Many patients who are overweight or obese find it difficult to shed unwanted pounds even after following typical weight loss advice, such as maintaining a calorie deficit and increasing their physical activity. For this reason, many may look to alternative treatment options that provide more immediate and significant results.
The gastric balloon is an effective, minimally invasive weight loss treatment. This option can jumpstart weight loss and provide the motivation and momentum needed to adopt healthier lifestyle habits in the long term. In this article, we dive into this proven procedure: how it works, how effective it is and its potential benefits.
Understanding the Gastric Balloon
A gastric balloon is a medical device meant to help people lose weight without surgery. It works by making the space in your stomach smaller. Because the stomach’s capacity is restricted, you eat less and feel full faster, leading to weight loss.
The gastric balloon itself is made from silicone rubber material. It is inserted into the stomach via the mouth with a catheter. A deflated balloon is attached to the catheter on one end. Once the catheter is passed down, the doctor inserts an endoscope through the mouth adjacent to the catheter to ensure that the balloon is in the right location. Once in place, the balloon is inflated with normal saline.
The procedure is minimally invasive, requiring no cuts to the abdomen or changes to the digestive system, unlike other procedures like gastric bypass. Further, the balloon gastric procedure is reversible. The balloon is taken out after about six months.
How the Gastric Balloon Helps With Weight Loss
The gastric balloon takes up space in the stomach, typically less than half. This reduces the stomach’s capacity for food and liquids. As a result, patients feel fuller faster and with smaller portions.
Over time, patients become accustomed to eating less. By controlling food intake and promoting satiety, the gastric balloon helps spur weight loss.
Additionally, while the gastric balloon is in place, the patient will receive guidance and coaching on healthy eating habits, exercise programs and other lifestyle modifications from their care team. These interventions help keep the patient from gaining weight back after the balloon is removed and promote long-term results.
Effectiveness of the Gastric Balloon
The gastric balloon is proven to be highly effective for weight loss. Several trials have shown that these devices result in meaningful weight loss compared to lifestyle changes alone. These trials and several studies have helped secure FDA approval for gastric balloons.
Most patients notice results quickly, especially during the first three months post-procedure. On average, you could lose 10 to 15% of your weight with a gastric balloon by the end of your six-month program. For a person at 200 lbs, this means 20 to 30 lbs of weight loss.
The gastric balloon serves as an initial step towards your weight loss journey. To achieve lasting results, it’s essential to embrace sustainable behavior changes while the balloon is in place. When choosing a clinic for your gastric balloon procedure, it’s important to understand the scope and quality of their coaching program. For instance, we offer a comprehensive 12-month personalized coaching program. This includes access to a dedicated team of providers, dietitians, and exercise coaches, all focused on helping you develop and maintain new, healthier habits.
Part of this journey involves working closely with your care team to modify your diet and learn effective portion control. Additionally, we encourage incorporating movement into your daily routine as a key component of long-term weight management. While resistance training is recommended due to its proven effectiveness in facilitating sustainable weight loss, we also suggest simpler ways to stay active throughout your day, including:
- Walking or cycling for short distance commutes, instead of driving
- Gardening and doing chores
- Taking the stairs whenever possible
- Standing up instead of sitting down while watching TV
Results vary from patient to patient. How much weight you lose is also significantly impacted by how strictly you follow your care team’s instructions regarding diet and fitness.
It’s essential to remember that the balloon alone will not result in long-term weight loss or keep you at a healthy weight. It’s helpful to remember that the device is temporary, so following healthier eating and exercise habits is crucial to ensure your results last.
Benefits of the Gastric Balloon
Apart from the most obvious benefit, weight loss, the gastric balloon procedure also provides you with an opportunity to change behaviors that have led to weight gain in the past.
Feeling full from the balloon can encourage slower and more mindful eating. This can help you develop a healthier relationship with food and avoid emotion-driven eating.
Also, the weight loss you experience from the balloon can make moving easier and more enjoyable. This can help motivate you to become more active, which in turn can contribute to not just weight management but also holistic health.
Losing weight can reduce your risk of obesity-related conditions. These include sleep apnea, joint pain and certain cancers. Additionally, weight loss from a gastric balloon procedure can result in lower blood pressure, improved blood sugar levels, and lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
By following your care team’s advice, you can maintain your results and enjoy a healthier lifestyle in the long term.
Kickstart Your Weight Loss Journey With Bariendo
Overall, the gastric balloon weight loss procedure can provide a valuable starting point for weight loss and serve as a catalyst for adopting healthier habits that go beyond the initial weight loss phase.
For sustainable weight loss solutions tailored to your lifestyle, turn to Bariendo. Our healthcare company focuses on weight management via fast-recovery endoscopic procedures that deliver results without surgery. Our procedures, including gastric balloon, are performed by highly trained and experienced medical professionals in a safe and comfortable environment.
Learn more about Bariendo’s services—request a free consultation today!
