For patients seeking a fully reversible weight loss procedure to help jump-start their weight loss journey, an intragastric balloon is an ideal option. Intragastric balloons are powerful tools for weight loss, especially for patients who have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. Gastric balloons take up room in the stomach, decreasing the capacity for food, effectively curbing consumption, and promoting weight loss.
DR. CHRISTOPHER MCGOWN
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.
Different Types of Gastric Balloons
There are several different gastric balloon options on the market. Because balloons have been used for decades in bariatric weight loss, they benefit from extensive research and technological advancements.
Why Consider a Gastric Balloon?
Obesity is a chronic, relapsing condition that requires multiple and varied treatment routes to meet patients’ unique needs, challenges, and goals. Though non-surgical weight loss procedures like gastric balloons are safe and effective, they are not a cure. Many patients will need several tools to achieve their weight loss goals.
Weight loss isn’t just about appearance; obesity increases the risk for several serious health problems, including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease and stroke
- Certain cancers
- Sleep apnea
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Moderately overweight people over the age of 21 who want to break through their weight loss barriers without surgery make excellent candidates for gastric balloons. But which balloon is right for you?
True You Weight Loss: Specializing in ORBERA® and Spatz3 Balloon Systems
At True You Weight Loss, we specialize in the placement of ORBERA® and Spatz3 balloon systems. With our unrivaled expertise in endobariatric weight loss procedures, these are the balloons we recommend for safety and efficacy.
ORBERA® and Spatz3: What’s the Difference?
ORBERA® Managed Weight Loss System:
- Minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure.
- A deflated silicone balloon is inserted into the stomach and filled with saline.
- Reduces stomach capacity, helping patients feel full sooner and eat less.
- Performed in an outpatient setting with mild sedation, taking only 10 to 15 minutes.
- Patients return to normal routines within a few days, with dietary changes.
- Balloon is removed after six months in a similar endoscopic procedure.
- Patients lose an average of 30 to 50 pounds, with some losing up to 110 pounds.
- Studies show patients lose three times more weight with ORBERA® than with diet and exercise alone.
Spatz3 Adjustable Weight Loss Balloon:
- First-of-its-kind adjustable balloon.
- Similar placement procedure to ORBERA®.
- Adjustable saline volume to improve comfort and tolerance.
- Stays in the stomach for 8 months, two months longer than ORBERA®.
- Saline volume adjustments can maximize weight loss results and patient comfort.
- Patients lose an average of 30 pounds or 15 percent of their total body weight.
Tips for Success with a Gastric Balloon
Managing expectations is crucial. While weight loss results aren’t as dramatic as bariatric surgery, gastric balloons are an excellent option for those looking to lose 30 to 50 pounds to launch their weight loss journey. It can be particularly effective for patients with weight gain from pregnancy, injury, stress, or lifestyle changes.
Follow-up care and nutrition counseling are critical to long-term success with an intragastric balloon. True You Weight Loss combines medical and dietary expertise in its unique program, providing lifelong follow-up and support. Patients have round-the-clock direct physician access through personal cell phone, text, email, and video chat.
Why Choose True You Weight Loss?
True You Weight Loss was the first center in the country to offer the Spatz3 balloon in a clinical trial period. Our three physicians – Dr. Lauren Donnangelo, Dr. Daniel Maselli, and Dr. Christopher McGowan – are among the few physicians in the nation who are triple-board certified in internal medicine, gastroenterology, and obesity medicine. They are recognized leaders in endobariatric procedures and regularly train other physicians in endoscopic suturing techniques.
As the highest volume weight loss center in the country, we have helped patients from 45 states and 10 countries reclaim their confidence with non-surgical weight loss solutions. If you’d like to learn more about gastric balloons, request a free consultation today.
