Gastric balloonsare innovative medical devices designed for obesity treatment. They are delicately placed through the mouth, made of soft silicone, and inflated with saline solution inside the stomach. This inflation occupies space, leading to a feeling of fullness and reduced food intake, ultimately aiding in weight loss.
Compared to weight loss surgery, gastric balloons offer a less invasive option and are often incorporated into comprehensive weight management programs. Typically used for six months to a year, these balloons provide significant benefits in jump-starting weight loss efforts, but they are intended to complement a healthy lifestyle rather than serve as a long-term solution.
The top 5 benefits of gastric balloons ( بالون المعدة )in the fight against obesity will be covered in this blog.
1. Non-Surgical Procedure
Gastric balloons offer a non-surgical and minimally invasive approach to weight loss. Inserted through the mouth using an endoscope, they avoid any incisions in the body, leading to reduced discomfort and quicker recovery.
Compared to traditional weight loss surgeries, this procedure carries lower risks and complications, providing a safer alternative for individuals seeking effective weight management and treatment. Moreover, the minimally invasive procedure generally results in shorter hospital stays, enabling patients to resume their daily activities with minimal disruption.
Advantages-
Non-surgical
Minimally invasive
Lower risk
Disadvantages-
Temporary solution
Weight regain ( استعادة الوزن )
Potential side effects
2. Effective Weight Loss Tool
Gastric balloons have proven to be highly effective in promoting weight loss, with studies showing significant reductions in body weight and improvements in obesity-related conditions.
The procedure’s non-surgical and minimally invasive nature not only lowers the risk of complications but also reduces hospital stays, allowing individuals to resume their daily activities sooner.
Moreover, the temporary placement of gastric balloons is a helpful catalyst in jump-starting weight loss efforts, encouraging individuals to adopt healthier lifestyle changes for sustained results.
Gastric balloons work by occupying space in the stomach, which creates a sensation of fullness even with smaller food portions, reducing appetite and the urge to overeat.
The physically impeding effect of the inflated balloon reduces the speed at which the food moves from the stomach to the intestines. It delays the emptying of the stomach, leading to prolonged feelings of satiety and reduced hunger.
Gastric balloons successfully reduce portion sizes by restricting the amount of food eaten at once. It encourages people to develop healthier eating habits and consume fewer calories, which helps with weight loss.
Advantages
Significant weight loss
Improves obesity-related conditions
Effective weight loss tool
Disadvantages
Limited weight loss
Need for dietary changes
Not suitable for all
3. Shorter Hospital Stay
Gastric balloon procedures are typically performed on an outpatient basis, which means patients can undergo the procedure and return home on the same day.
This non-surgical approach offers several advantages in terms of convenience and recovery.
During the procedure, the patient is placed under mild sedation or anaesthesia to ensure comfort. The gastric balloon insertion is carried out endoscopically, through the mouth, without any incisions in the body. A flexible tube called an endoscope with a camera on it is cautiously inserted into the stomach.
The deflated balloon is inserted through the endoscope and positioned in the stomach. Once correctly placed, the balloon is filled with a saline solution, which expands its size and occupies space in the stomach.
B. Advantages
Outpatient basis
Reversible option
Safe and well-tolerated
C. Disadvantages
Lifestyle adjustments required
Hospital cost
Unsuitable for some conditions
4. Reversible and Adjustable
Gastric balloons offer the advantage of being a reversible weight loss treatment. Unlike permanent weight loss surgeries, gastric balloons can be removed anytime without additional surgery.
The same endoscopic technique utilised for insertion can also be employed for the very straightforward removal procedure. This reversibility provides individuals with flexibility and control over their weight loss journey.
If a patient achieves their desired weight loss goals or experiences any discomfort or side effects during the treatment period, they can opt to have the balloon removed at any time.
Advantages
Reversibility
Safety
Patient-centred approach
Disadvantages
Risk of weight regain
Limited duration of effect
Reinsertion limitations
5. Helps Establish Healthy Habits
Gastric balloons aid individuals in establishing healthier eating habits by inducing a sense of fullness and reducing food intake. With the balloon occupying the stomach, smaller meals become satisfying, encouraging portion control. As a temporary weight loss tool, it prompts patients to make lifestyle changes during treatment, promoting conscious food choices, mindful eating, and regular mealtimes.
By experiencing the benefits of healthier habits during balloon placement, individuals are more motivated to sustain these changes long-term, enhancing the overall success of their weight management journey.
– Gastric balloons induce early satiety, encouraging mindful eating and portion control for behaviour modification.
