A gastric balloon (sometimes called an intragastric balloon) is an FDA-approved, non-surgical treatment for weight loss. They’ve been proven to help people lose a significant amount of weight and keep it off.
Gastric balloons work by taking up space inside your stomach. Because the balloon is filled with salt water (saline), it physically leaves less space inside your stomach for food. This results in feeling more full, and not eating as much as you used to.
During your balloon procedure, your doctor will place the gastric balloon by sliding a small, thin tube down your throat and into your stomach. You’ll be comfortably sedated under light anesthesia. The procedure lasts about 20 minutes.
Second, we are the FIRST bariatric center in the Northwest to offer the Spatz3 Gastric Balloon. I have been placing gastric balloons for weight management since 2008. This balloon is the first adjustable gastric balloon. Transform has been chosen from a handful of centers in the U.S. to launch this innovative technology. This balloon can be placed or removed in about half an hour using a flexible endoscopy. Currently, it can remain in the stomach for 8 months, but the FDA may soon provide approval to extend this to 12 months. Patients can lose about 53.6% of their excess weight, which is comparable to the Lap Band® System.
What is a gastric balloon?
A gastric balloon is an inflatable medical device that one of our board certified physicians can place in your stomach for up to six months in order to give you that “full” feeling and help you lose weight by curbing your appetite. It’s a great option if you’re obese and haven’t been able to lose weight with diet or exercise. On average, you can expect to lose between 10 and 15% of your body weight.
Who is a candidate for the gastric balloon procedure?
The experienced team at Transform will meet with you to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure. In addition to your medical and family history and your weight goals, they consider the following:
- You haven’t had success with diligent diet or exercise
- You’re willing to make lifestyle changes that involve diet, exercise, sleep, and mindset
- Have a BMI between 30 and 40
The gastric balloon is not recommended if you’ve had any type of weight loss surgery in the past.
What can I expect during the gastric balloon procedure?
While you’re under anesthesia, one of our board certified physicians guides a tiny camera through your mouth, down your esophagus, and into your stomach. He then inserts a silicon balloon and fills it with a saline solution.
The entire procedure takes less than 15 minutes and is well tolerated by the clinic’s patients. You can return to your usual activities immediately after you receive your gastric balloon.
In about six months, you’ll return to Transform to deflate and remove the balloon.
How long does it take to get results?
Immediately following your gastric balloon procedure, you feel fuller, faster. This leads to less intake of food, which kicks off your weight loss. On average, you can expect to lose at least a couple of pounds each week, with most patients shedding up to 50 pounds during the six months that the balloon is in place.
If you want to retrain your fullness signals and decrease the amount of food you eat, call Transform Weight Loss to learn more about the gastric balloon procedure or book your appointment online.
