Making the decision to become healthier by losing weight is a huge step. If you are like many people, you have tried to lose weight on your own and have been unsuccessful. Realizing you need some help is also a positive step but trying to decide what kind of help can be overwhelming given the many options available.
Maybe you are at the beginning stages of your research to find a solution that works best for you. Have you considered the Orbera gastric balloon? It is an excellent option for those who do not wish to undergo surgery or have any permanent changes made to their stomachs or digestive tract.
What Is Involved In A Gastric Balloon Procedure?
Unlike bariatric surgery, a gastric balloon procedure is non-surgical and is done on an outpatient basis. The entire procedure takes only about 15-20 minutes and there are no incisions, no stitches, and no hospital stay required. Patients return home the same day to recover.
During the procedure, a deflated Orbera balloon is endoscopically lowered down the patient’s throat and strategically placed into the stomach. An endoscope is a special hollow tube-like tool that is equipped with a light and a camera so the surgeon can view the procedure as it happens on a nearby video monitor.
Using the video monitor for guidance, the surgeon fills the balloon with sterile saline solution until it reaches the desired size. For most patients, the stomach balloon is filled to about the size of a small grapefruit. The endoscope is removed from the patient and the procedure is complete.
How Does A Gastric Balloon Work For Weight Loss?
The Orbera gastric balloon is part of a 12-month program that works together to teach individuals healthy eating and lifestyle habits that promote long-term weight loss.
Three factors influence how well the intragastric balloon will work to assist with weight loss.
- 1. The Balloon
- The Orbera balloon is used as a tool to help curb appetite and force portion control.
- 2. Support
- The high level of support the patient receives from the team. Providing assistance with healthy dietary plans, exercise and fitness, and emotional guidance.
- 3. Patient Commitment
- The patient’s efforts in adhering to their plan which includes actively applying what they have learned from their support team and consistently making healthy lifestyle choices.
The balloon remains in the patient’s stomach for the first six months of the program and then is removed for the remaining six months. During the 1 year program, patients work closely with a team of skilled experts who offer many layers of support in the areas of diet & nutrition, physical fitness, and lifestyle coaching.
The goal for patients is to not only experience significant weight loss with the gastric balloon but also form new behavioral habits that will promote future weight loss and prevent weight regain.
During the first 6-months of the program, the gastric balloon will be taking up a significant portion of the patient’s stomach. This will reduce its usable capacity and prevent the patient from eating too much.
In addition, the reduced stomach capacity will help patients stay feeling full longer so they will not have the desire to eat as often.
How Much Weight Can I Lose With A Gastric Balloon?
Weight loss results will vary by patient depending on various factors such as their starting weight, any ongoing health issues they might have, and their willingness to apply their newly gained knowledge to make healthier lifestyle choices.
Patients who fully utilize their support system and commit to the lifestyle changes necessary (remaining on a healthy diet and getting daily physical activity) can lose a significant amount of weight. The average weight loss using the Orbera balloon system is 30 to 40 pounds in six months but many patients have experienced significantly larger weight losses (100+ pounds).
Bariatric Surgery vs Intragastric Balloon Recovery Time
Recovering from bariatric surgery can take anywhere from 4 – 8 weeks compared to the week needed to recover from having an Orbera stomach balloon placed. Many patients can return to work within a day or two if they desire.
Recovering quickly allows the patient to return to their normal activities and continue their exercise program to promote weight loss.
Life After The Orbera Balloon Procedure
After the 12-month Orbera program is completed, most patients reported that their relationship with food changed.
As Americans, we are conditioned to eat much larger portions than our bodies need and as a result, 75% of the American adult population is overweight or obese according to the BMI scale.
During their Orbera balloon weight loss program, patients learn to listen to their bodies and eat when they are hungry and not just because others are eating. They grow accustomed to smaller portions and their mindset is changed to understand that these smaller portions are what is healthy. (Our portion sizes in the U.S. are much larger than in Asia, Europe, and most other countries.)
Losing weight, having more energy, and feeling great are wonderful incentives that help motivate us to continue making healthy lifestyle choices. Patients that continue applying all they learned during their 12 months with the Orbera program will maintain their weight loss long-term.
If you are looking for a non-surgical weight loss procedure where you will be supported from the start by a team of compassionate knowledgeable medical professionals, contact Simmons MD Weight Loss Solutions.
Our amazing Miami-based team will support your long-term objectives by helping you develop healthier lifestyle habits that will promote safe and effective weight loss and improve your health.
Contact us today to set up a consultation to learn more about how the Orbera balloon can help promote your weight loss and improve your quality of life.
