We know that being overweight is not just a cosmetic problem. Excessive weight and/or obesity are chronic conditions, often with serious consequences, causing complications both, from a physical and a psychological points of view. These conditions can be harmful. But the good news is that it can be addressed.
Thousands of people fight weight issues throughout their lives. A successful resolution of this problem depends on the correct treatment, a healthy diet, and active lifestyle. However, in those cases when these measures are not sufficient, some surgical alternatives can help reduce weight. And a gastric balloon can be one of the best alternatives for weight loss.
What Is Gastric a Balloon?
First of all, let’s forget all the myths that you may have heard about this procedure. Today, a gastric balloon is a proven weight loss method that can accomplish impressive results.
Installing a gastric balloon to lose weight is not a surgical procedure that requires cutting; it’s an endoscopic (nonsurgical) procedure that has minimal risks of complications.
A gastric balloon is a soft silicone ball that is inserted into the stomach through the mouth, the doctor fills it in the stomach, and the person stops experiencing the same degree of hunger on a daily basis (feels full). A gastric balloon limits the amount of food consumed, prevents overeating, which helps keeping up with prescribed diet. Overtime, a change in eating behaviors occurs, adequate dietary habits are formed, which (after weight loss and removal of the gastric balloon) helps maintain the achieved results.
This method has been used successfully for a long time and has demonstrated stable results. Therefore, we recommend it to anyone who wants to lose weight significantly. Liposuction and a tummy tuck can help adjust body contours, but when we talk about overeating habits, cosmetic surgery is not enough.
How Does It Work?
Our Balloon System helps facilitate weight loss by taking up space in your stomach, so you eat less. Also, during treatment, you should receive professional nutrition and fitness support to help you properly adjust your lifestyle. Gastric balloon will help you change your eating habits and maintain excellent weight for a long time.
SurgiCare Arts & Aesthetics offers Obalon Balloon and Orbera Balloon gastric surgeries.
Obalon Balloon gastric surgery involves using three balloons that are placed inside the stomach, one at a time, over the course of three months. It is a 6-month treatment. The Obalon Balloon is air-filled, it consists of three lightweight balloons. The balloons occupy space in your stomach, so you eat less, making weight loss easier.
Obalon Balloon comes in the form of a pill that you swallow, and we blow it up inside your stomach with air. Two weeks later you swallow the second balloon, and then the third balloon, so you get three balloons; six months later, we’ll remove the balloons. You get a little sedation, go to sleep, and we go with a camera in your stomach and take the balloons out.
Orbera Balloon gastric surgery involves a single balloon that remains in place for six months combined with ongoing coaching for up to one year.
This procedure is performed under a mild sedative. A thin deflated balloon is placed in the stomach, then the doctor fills it with saline. The procedure usually takes from 20 to 30 minutes, so you can return home on the same day; hospitalization is not required. Six months later, the balloon is removed in the same way: first it is emptied, then it is removed.
Weight loss occurs quickly, the first significant result is visible after three months or earlier. However, you must understand that adjusting your eating habits and your ongoing efforts to maintain active lifestyle will greatly affect your results. It is important to remember that the gastric balloon is just a tool to help you build healthier habits, but only your dedication can lead you to sustainable success in weight loss.
“Do I Need Special Diet After Gastric Balloon?”
No, you just need to eat healthier and avoid overeating. There are several recommendations you should adhere to:
- Eat 3 times a day in small portions.
- Avoid snacking. If you really want a snack, eat fruits or vegetables (in small quantities).
- Eat proteins first (at least 60 grams of protein every day). Protein helps you maintain muscle when you lose weight fast.
- Eat slowly. Meals should last from 20 to 30 minutes. When you eat too fast, you can eat too much before you feel full.
- Chew food thoroughly.
- Avoid sugars and fats. Follow a balanced diet.
If you are considering bariatric weight loss surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Angelina or Dr. Chris. We help you succeed in losing weight that keeps you from being happy and healthy.
Angelina Postoev, MD, FACS, a triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon, and Christopher Ibikunle, MD, FACS, offer bariatric weight loss surgery for men and women in Atlanta, Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Johns Creek, and the surrounding areas of Georgia. Contact us today to schedule a personal consultation.
If I wanted to lose 15 pounds, using Gastric Balloon Surgery, would they possibly only use one balloon, and could I be a candidate? I would like to know what combination would work better together liposuction and a tummy tuck or Bodytite and a tummy tuck. What would be the price of the chosen pair?