Gastric Balloon for Non-Surgical Weight Loss

Gastric balloon is a reversible, non-surgical weight loss bariatric procedure. It is a safe and effective procedure for a wide range of individuals wanting help with both moderate and significant weight loss. It comes with fewer risks and complications compared to weight loss surgery.

How Does The Gastric Balloon Work?

The gastric balloon is a deflated silicone balloon that is inserted into the stomach through the mouth and filled with liquid or air. It helps patients lose weight by reducing the amount of food that the stomach can hold, making the patient feel fuller faster. A gastric balloon can stay in for up to six months, after which it is easily removed.

The gastric balloon procedure takes between 20-30 minutes, and most patients can go home about three hours after the procedure. Once the doctor installs the balloon using a tiny endoscopic instrument, the balloon is inflated and will float freely in the stomach. It comes with minimal risks and cannot be passed with the bowels.

Once the balloon is taken out, the patient’s stomach, and often their appetite, returns to normal. Maintaining weight loss will require a healthy lifestyle with movement and balanced nutrition.

Who is a Candidate for a Gastric Balloon?

A gastric balloon is an effective solution for someone who wants to lose weight before an upcoming special event or when diet and exercise or other treatments haven’t worked.

Unlike typical weight loss surgeries, individuals aren’t required to have a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher, and can have a BMI of 27 or higher to qualify for a gastric balloon. The gastric balloon procedure is a good option for individuals who don’t need significant weight loss, or who may not be candidates for other types of bariatric surgery.

Obese individuals are also candidates for the gastric balloon to jumpstart weight loss. Individuals with a BMI of 60 or above, or with obesity-related health issues, may not qualify for bariatric surgery. Gastric balloon is a non-surgical weight loss solution that can help individuals decrease their high blood pressure, diabetes, or other weight-related health conditions.

Two Types of Weight Loss Balloons

The three main types of gastric balloon are the ReShape™ Gastric Balloon, Orbera Gastric Balloon.

ReShape™ Weight Loss Balloon

The ReShape™ gastric balloon uses two connected gastric balloons that are inserted through the mouth using an endoscope while the patient is under sedation. The balloons are inflated with saline and attached to each other to stay in place for six months. The insertion and removal of the ReShape™ balloons are both outpatient procedures.

The benefits of the ReShape™ Weight Loss Balloon include:

  • Non-surgical procedure
  • Reversible and doesn’t require any permanent implants or digestive system adjustments
  • More than twice as effective for weight loss than diet and exercise alone

ORBERA® Gastric Balloon

The ORBERA® gastric balloon is made of soft silicone that stays in the stomach for six months. It is inserted through the mouth and placed directly into the stomach for a quick procedure that doesn’t require any incisions. On average, patients lose up to three times the weight of diet and exercise alone.

The benefits of the ORBERA® Gastric Balloon include:

  • No incisions, stitches, or scars
  • Non-permanent solution
  • Quick, 30-minute outpatient procedure
  • Aftercare program helps patients maintain weight loss

Living with a Gastric Balloon

With a gastric balloon, patients naturally eat less, reducing their caloric intake. Patients do not have to eliminate or reduce certain foods, unlike other bariatric surgeries. Individuals with a gastric balloon are free to eat all kinds of food, without any side effects. Patients who wish to experience long-term weight loss may want to work with a dietician to implement a healthy diet before and after the balloons are removed.

Contact an Experienced Bariatric Surgeon in Los Angeles Today

The Department of Bariatric Surgery at La Peer Health Systems is here to answer all of your weight-loss questions and recommend which type of procedure is right for you. Our specialized bariatric surgeons can help you lose weight and achieve a healthier lifestyle, whether you choose the gastric balloon or we decide that surgery is best for you.

Get in contact with the bariatric center today at (855) 360-9119.