The Advantages Of Gastric Balloons For Weight Loss

Select a weight loss procedure that fits your life. Learn about the best nonsurgical treatment for shedding pounds. Check out the advantages of gastric balloons for weight loss today!

Understanding Gastric Balloons

Gastric balloons are temporary, removable devices placed in the stomach and can remain in your body for up to six months. This non-surgical procedure includes swallowing a capsule, and the doctor inflates the capsule, thus adding the “balloon.” It reinforces portion control as the balloon takes up space inside your stomach. As a result, you’ll eat less and feel more satisfied.

Gastric balloons are ideal for people who don’t qualify for weight loss surgeries like gastric bypass or gastric sleeve. It’s also great for anyone interested in a nonsurgical procedure to help shed pounds. The best part about this procedure is that most people lose 3.1 times the weight they would’ve lost with diet and exercise alone!

What Does the Procedure Look Like?

Gastric balloon insertion is an outpatient procedure that takes around 10 minutes to complete. It starts with ingesting a swallowable capsule, like taking a pill. After taking the capsule, the doctor will inflate the balloon, which will take up space in your stomach.

After insertion, the doctor will monitor your response to the gastric balloon. They will also assess weight loss. Although this procedure differs from traditional surgeries, following the post-procedure diet and making lifestyle changes is essential.

The balloon stays in your body for up to six months. During this time, portion control is “mandatory” as the balloon takes up space. When your doctor removes the balloon, it’s your responsibility to maintain portion control without the “mandatory” help.

Gastric Balloons Advantages

Weight loss is tough. Fortunately, bariatric procedures help people shed pounds and keep the weight off. Unlike invasive procedures, the gastric balloon offers something different. To understand the amazing benefits, check out these advantages of gastric balloons for weight loss:

• It’s temporary. The gastric balloon stays inside your stomach for up to six months. During this time, it reinforces portion control and enables weight loss.
• The nonsurgical solution. The gastric balloon doesn’t involve incisions. It’s also an outpatient procedure, making it a faster process than bariatric surgery. Furthermore, it requires no downtime!
• It has an easy process. The insertion process takes 10 minutes, and it’s relatively simple. You swallow a capsule, and the doctor inflates the balloon inside your stomach.
• You can remove it. Along with being temporary, you can remove a gastric balloon at any time after insertion. Typically, people remove the balloon if they experience discomfort. But this is a rare occurrence.
• Produce weight loss results. Patients experience significant weight loss with the gastric balloon. After placement, people generally lose seven to 15 percent of their body weight. This is around 20 to 50 pounds.
• Less expensive than surgery. Compared to other bariatric procedures, the gastric balloon is less expensive. Your bariatric clinic will discuss exact pricing but expect a significantly lower price than invasive procedures.

Post-Procedure Diet

Expect a post-procedure diet after balloon placement. Your body must adjust to the balloon, and following the proper steps is essential. Typically, you start with a clear liquid diet 24 to 48 hours after placement. Water, sugar-free Jell-O, and clear chicken broths are some good options.

Proceeding the clear liquid diet, you can start a “full liquid diet” three to seven days post-procedure. Consume satisfying liquids like protein shakes and strained soups.

For week two, consume pureed foods. This is an essential step since pureed foods help you transition from liquids to food with a thicker consistency. Eat pureed fruits and vegetables, low-fat smoothies, and low-fat yogurt.

During week three, incorporate soft foods into your diet. Eating meals low in calories, carbohydrates, and fat is best. Consume oatmeal, hummus, and canned soft meats (tuna, salmon, chicken, etc.).

Week four and beyond includes solid food. Given the heavy restrictions, slowly introduce solid foods back into your diet. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, salads with light dressing, and boiled eggs. Although you can eat a regular diet again, consuming nutritious and filling meals is essential.

Understanding Your Limits

The gastric balloon affects your calorie intake, making you eat less. While introducing solid foods and meals, understand your eating limits. Don’t overeat or undereat. Find a good balance and make sure to eat nutrient-rich meals. Try different portion sizes to find the right balance. Perhaps two ounces of meat, three ounces of vegetables, and one ounce of carbs are the right amount for you. Ultimately, don’t be afraid to find what works for you!

Maintaining the Lifestyle

The “gastric balloon lifestyle” isn’t exclusive to eating habits. It includes physical activity habits too. Support weight loss by adopting an exercise regimen. If you’re new to exercising, start walking for 20 minutes daily. Then, increase your walking time and distance. You can also join a gym and utilize ellipticals and workout classes.

Maintaining the lifestyle is essential for lasting results. Understandably, it’s easier to shed pounds with the gastric balloon inside your stomach (reinforced portion control). However, you must follow good practice with and without the balloon in your stomach.

Eating right and frequent exercise are critical components of weight loss success. Continuous effort and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle will help you live a better life.

Helpful Lifestyle Tips

Successful lifestyle change isn’t easy, and it doesn’t happen overnight. However, taking things one step at a time will help your journey. Following our helpful tips will also help your post-procedure life. Read these helpful lifestyle tips:

• Plan your grocery trips. Make mealtime easy by planning your grocery trip. Write down the meals you want to eat and the required ingredients. This prevents wandering through aisles and selecting unhealthy items.
• Try meal preparation. After a good grocery haul, consider meal prepping for the week. You prepare meals ahead of time and pre-portion the foods. Get cooking out the way and have meals on hand! You can also prep snacks and keep them in your fridge or pantry.
• Learn your stress triggers. Stress-eating is something many people experience. With a gastric balloon, stress-eating can affect your healthy diet (especially if you consume high-calorie options). Instead of binge eating, learn your stress triggers to find good coping mechanisms. For instance, breathing exercises and meditation help with stress.
• Create an exercise plan. Frequent exercise is a part of the gastric balloon lifestyle. To guide and encourage physical activity, create a plan for daily workouts. Incorporate various workouts like walking, aerobics, yoga, and strength training.
• Avoid high-calorie drinks. To avoid filling up on drinks, avoid high-calorie options like milkshakes, beer, and juices. Consuming too much will lead to discomfort.
• Don’t discourage yourself. The gastric balloon can sometimes bloat your stomach, making you think you’re not losing weight. However, this isn’t true. Don’t discourage yourself or think the balloon doesn’t work.

Let Slim Vegas Bariatric Help

If you’re searching for a gastric balloon in Las Vegas, let Slim Vegas Bariatric help! Our compassionate team wants to support your weight loss goals. We use modern and professional practices to help patients. Please call us today to request an appointment.