Gastric Balloon
An Gastric Balloon is inserted endoscopically into the stomach. The balloon is then filled with approximately 500 ml of saline. This causes a sensation of rapid satiety and slows gastric emptying, thereby inducing weight loss.
The balloon remains in place for 6 months, while instituting new dietary habits and changes to be sustained after balloon retrieval. The balloon is then removed endoscopically at 6 months. At this time, you have achieved weight loss, learned to eat smaller portions, and make healthier food choices.
How does a gastric balloon work?
A gastric balloon is inserted endoscopically (through the mouth) into the stomach. The balloon is then filled with approximately 500 ml of saline. This causes a sensation of rapid satiety (fullness) and slows gastric emptying, thereby inducing weight
loss..
How long does the procedure take?
Both insertion and removal take
< 15 minutes.
How long does the balloon remain in the stomach?
The balloon remains in place for 6 months, while instituting new dietary habits and changes to be sustained after balloon retrieval. The balloon is then removed endoscopically at 6 months. At this time, you have achieved weight loss, learned to eat smaller
portions, and make healthier food choices.
How much weight loss is expected from the gastric balloon?
The amount of weight loss varies from patient to patient. However, gastric balloons are a great way to jump-start weight loss. Patients can expect to lose 3-4x more than with diet and weight loss alone, corresponding to an average of 25-40 lbs, while
some patients have lost up to 75 lbs even after the balloon is removed.
How much weight loss can I expect?
The amount of weight loss varies from patient to patient. However, gastric balloons are a great way to jump-start weight loss. Patients can expect to lose 3-4x more than with diet and weight loss alone, corresponding to an average of 25-40 lbs, while
some patients have lost up to 75 lbs even after the balloon is removed.
What is the recovery time?
Patients are discharged home within a few hours after the procedure. For the next 2-3 days, you can expect to feel fullness, bloating, nausea, and/or vomiting. However, we provide medications to help with symptom relief.
Who is eligible for
the gastric balloon?
the gastric balloon?
We discuss risks, benefits, and goals during your initial consultation to determine if the gastric balloon is right for you, beyond that patients with a BMI>30 kg/m2 who has not been able to lose weight with diet and exercise alone.
What are the common side effects? Contraindications?
Most commonly, patients experience some nausea or abdominal discomfort. These symptoms are mild, but anticipated, therefore you are pretreated in recovery and discharged home with medication to control these symptoms as well. They typically resolve in
a few days.
Do you want
to visit our clinic?
To learn more about the treatments that are right for you, contact us to schedule a personal consultation.
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