What is a gastric balloon?
A gastric balloon is an inflatable medical device that Dr. Billing places in your stomach for up to six months to help you lose weight. It’s a great option if you’re obese and can’t lose weight with diet or exercise.
With the saline-filled balloon taking up room in your stomach, you have a feeling of fullness so you’re not tempted to overeat. On average, you can expect to lose between 10 and 15% of your body weight.
Who is a candidate for the gastric balloon procedure?
Dr. Billing and his knowledgeable team meet with you to determine if you are a candidate for the procedure. In addition to your medical and family history and your weight goals, they consider the following:
- Haven’t had success with diligent diet or exercise
- 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, Dr. Billing guides a tiny camera through your mouth, down your esophagus, and into your stomach. He 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 the clinic for Dr. Billing 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 online.
