Gastric Band or Gastric Balloon?

Both the gastric band and gastric balloon are safe and effective treatments for patients who are chronically overweight or obese. As with all surgical procedures, there are both risks and benefits. Surgeons will assist patients in choosing between the gastric band and the gastric balloon based on a number of factors.

The gastric balloon is a better option for those who are looking for a temporary weight loss solution. It will jump start weight loss and will be removed a maximum of six months after insertion. Patients who are in need of a procedure to jump start their weight loss will find success with the balloon.

Those who are looking for a more long term solution, however, should opt for the gastric band. The band can be left in place throughout the lifetime of the patient and adjusted according to weight loss needs. This is a better solution for those who do not feel that temporarily training the body to consume less food will result in long term weight loss.

The gastric balloon may be the better option for patients with a busy work schedule or a young family. This is because there is no recovery time with the gastric balloon. It is painlessly inserted during an outpatient procedure and patients can immediately return to normal life. The gastric band, on the other hand, will require a recovery period of around two weeks.

The gastric band may be the better choice for a patient who has larger weight loss goals. Patients with the gastric band should expect to loose about 10% more than those with the gastric balloon.

Medical conditions can also have an influence on which procedure is chosen. Those with heart or blood clotting problems may prefer the gastric balloon because it is a non-invasive procedure that poses significantly less health risks. While both procedures are safe, there are some risks involved with all invasive surgeries, especially for those who are overweight or obese.

Those with consistent weight management problems may find that the gastric band is a more effective solution because it remains around the stomach throughout the patient’s life. The gastric balloon is a short term solution which will be removed after a maximum of six months.

Generally, the risks associated with the gastric balloon are fewer than that of the gastric band. A condition called dumping syndrome, which causes pain and discomfort in the abdomen, will not effect patient’s with gastric balloons. Dumping syndrome is caused by eating foods that are sweet or high in fat. While there are differences between the two procedures, they are both considered to be safe and effective weight loss solutions.

Surgeons will assist all patients in choosing which weight loss option is right for them. The specialist team will be able to weigh the risks and benefits as well as run tests that can indicate a preference towards a safer or more effective procedure.