Gastric balloon in Fairfax is a non-surgical weight loss treatment. It involves the placement of a silicone balloon filled with saline into the stomach. This aids in weight reduction by restricting food intake and promoting a quicker sense of fullness. The placement of an intragastric balloon is a temporary non-surgical procedure.
Consider the intragastric balloon technique if you have weight concerns and have not seen results from traditional diet and exercise.
As with any weight management procedure, the intragastric balloon necessitates a commitment to adopting a healthier lifestyle. Permanent dietary changes and consistent physical activity are essential for ensuring the procedure’s long-term effectiveness.
Benefits of Gastric Balloon
The insertion of an intragastric balloon facilitates weight loss, which, in turn, can reduce the risk of various potentially severe weight-related health conditions, including:
- Specific cancers, such as breast, endometrial, and prostate cancer.
- Heart disease and stroke.
- Elevated blood pressure.
- Increased levels of cholesterol.
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
- Sleep apnea.
- Type 2 diabetes.
Typically, intragastric balloon placement and other weight-loss procedures or surgeries are considered only after attempts to shed pounds through dietary improvements and increased physical activity have been made.
Who Should Get Gastric Balloon in Fairfax VA?
Consider a gastric balloon if:
- Your body mass index (BMI) falls between 30 and 40.
- You’re ready to commit to adopting a healthier lifestyle, engage in regular medical check-ups, and participate in behavioral therapy.
- You haven’t undergone previous stomach or esophageal surgery.
Intragastric balloons may not be suitable for all individuals dealing with excess weight. Your doctor will conduct a screening process to determine whether the procedure could be beneficial for you.
What Can You Expect During and After the Procedure?
The intragastric balloon placement is conducted in the endoscopy unit as an outpatient procedure. You’ll receive sedation during the process.
In the course of the procedure, a slender tube, known as a catheter, is gently guided through your throat and into your stomach. Enclosed within the catheter is the intragastric balloon. Subsequently, the physician advances an endoscope—an adaptable tube equipped with a camera—through your throat and into your stomach. The camera enables your doctor to monitor the process while filling the balloon with saline.
Typically, the procedure lasts approximately half an hour. You can usually return home within 1 to 2 hours following the completion of the procedure.
Around six hours post-procedure, you can begin consuming small quantities of clear liquids. This liquid diet typically persists until the commencement of the second week, at which point you can gradually transition to soft foods. Generally, you’ll be able to reintroduce regular solid foods into your diet approximately three weeks after the intragastric balloon insertion.
Intragastric balloons are typically retained for up to six months and are then removed using an endoscope. During this period, the decision to place a new balloon or not will be based on a plan established by you and your healthcare provider.
Following your procedure, you will have regular appointments with members of your medical team, including your nutritionist and psychologist, to monitor your progress and provide support.
Gastric Balloon in Fairfax Virginia
If you are considering weight loss surgery, its essential to have a bariatric dietician in your corner. The support, knowledge, and guidance that you receive from them is truly invaluable during your weight loss journey. To learn more, please contact Maryland Bariatrics today.
