Gastric Balloon in New York City and Forest Hills, NY
Gastric balloons, sometimes also called intragastric balloons, are used to aid patients with weight loss. The gastric balloon is placed in the stomach to effectively limit the amount of food the stomach can hold. The result is that patients with gastric balloons feel full much more quickly and end up eating less, which leads to weight loss. Gastric balloons are temporary and should be removed within six months.
Since a gastric balloon can only remain in place for a few months, it is not a long-term weight loss solution. Some patients elect to have the gastric balloon to jump start their weight loss as they begin a long-term healthy diet and exercise regimen. Another reason some patients choose the gastric balloon is to help them lose extra weight before undergoing an aggressive weight loss surgery, such as gastric bypass. Losing weight in advance can reduce the risk of complications from surgery.
If you are interested in the gastric balloon, the gastroenterology team at Forest Hills Gastroenterology in Forest Hills, NY, can determine if you would be a good candidate for the procedure. Additionally, they can outline the benefits of the procedure and answer any questions you have regarding it.
Gastric Balloon Procedure
The gastric balloon procedure is less complicated than other weight loss surgeries, including gastric bypass and the lap band. No actual surgery is required. The balloon is placed in your stomach through your mouth without any incision. Once the balloon has been placed in the stomach, it is then filled with either a saline solution or air. The procedure takes about 30 minutes to perform and many patients can go home the same day. The gastric balloon can remain in place for up to six months. The procedure for removal is similar to insertion.
Health Benefits
There are many health benefits associated with the weight loss that results from having a gastric balloon. For many patients, the weight loss alone is a major benefit. However, there are many more. For instance, a study published in Obesity Surgery, the Journal of Metabolic Surgery and Allied Care, demonstrated a substantial decrease in such conditions as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and bone or joint disease among gastric balloon patients as compared to other overweight patients who have never had the procedure done.