Gastric weight loss balloons have been around for over 20 years as a means to help individuals lose weight. Over the years, there have been many improvements to the size, shape, and functionality of intragastric balloons and today they are growing increasingly popular.
Why are gastric balloons becoming more popular? What would we find if we googled “gastric balloon reviews?” This article is going to provide an overview of gastric balloons – what they are, how they work, and what patients are saying about them.
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What Is A Gastric Balloon And How Does It Work For Weight Loss?
To understand intragastric balloon reviews, it is important to have a clear idea of what they are and how they are intended to work.
A gastric balloon is a device that is used to promote weight loss in an individual who has been unable to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. The gastric balloon is meant to be used temporarily for 6 months while the patient learns new eating habits, including portion control and making healthy choices.
The gastric balloon takes up a significant portion of the patient’s stomach capacity so they cannot eat as much. It also helps the patient to feel full so they do not experience annoying hunger pangs.
The balloon is used in conjunction with a supervised weight loss program that runs for 12 months. After the first 6 months, the device is removed but the patient continues to follow their plan and work with their team of professionals (dietician, nutritionist, exercise coach, etc). If the patient continues to follow and practice their new eating habits and lifestyle choices, they may continue to lose weight and will maintain their weight loss.
Does A Gastric Balloon Require Surgery?
No, a gastric balloon procedure is non-surgical. Many individuals use the term gastric balloon surgery, however, there are no incisions or sutures and it is not a surgical procedure.
The patient is mildly sedated and then the balloon is placed into the patient’s stomach through an endoscope in a deflated state and then filled up with a sterile saline solution until it reaches about grapefruit size. An endoscope is a special tool that is lowered down a patient’s throat to access the stomach. The procedure is performed as an outpatient visit and only takes about 20 minutes. Only mild sedation is used and patients return home the same day as the procedure.
What Am I Going To Feel Like After I Get A Gastric Balloon?
The stomach can take a few days to get used to the new balloon so patients may experience nausea or vomiting. The doctor will provide medication to help ease these discomforts and they should subside.
If you have struggled with your weight and are ready to try something different, contact Simmons MD Advanced Weight Loss Solutions today. Our highly knowledgeable professionals can answer any questions you may have about the Orbera balloon procedure.
We fully support our patients during their entire weight loss journey and they are never on their own. Contact us today to learn more about how the Orbera weight loss balloon can help you.
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