight Regain?
A gastric balloon normally helps people lose weight, but some individuals experience weight regain after the balloon is removed, which can happen for several reasons, including:
1. The Balloon Is Only Temporary
Since the balloon is only a temporary placeholder, when it is removed, your hunger levels can increase as well as the amount of available room in your stomach. If you have not developed new permanent habits to help manage your appetite, it is very easy to overeat and gain weight.
2. Falling Back Into Old Habits
A gastric balloon is a tool that helps people lose weight, but it does not automatically make permanent changes to your eating habits or lifestyle. If you do not focus on implementing healthier habits, such as avoiding unhealthy foods, eating too much during one meal, exercising, etc., it will be easy for you to regain the weight you lost.
3. Emotional and Other Outside Influences
Many people struggle with emotional eating or eating out of habit and not because they are actually hungry. Having the balloon in place makes it difficult to do this. These types of issues should be dealt with during the six months the balloon is in place. Most gastric balloon weight loss programs provide access to professionals that can help patients overcome these types of unhealthy behaviors. If they are not effectively dealt with, then after the balloon is removed, it can lead to weight gain.
What Can You Do To Prevent Gastric Balloon Weight Regain?
Regardless of the method or tool used to achieve significant weight loss, in order to prevent gastric balloon weight regain, or gaining weight after any type of significant weight loss, is to focus on being consistent in implementing healthy lifestyle choices.
Now that the balloon has helped you lose weight, it is up to you to do all you can to keep it off. Weight loss is complicated, and not everyone’s body responds the same to tools or strategies used to promote it. There are many lifestyle habits that influence weight loss, so incorporating all you can into your daily routine will give you the best chance of achieving the results you are looking for. Some of the most important strategies you should concentrate on to help you maintain a healthy weight include:
Permanently Practice Healthy Eating Habits
During the time you had the gastric balloon in your stomach, you should have been able to learn how much food your body actually needs to fuel your activities throughout the day. You should continue to eat the small portion sizes with the same frequency as you did before the balloon was removed. It is important to eat the right foods so your body gets the nutrients it needs to function properly, like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains, and avoid unhealthy foods that are heavily processed or full of sugar.
Make Exercise A Daily Priority
If you want to maintain your weight loss results, it is critical that you incorporate physical activity into your daily routine. You should try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise every day to burn calories and improve your energy levels. A combination of cardio and strength training works best for most individuals. You do not necessarily have to hit the gym to get in your daily exercise; a 30-minute walk is just as effective, or even moderate housework counts. Start looking for opportunities to add steps into your day, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or parking further out in the lot, so it requires more steps to get to the door.
Make Sure To Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle and keeping your body functioning properly. It is also an essential part of a weight loss plan and can help you feel full. In fact, there are many instances when you may feel like you need to eat when you are actually thirsty. Water can help fill you up and keep you from overeating, and it can keep your digestive system on track. Focus on water and avoid sugary beverages or those high in calories to help maintain a healthy weight.
Watch Your Portions
When the gastric balloon was in your stomach, it helped you learn portion control by limiting the amount of food you could eat. It is important to continue being disciplined after your balloon is removed and keep your portions under control to prevent weight gain. Using a smaller plate can help your brain communicate to your body that these portions are enough to make you full. Also, eating slower can help you learn to recognize the important cues that indicate that you are full and prevent overeating.
Create And Utilize A Good Support System
Losing and maintaining a healthy weight can be challenging, especially if you are trying to change habits that you have practiced for many years. Studies show that people who have good support systems are more successful at achieving their weight loss goals and preventing weight regain. Consider joining an in-person or online support group, working with a nutritionist, or finding a workout buddy to help you stay on track. Having people to lean on and provide guidance can help you remain accountable and make a big difference in your weight loss success.
Keep Track Of Your Progress
Tracking your progress, like keeping a food diary and logging your exercise, can help you stay focused and inspire you to keep going. It can also help you stay more accountable to the food choices you are making and can help you identify areas for improvement if you are not seeing the results you are looking for.
Avoid Emotional Eating
Eating to help comfort emotions or reduce anxiety can be one of the hardest challenges to overcome and can keep you from maintaining a healthy weight. Finding an outlet for stress or speaking with a counselor can help you find healthy ways to cope with triggering issues and avoid weight gain.
Get The Help You Need To Lose Weight
If you have tried many times, unsuccessfully, to improve your health through weight loss, it may be time for you to reach out to experts for help. Doctors like Dr. Okeefe Simmons have dedicated their lives and careers to helping people just like you to lose weight and learn lifestyle skills that help you keep it off.
The professionals at Simmons MD Advanced Weight Loss Solutions are knowledgeable experts who can create a safe and effective weight loss plan for you to help you achieve sustainable weight loss and alleviate weight-related health conditions. They offer numerous non-surgical weight loss tools that can help make your weight loss journey a bit easier and provide you with the support and strategies you need to ensure you succeed in reaching your goals.
A gastric balloon can help you lose weight, but it is not a quick or permanent fix for obesity by itself. There is real work you will have to do after the balloon is removed if you do not want to find yourself gaining back all the weight you lost. The team at Simmons MD Advanced Weight Loss Solutions can help. Contact us today and set up a consultation to learn more!
