What are the benefits of gastric balloon?

One major benefit of the gastric balloon is the avoidance of invasive surgeries. The insertion of the gastric balloon is one of only two non-invasive weight loss surgeries currently available to patients. Those who are reluctant to lie down on the operating table have experienced much success with the gastric balloon option.

Because the gastric balloon is not invasive, it is an excellent option for those who do not want to take the risks involved in major surgery. This is especially beneficial for those patients whose BMI’s are too high to qualify for other invasive weight loss options. Surgeons may suggest the gastric balloon as a first step towards weight loss, other steps may include invasive weight loss surgery farther down the road.

The procedure generally takes around ten minutes and the recovery time is just one day. This allows patients with families or work schedules the availability of a weight loss solution that will not interfere with their schedules and does not require lengthy hospital stays or extensive recovery time. Those who choose the gastric balloon will be kept in the hospital for an average of just one hour.

Because the gastric balloon works with the body to simply control portions, there is no special diet for patients with gastric balloons. This means patients can still enjoy a range of food options and do not need to take any supplemental medications.

The gastric balloon trains the body to desire smaller portions of food, so that upon removal the patients are able to continue eating smaller portions. The gastric balloon can be a helpful step towards long term weight loss goals in patients who maintain the reduction in their food intake once the balloon is removed. Those who are willing to diet in addition to using the gastric balloon will see the greatest results towards their weight loss goals.

Those who choose the gastric balloon as a weight loss solution should expect a rate of about 40% weight loss. Many patients find that in addition to weight loss, they get better sleep after the insertion of the balloon. This is due to weight related sleep complications such as sleep apnea. Weight loss will reduce the pressure on the throat and respiratory system which will make breathing easier for patients who experience difficulties during sleep.