Intra-gastric balloons are a safe and effective non-surgical weight loss tool to kickstart weight loss. They’re an excellent starting point for patients committed to long-term diet and exercise changes to maintain a healthy weight.
DR. CHRISTOPHER MCGOWAN
Dr. Christopher McGowan, MD, a leader in endobariatrics, specializes in non-surgical obesity treatments and is triple-board-certified in Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, and Obesity Medicine. Renowned for pioneering endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) with over 2,000 procedures, his global influence and research contributions define him as a top expert.
Multiple types of gastric balloons are on the market today, including the ORBERA® Intragastric Balloon System and Spatz3 adjustable balloon used here at True You Weight Loss. These balloons help patients feel full faster and limit their caloric intake. The balloon may also slow down stomach emptying, which helps patients feel full (satiated) for longer.
Most patients lose 10 to 15 percent of their total body weight within six to eight months, which is about 3 to 4 times more than people usually lose with diet and exercise alone. Across the U.S., gastric balloon patients lost an average of 21.8 pounds in six months with the ORBERA® balloon. With the Spatz3 balloon, studies show patients lost an average of 15 percent of their body weight after eight months.
At True You Weight Loss, we see even greater results. Our average weight loss is between 30 and 50 pounds, with some motivated patients losing as much as 100 pounds or more.
Results depend on your starting weight, your exercise routine, and how motivated you are. Sticking to a healthy diet and not overeating is key to a successful gastric balloon journey. It’s also critical to continue eating small portions, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to ensure you don’t gain weight back after the balloon is removed.
A gastric balloon is an excellent treatment option to jumpstart weight loss, but it’s not a permanent solution. You need to commit long-term to diet and lifestyle changes to keep weight off for good. That’s why we provide ongoing aftercare, including the support of a registered dietitian to support every patient through their gastric balloon journey.
What to Expect During Gastric Balloon Placement
During the procedure, a highly trained gastroenterologist will use an endoscope — a thin, flexible tube fitted with a camera — to place a silicone balloon in your stomach. Once the balloon is in place, it is filled with a saline solution until it’s the size of a grapefruit. The balloon sits on top of the stomach to reduce stomach capacity and hunger – leading to rapid weight loss.
The procedure takes only 15 minutes and is performed under sedation in an outpatient setting, so patients return home the same day. The first couple of days after placing a gastric balloon may be uncomfortable while your stomach adjusts to having the balloon in place. Your provider will offer some tips and strategies – as well as medication therapy – for managing those first 48 to 72 hours. After that adjustment period, most patients tolerate the balloon very well.
After the procedure, patients will need to follow a modified diet for about a month. In the days after the procedure, patients will be advised to follow a liquid-only diet, adding pureed foods next, and then soft foods, before transitioning to a regular diet.
It’s also advised to avoid strenuous exercise for about a week, after which you can resume all your normal activities without restriction.
Our nutrition team advises patients to eat three meals per day, spaced about 3 to 4 hours apart. Because of the gastric balloon placement, these meals will contain much smaller portions than patients are used to.
After 6 to 8 months (depending on the balloon), your doctor will deflate and remove the balloon during a similar non-invasive endoscopic procedure.
In addition to weight loss, many patients report improvements in overall health – including improved or resolved conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, sleep apnea, or joint pain. Other ‘non-scale victories’ include having more energy, confidence, and an improved outlook on life. Some patients even report mental health benefits, such as decreased anxiety and/or depression.
Which Gastric Balloon is Right for Me?
At True You Weight Loss, we offer two excellent gastric balloon treatment options: ORBERA® and Spatz3. Both have an outstanding treatment record for both safety and efficacy.
There are other technologies being tested for use in the U.S., including a swallowable weight loss balloon that doesn’t require endoscopic placement and is naturally eliminated from the body a few months after swallowing it. However, balloon pills have not been approved by the FDA and are still being studied. Some patients report more side effects like cramping and vomiting with the balloon pill than with a gastric balloon that has been placed endoscopically.
Choosing True You Weight Loss for a Gastric Balloon
At True You Weight Loss, we’ll partner with you long before your non-surgical weight loss procedure, walk you through your treatment options, and answer any questions you may have. If you decide a gastric balloon is the right intervention for you, True You Weight Loss is one of the most experienced and successful centers in the country to handle your procedure.
Not only have we been doing Spatz3 adjustable balloon placements longer than other centers through our clinical trials, but we have placed thousands of ORBERA® balloons as well. We are the highest volume endobariatric practice in the country; we’ve helped thousands of patients from 45 states and 10 countries.
No matter where you live, you’ll get ongoing and lifelong support and 24/7 concierge care, including direct access to your physician through email, video chat, text message, and personal cell phone. Our physicians are triple board-certified in gastroenterology, internal medicine, and obesity medicine, giving them unique expertise in the latest advances in non-surgical weight loss.
If you’re interested in losing 30 to 50 pounds in just a matter of months, we’d love to talk to you about how we can support you on your weight loss journey – request a free consultation today.
