We have all heard the staggering statistics regarding the growing rates of obesity in our country and throughout the world. This serious disease affects millions of individuals and compromises their health in multiple ways. In fact, it is the second-largest contributor to preventable premature death in the United States.
Weight loss surgery has been an option for many years to address patients with severe obesity. However, only about 1% of the patients who qualify to have it actually go through with the surgery. Luckily, these days, they have other, less drastic options that can help them lose weight.
Today we are going to talk about a less invasive type of intervention for obesity that is often called balloon surgery for weight loss. We are going to discuss how medically implanting an inflatable balloon into a patient's stomach can help them lose weight without surgery.
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What Is Balloon Surgery For Weight Loss?
If you hear individuals use the phrase "balloon surgery for weight loss" on YouTube or other social media platforms, you might become a bit confused. While there is a weight loss method that is used to combat obesity called an intragastric balloon, it is considered minimally invasive and does not require surgery at all.
Historically, the only form of medical intervention that was available to help patients with obesity was bariatric surgery, so people often still say balloon surgery for weight loss when they are really talking about a non-surgical and temporary weight loss tool.
The intragastric balloon is implanted into a patient's stomach using an endoscopic procedure that does not require any incisions or the use of general anesthesia. A deflated silicone balloon is lowered through an endoscope down the patient’s throat and placed into their stomach in a short in-office procedure. The balloon is then filled with saline solution to take up space in their stomach, making them feel full and restricting the amount of food they can eat at one time.
Why Should Someone Consider An Intragastric Balloon For Weight Loss?
When suffering from obesity, an individual can have many factors working against them as they try to lose weight. This makes weight loss almost impossible with just diet and exercises alone and without some type of medical intervention.
Sometimes their stomach stretches out, allowing them to eat more food than they need while also requiring them to eat larger portions at mealtime to feel full and satisfied. This is the reason that most medical weight loss interventions institute some type of restrictive measure to reduce the capacity of the patient's stomach.
Individuals who are looking for help with weight loss without having to undergo surgery should consider using a gastric balloon program because it offers benefits such as:
- It is a safe alternative to surgery;
- It offers significant weight-loss potential;
- The balloon device is only used temporarily;
- Implanting the balloon only takes about 30 minutes and is done as an outpatient procedure;
- The procedure does not require general anesthesia.
Gastric balloon surgery for weight loss is an excellent option for patients who either do not qualify for bariatric surgery or do not wish to commit to such drastic changes to their digestive system.
Are There Strict Qualifications For Individuals Desiring To Use A Balloon For Weight Loss?
In the United States, individuals with obesity who meet the qualifications for bariatric surgery may opt to use a balloon instead because it has fewer risks, a quicker recovery time, and is only temporary. Others may choose to use a weight loss balloon because their BMI does not meet the qualifications for bariatric surgery or because their health is poor and surgery would be unsafe. Sometimes an intragastric balloon is used as an interim solution to help a patient lose an initial amount of weight so they can qualify for necessary surgery.
The specific qualifications for gastric balloon eligibility may vary depending on the healthcare provider, but some common factors that are typically taken into consideration are:
- A BMI between 30 and 40 is generally required, although this can vary;
- Candidates for balloon surgery have usually attempted other weight loss methods, such as diet and exercise, without achieving significant or sustainable weight loss;
- The person's overall health condition is assessed to ensure they can tolerate the procedure;
- Candidates need to demonstrate a willingness and commitment to making lifestyle changes because a weight loss balloon is a temporary tool used as part of a comprehensive weight loss program that includes dietary modifications, exercise, and behavioral changes.
How Much Weight Can Someone Lose Using A Balloon Without Surgery For Weight Loss?
The amount of weight an individual can lose using a balloon can vary depending on many factors, such as their starting weight and the amount and degree of lifestyle changes they make that help promote weight loss.
The average individual can expect to lose at least 10% of their total weight or around 30% of their excess weight. Many individuals lose significantly larger percentages of weight through dedication to their program; however, patients who do not stick to their lifestyle changes and healthier diet may regain their lost weight after the balloon is removed.
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Balloon For Weight Loss Without Surgery Reviews
The non-surgical Orbera weight loss balloon can help you lose three times as much weight as using diet and exercise alone. The comprehensive program that accompanies a balloon weight loss program provides nutrition education and teaches strategies that can help patients maintain a healthy weight over the long term. Here are a few balloon surgery weight loss reviews that people have written about their experience with Orbera.
"I lost 30 pounds in just two months since having my balloon put in. I feel so much better already, but I plan to lose 50 more pounds. I am happy with my results so far because, as much as I tried and tried, I was never able to lose weight on my own. I could have never lost 30 pounds without this Orbera balloon."
"I just had my balloon taken out yesterday after having it for six months, and I am down 25 pounds. The hardest part was feeling nauseous at the beginning, but then I felt much better. I did not have a large amount of weight to lose and could have lost a bit more if I had exercised more often. I am still working on some lifestyle changes to help me maintain this weight loss and lose a little more. I have learned how to make better food choices and when I should stop eating, and I am glad I decided to try this weight loss balloon."
"I have struggled with my weight as long as I can remember, and years ago I had thought about having lap band surgery but just couldn’t do it. It made me too nervous to think about having such an invasive surgical procedure. Then I read an article about the Orbera balloon and got super excited that it did not require surgery and was only temporary. It eased my mind to know that if, for some reason, the balloon caused me any problems, it could easily be taken out. I had the Orbera balloon procedure, and I feel better than I have in many years. The experience has not only helped me lose weight, but it has also taught me how to eat better and take better care of myself. I am delighted with my results."
Balloon For Weight Loss Without Surgery On YouTube
Written reviews are wonderful, but there is nothing more convincing than before and after pictures of balloon surgery for weight loss. If the old saying "a picture is worth a thousand words" is true, then how many words is a video worth? Take a look at these patients who had balloon surgery for weight loss.
This Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center patient lost 35 pounds with the Orbera weight loss balloon in just six months.
This gentleman is down 31 pounds and counting in just one month!
This dedicated lady has experienced incredible weight loss results from an Orbera balloon weighing 112 pounds. She started out strong, losing 18 pounds in her first month, and was motivated to persevere long-term. Her dedication and changes in lifestyle have yielded an amazing transformation.
If you are looking for help to lose weight without resorting to invasive surgery, a weight loss balloon may be a great option for you. Contact Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center to find out if you are a candidate for this life-changing procedure and to learn about other non-invasive weight loss options.
We are here to help you every step of the way on your weight loss journey, from the medical intervention tool to the day-to-day choices that will help you lose weight safely and effectively. Set up an appointment with an obesity-trained medical expert today and take that first big step toward a healthier lifestyle.
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