– The presence of the balloon prompts individuals to adopt healthier lifestyle changes, leading to long-term weight management success.
– Regular follow-up and support during treatment reinforce positive habits and provide ongoing guidance for sustained results.
Advantages
Improved self-awareness
Long-term healthy eating habits
Sustainable good food habits
Disadvantages
Lifestyle adjustments
Dietary restrictions
Restrict food cravings
Conclusion
In conclusion, gastric balloons offer a compelling non-surgical and effective weight loss tool for individuals struggling with obesity. The procedure’s advantages include shorter hospital stays, reversibility, and adjustability, giving patients greater control over their weight management journey—additionally, gastric balloons aid in establishing healthy eating habits. It’s vital to consult a healthcare provider if you’re thinking about weight loss options to establish whether gastric balloons are a good fit.
If you’re looking for a non-surgical weight loss option, then OBALON Gastric Balloon is a good option that you can consider. Like gastric bypass surgery, the purpose of this medical procedure is to help people who haven’t been able to lose weight through lifestyle changes.
But unlike gastric bypass surgery, it does not involve any surgery. It is a safe option in which three gas-filled intragastric balloons would be fed to you and used in a strategic way to achieve weight loss goals. Along with the strict dietary and exercise program, it has been proved that OBALON Gastric Balloon can help people lose weight and get rid of obesity. This weight loss procedure has been approved by the food and drug administration FDA. You can rest assured that this non-surgical weight loss option is completely safe for everyone approved.
Who should choose OBALON Gastric Balloon treatment?
An adult above the age of 22 with a body mass index somewhere between 30 and 40 will be a good candidate for this weight loss program. There are certain complexities that make OBALON Gastric Balloon is not too good an option for people who have already gone through previous stomach surgeries. Also, those who are extremely obese are not advised to choose this treatment. After proper consultation with your OBALON practicing doctor, you can get to know if you are a good candidate for this procedure.
What is the process of an OBALON Gastric Balloon treatment?
OBALON Gastric Balloon treatment uses three intragastric balloons which are fed orally to the patient. These intragastric balloons are filled with gas which occupies space in the stomach. This makes the stomach feel full without needing to eat too much. Smaller portions of food intake make the body feel full faster with the intragastric balloons. When the treatment starts, the doctor places the first balloon orally in the form of a pill which when it reaches the stomach is filled with gas. This process is repeated with the second balloon which is placed a month later. And again with the last balloon that is placed two to three since the beginning of the treatment. All these three balloons remain in the stomach for another three months.
This whole procedure will take approximately six months with the balloons in the stomach and another six months when the balloons are removed. In the complete duration, the patient has to strictly abide by the professionally designed diet which will be supervised down to the last details. Regular exercise programs specifically designed for the patient also need to be followed even after the balloons are removed.
How can one prepare for this treatment?
The OBALON Gastric Balloon treatment is a long-term treatment. On average, it will take a full year to be finished successfully. This is why it is important that you make certain lifestyle modifications before you begin the treatment. Having an Obalon-trained physician in your area would be important to continue with the treatment smoothly. Regular checkups and strict supervision is an important aspect of the treatment. Staying in close proximity to the provider would be very useful.
Before going into the treatment, detailed medical history and health condition check would be required. For this reason, your physician would run a number of medical tests to determine your current health condition. This will also help check if you are eligible for the treatment. Depending on your results and current health condition, an individualized treatment plan would be devised for you. You will also be accompanied by a professional nutritionist or dietitian for your diet and exercise plan.
Are there any side effects with this treatment?
Side effects with the OBALON balloon system treatment are very rare. The typical side effects that have been seen until now include abdominal pain and nausea. The gas-filled intragastric balloons are very lightweight and don’t discomfort the stomach. They’re safe as they wouldn’t irritate your stomach lining or cause any disruption in the usual functioning of the organs. As it is a non-surgical procedure, there is no downtime for recovery. It is a very simple and safe weight loss program that is strictly administered by professionals who are trained in the system.
You should use the OBALON Gastric Balloon if your BMI is between 30 and 40. It is a non- invasive treatment which is safely approved by the FDA as well. You need not worry about the side effects of the risks of the surgery as they are very rare. With detailed instructions and assistance throughout the weight loss program, you will definitely be able to lose weight in a healthy manner. This is a long-term treatment that will help you sustain the results you get from this medical procedure for a long time. Following the professionally prepared diet and exercise plan, you can achieve great results within a year of the procedure.
