Gastric Balloon

Name: Gastric Balloon
Brand: Las Vegas Bariatrics
Rating: 4.5 (168 reviews)

A gastric balloon is a temporary treatment designed to help patients lose weight by shrinking the stomach’s volume without surgery.

About the Gastric Balloon

The balloon itself is made of durable silicone rubber and placed in the stomach so that the patient feels full after eating less food. However, the gastric balloon is not a procedure offered at Las Vegas Bariatrics.

What is a Gastric Balloon Procedure?

The gastric balloon procedure helps patients eat smaller meals, resulting in weight loss. To insert the balloon, your doctor will use an endoscope, which is a thin tube. Before insertion, the balloon is deflated; after, it is filled with saline solution, which will help you feel full and leave less space for food. Sometimes, when patients need to lose weight before planned surgery, a gastric balloon can help achieve this in a shorter period. Generally, patients can lose between 10% and 15% of their body weight throughout a six-month program.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Gastric Balloon Procedure?

Patients who have not successfully lost weight with lifestyle modifications and are looking for a less invasive solution may benefit from a gastric balloon. The procedure is generally recommended for those with a BMI of 30 to 40.

What can I Expect From a Gastric Balloon Procedure?

You will likely lose weight rapidly within three to four months after the gastric balloon procedure. As part of a comprehensive weight loss and overall wellness approach, you should also maintain a healthy diet and a physically active lifestyle, which can help prevent weight gain after the balloon is removed. The balloon is generally removed after six months or when your doctor recommends they should remove it.

Having your gastric balloon removed is a relatively straightforward procedure that takes about 20 minutes to complete, including:

Sedation to ensure your comfort
An endoscope, which will be inserted through your mouth and into your stomach
A puncture through the gastric balloon to remove the saline, deflating the balloon

Once the balloon is deflated, the endoscope can be used to remove the deflated balloon.

What is the Recovery Process Like?

After your gastric balloon procedure, you must drink small sips of clear liquids for up to 6 hours. Since you will still have remnants of the sedative in your system, someone will have to drive you home after your procedure. You may experience nausea and vomiting for three to five days as your stomach adjusts to the balloon. During the first week of recovery, you may also need to sleep in a more elevated position and on your left side to feel more comfortable. The recovery process after gastric balloon removal is even more straightforward since you will not experience nausea associated with its placement. You should also be able to return to a regular diet the following day. However, remember to keep to the healthier eating habits you developed throughout this process to maintain your results.

Why Choose Las Vegas Bariatrics?

At Las Vegas Bariatrics, our Bariatric Surgery Center of Excellence for Bariatric Surgery is backed by a highly skilled and compassionate team dedicated to providing exceptional services. Dr. Bernie Hanna, Dr. Morgan Pomeranz, and Dr. Punam Patel teach patients how to lead a healthy lifestyle by emphasizing the importance of nutrition, fitness, and group support. If you are ready to get started on the journey to wellness, call our office today so we can discuss which surgical option will be ideal for your unique situation.