Find out if a gastric balloon is the best way to help you lose weight.
No matter what diet you try or exercise regimen you take on, you are still finding it nearly impossible to lose the weight and keep it off. Despite your best efforts, sometimes you just need a little extra help to lose weight, and that’s okay. Of course, there are so many weight loss strategies to consider that it can sometimes be difficult to know which one is the best choice. Our New York City gastroenterologist, Dr. Azeem Khan, provides a little more information about what goes into getting a gastric balloon to help you decide whether it could meet your weight loss goals.
What is involved in getting a gastric balloon?
This non-surgical procedure is always performed while under the effects of sedation so you won’t feel anything. During this procedure, we will use an endoscope— a thin flexible tube—to guide a balloon down the esophagus into the stomach. Once inside the stomach, our NYC doctor will fill the balloon with saline. Once the balloon is full of the solution, we will remove the endoscope. This procedure takes around 30 minutes and you’ll be able to leave the office after it’s complete. The average recovery time is usually about three days.
What are the benefits of getting the gastric balloon?
When you have the gastric balloon you will notice that you feel full more quickly. Because of this, many patients report losing a significant amount of weight in the first six months after the procedure. Those who’ve experienced significant weight loss have also reported an improvement in conditions such as diabetes, as well as musculoskeletal and joint problems.
Does the gastric balloon have to be removed?
After having the balloon for six months, it will be removed. After that, we will provide you with a diet plan to follow to make sure that you continue to stick to your goals after having the gastric balloon. Having these regular one-on-one sessions with us is very important, as it can continue to help keep you motivated and focused on your weight loss.
If you are interested in this weight loss procedure, then it’s time to find out if you are the ideal candidate for treatment. Call Forest Hills Gastroenterology in NYC today to book your consultation. Let’s start your weight loss journey together.