Gastric balloon treatment is a weight loss surgery that involves placing a silicone balloon into your stomach to reduce its size. It can help people who are obese or overweight by decreasing the amount of food you can eat, making you feel full sooner. We have compiled a list of the top 5 benefits of gastric balloon treatment and read on.
- Temporary and reversible
The gastric balloon is designed to only stay in your stomach for six months before it is removed. After six months, the balloon is deflated and taken out of your stomach so you can have your normal stomach size again. However, if any issues arise sooner than six months, the balloon can be removed at any time.
- No surgery is required
Gastric balloon treatment is a nonsurgical procedure, meaning no incisions or stitches are involved. During the procedure, you are sedated with local anesthesia so you will be comfortable. Your doctor inserts a thin tube carrying the silicone balloon through your throat into the stomach. Then, and endoscope (a tiny tube with a camera on its end) is guided down the throat and into the stomach to observe the silicone balloon as your doctor inflates it with saline. Your doctor then seals the inflated balloon, withdraws the tubes, and the treatment is complete. The procedure usually takes around 30 minutes and you can leave the hospital on the same day.
- Less expensive than surgical procedures
Since gastric balloon treatment involves no surgery, stitches, complicated techniques, and hospital stay, it is significantly more affordable than surgical procedures. While it is hard to give the exact price of the procedure (because it depends on where in the world you have it), gastric balloon treatment is generally less expensive than gastric bypass and gastric sleeve.
- You may be eligible for gastric balloon even if you can’t undergo surgery
Most weight loss surgery, such as bariatric surgery, can only be performed on people who have excessively high BMIs as well as severe obesity-related medical conditions. However, with gastric balloon treatment, people with lower BMIs (but are still overweight or obese) are allowed to undergo the procedure.
- The result is real and significant
In the six months that patients have the balloon inside their stomach, most experience significant weight loss. It is reported that the balloon helps remove 20 to 50 pounds of excess weight within six months. After the balloon is removed from the stomach, patients can continue to lose weight and maintain healthier physiques as long as they can commit to the recommended diet and exercise program.
If you decide to have the procedure, find a reputable and certified doctor to do the procedure. MyMediTravel will gladly help you out in finding out more information regarding gastric balloon treatment as well as finding the best doctor to perform the procedure, anywhere in the world!