Gastric balloon is one of the latest technologies used in the field of weight loss, which has received widespread attention in recent years. With the increasing rates of obesity and the health problems associated with it, many are looking for effective and safe solutions to get rid of excess weight. Gastric balloon is a non-surgical procedure in which a saline-filled balloon is inserted into the stomach, which helps reduce the space available for food and thus reduces the amount of food eaten. In this article, we will review in detail what a gastric balloon is, how it works, the potential benefits and risks, as well as the experiences of people who have benefited from this procedure to achieve their health and weight goals.
What is the gastric balloon procedure?
Gastric balloon surgery is a non-surgical procedure that aims to help people lose weight by reducing the size of the stomach and increasing the feeling of fullness more quickly when eating. A balloon made of soft, flexible silicone material is inserted into the stomach through the mouth using an endoscope. After insertion, the balloon is filled with sterile saline solution, causing it to increase in size and occupy part of the stomach space.
Steps for the gastric balloon procedure
- Initial examination: The doctor conducts preliminary examinations to ensure that the patient is qualified to undergo the procedure and that he does not suffer from any health conditions that prevent him from undergoing this procedure.
- Preparation: The patient is given sedatives or light anesthesia to ensure his comfort during the procedure.
- Insertion: The flexible endoscope is inserted through the mouth into the stomach. The empty balloon is connected to a tube and is carefully inserted into the stomach.
- Inflating: After the balloon reaches the correct location, it is filled with sterile saline solution through the tube. The tube is then removed and the balloon is left in the stomach.
- Follow-up: The doctor follows up the patient’s condition after the operation and provides instructions about the diet and lifestyle changes necessary to achieve the best results.
Who is eligible for gastric balloon surgery?
The gastric balloon procedure is not suitable for everyone, and there are a set of criteria that a person must meet to be eligible for this operation. Here are some groups that are usually considered eligible for gastric balloon surgery:
People who are obese:
Those with a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40.
In some cases, people with a BMI of less than 30 may be considered if they have health problems related to obesity.
People who were unable to lose weight using traditional methods:
Individuals who have tried diets and exercises without achieving noticeable weight loss results.
People who are not eligible for traditional obesity surgery:
Those who may not be good candidates for gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery due to health risks or concerns related to the surgery.
People who commit to lifestyle changes:
Candidates who demonstrate a willingness to commit to the changes in diet and lifestyle required after the procedure to achieve the best results.
People who do not have health problems that prevent the operation:
People who do not have certain health conditions such as gastrointestinal infections, active ulcers, or other problems that prevent the gastric balloon procedure from being performed safely.
People without a history of eating disorders:
Individuals who do not suffer from eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia, as these conditions may lead to complications with the balloon procedure.
Categories that are not eligible for gastric balloon surgery:
Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not considered suitable candidates for the procedure.
People who have had previous stomach or esophageal surgery: Individuals with a history of stomach or esophageal surgery may not be suitable for this procedure.
People with serious health conditions: such as severe heart or liver disease or other chronic diseases that increase the risk of complications.
It is necessary to consult a specialist doctor before deciding to undergo a gastric balloon procedure to ensure that the individual’s health condition is suitable for this type of treatment and to determine whether this operation is the ideal option to achieve weight loss goals.
Benefits of the stomach balloon procedure
The gastric balloon procedure has many benefits that make it an attractive option for people who suffer from obesity and want to lose weight effectively without resorting to traditional surgery. Here are some of the main benefits of this process:
Effective weight loss:
The procedure helps reduce the size of the stomach, which causes the person to feel full more quickly and eat smaller amounts of food, thus losing weight.
Non-surgical procedure:
The gastric balloon procedure is a non-surgical procedure, which reduces the potential risks and complications associated with traditional weight loss surgeries.
Short recovery period:
Because it is non-surgical, the recovery period after gastric balloon surgery is relatively short, and patients can quickly return to their daily lives.
Improving obesity-related health conditions:
The weight loss resulting from the procedure can improve many health conditions associated with obesity such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and heart disease.
Promoting a healthy lifestyle:
The balloon contributes to encouraging patients to follow a healthy diet and engage in regular physical activity, which enhances the effectiveness of weight loss and improves the quality of life.
Removability:
The balloon can be removed after a period of 6 to 12 months, giving the patient the opportunity to learn new eating habits and maintain the lost weight.
Ongoing support:
The program accompanying the gastric balloon procedure often includes integrated support from the medical team, including nutritional counseling and healthy lifestyle guidance, which helps the patient achieve and maintain weight loss goals.
Fast results:
Many patients notice significant weight loss within the first few months after the procedure, providing additional motivation to continue a healthy lifestyle.
Improving the psychological state:
Weight loss can improve self-confidence and overall mental health, as patients feel an improvement in their physical appearance and ability to participate in daily activities.
The gastric balloon procedure is an innovative and effective option to help individuals lose weight in a safe, non-surgical way. By reducing stomach volume and promoting feelings of fullness, this procedure can contribute to achieving sustainable weight loss goals and improving overall health and quality of life. In addition, the balloon gives individuals the opportunity to adopt healthy eating habits and an active lifestyle.
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