If you are on a quest to find the best weight loss solution that does not involve surgery, chances are you have heard of a stomach balloon for weight loss. If you are wondering what kind of balloon is used or how balloon weight loss works, keep reading!
Today’s blog topic is an overview of weight loss balloons: what they are, how they work, how much you can expect to pay, and what weight loss results you can expect.
What Is A Weight Loss Balloon And How Does It Work?
A weight-loss balloon is a temporary, non-surgical medical device that is inserted in a patient’s stomach to aid with weight loss. It is made of a soft silicone material, inserted into the stomach while deflated, and then inflated with either gas or a sterile saline solution. Usually, the balloon is inflated to be around the size of a medium grapefruit.
The weight loss balloon helps individuals lose weight because it takes up approximately 2/3 of the stomach’s capacity, so they are not able to eat very much at each meal.
The smaller stomach also takes longer to empty and digest food, so patients who often experience hunger can benefit from the weight-loss balloon’s ability to simulate satiety.
A Comprehensive Supervised Program Is Used In Tandem With The Weight Loss Balloon
A weight-loss balloon is designed to be used as part of a doctor-supervised weight-loss program. The program is usually 12 months long, with the stomach balloon used for weight loss assistance for the first 6 months and then removed. For the remainder of the year, the patients continue to follow their diet and exercise program and reinforce their new, healthier lifestyle choices so they become lifelong habits.
The main objective of using a weight loss balloon is for patients to lose weight, but even more crucially, to learn portion control, retrain their brains regarding food, and create new lifestyle habits that will help them keep the weight off.
During their weight loss balloon program, they are provided with an extensive support system to help them remain on track. This group of professionals is trained in obesity management and can help identify and address any underlying issues that may be inhibiting weight loss.
Who Should Consider A Weight Loss Balloon?
A weight-loss balloon is an effective yet temporary option for those who do not want to undergo a surgical procedure that makes permanent alterations to the stomach or digestive system but need assistance with weight loss.
Also, individuals with BMI (body mass index) numbers that do not meet the qualifications for bariatric surgery or are unable to have surgery for health reasons are good candidates.
A weight loss balloon might be a suitable option for patients who have a BMI that is between 30 and 40, have never had bariatric surgery, hernia repair, or other stomach surgery, and who are not pregnant or breastfeeding.
Patients who are willing to take part in the “supervised” component of the program, which demands a minimum commitment of one year, will be a good fit.
How Does The Weight Loss Balloon Get In The Stomach?
Many individuals refer to this procedure as “balloon weight loss surgery,” however, it is not a surgical procedure. There are no incisions or hospital stays involved and patients are only mildly sedated for a short amount of time.
The deflated balloon is lowered down the patient’s throat and into the stomach using an endoscope. An endoscope is a medical instrument that looks like a thin, hollow tube and has a connected camera and light. The doctor performs the whole procedure using an endoscope that is lowered down the patient’s throat. A real-time video is displayed by the endoscopic camera onto an adjacent screen to instruct the doctor.
Once the balloon is in the appropriate spot in the stomach, it is inflated until it resembles a medium-sized grapefruit. The entire procedure only takes between 20 and 30 minutes.
What Are The Side Effects Of A Weight Loss Balloon?
Over the past two decades since their introduction, weight loss balloons have undergone several modifications of form and size but they are still regarded as a safe method of facilitating weight loss. The risks associated with balloon procedures are minimal compared to those associated with bariatric surgery.
The most widely reported side effects occur during the first few days following balloon implantation, when many patients have symptoms of nausea and vomiting; however, prescription medication can help ease discomfort.
Although they are extremely uncommon (1/10 000), serious adverse effects can include mortality, stomach ulcers, intestine obstructions, intestinal perforations, and balloon deflation.
Can I Lose Weight Just By Using A Weight Loss Balloon Alone?
Initially, the reduced stomach capacity will cause weight loss; however, to sustain this weight loss, patients will have to actively participate.
A weight-loss balloon is meant to be used as a tool that works best when combined with a healthy diet and daily exercise. For it to be effective, patients must work closely with the experts from the weight loss clinic for a year.
Patients can lose weight and keep it off with the help of the balloon and changes to their lifestyle. One of the best features of using a weight loss balloon is the level of support the patient receives. Patients need to work closely with the dietician and other professionals at their bariatric clinic to make and follow a plan for their diet and exercise.
The balloon stays in the stomach for 6 months but the patient continues receiving support for a full year and sometimes longer. Patients typically have to meet with their support team once a month but many of them offer the option of telehealth.
How Does A Weight Loss Balloon Compare To Bariatric Surgery?
- With a weight loss balloon, patients can lose weight without the use of incisions, sutures, or scarring.Surgery makes permanent alterations to a patient’s stomach and sometimes their digestive system;
- A weight-loss balloon is placed in the patient’s stomach temporarily for only six months and then removed without any permanent alterations;
- Bariatric surgery requires the use of general anesthesia while the patient is only mildly sedated for a short time to place and remove the weight loss balloon;
- Recovery after a surgical procedure usually requires between four and eight weeks, depending on the type of bariatric surgery that was performed. Most patients recover after only three or four days from the placement of a weight-loss balloon.
What Is The Average Amount Lost With A Weight Loss Balloon?
How much weight a person can lose with the help of a weight-loss balloon depends a lot on how well they stick to their diet and exercise plan. Patients who are committed to making long-term lifestyle changes will benefit the most.
The average weight loss is between 20 and 50 pounds and is largely based on their starting weight and how aggressively they approach their diet and exercise goals. Clinical trials resulted in patients losing three times more weight using an Orbera weight loss balloon than with diet and exercise alone.
How Can I Prevent Weight Regain After The Weight Loss Balloon Is Removed?
Maintaining a healthy weight requires the patient’s commitment to the recommended diet and physical activity plan. If the patient makes these behavioral changes permanently, the results can be maintained and weight gain avoided.
Where Can I Get A Weight Loss Balloon In Miami?
If you are interested in learning more about losing weight with the help of a weight-loss balloon, contact Simmons Advanced Weight Loss Solutions. We will be happy to answer all your questions and provide you with an overview of how our support program works.
Choosing a doctor who is expertly trained in obesity management as well as endoscopic procedures is critical when using a weight loss balloon. Dr. Okeefe Simmons has extensive knowledge in these areas, having performed well over 2,000 endoscopic procedures and publishing several research articles and textbook chapters on these subjects.
If you have made other attempts at losing weight on your own and have been unsuccessful, a weight loss balloon may be the perfect solution for you. At Simmons MD Advanced Weight Loss Solutions, we will create a customized plan based on your needs and provide you with a high level of support to help you reach your weight loss goals.
If you are interested in a comprehensive program that includes a weight loss balloon in Miami, contact the experts at Simmons MD Advanced Weight Loss Solutions. We will be happy to discuss your medical history and determine if you are a candidate for the Orbera weight loss balloon. Set up your consultation today and be on the road to better health tomorrow!
