Gastric Balloon: A Good Alternative To The Gastric Band

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For many people, losing weight can be a very challenging ordeal. People with a BMI, or Body Mass Index, of 35 or more can have gastric band or sleeve operations. But if you are under a BMI of 35 yours choices are more limited. One of the best alternatives for gastric band or sleeve operations is the gastric balloon.

What is a Gastric Balloon?

Placing a gastric balloon is a simple and painless operation. You will have to be placed under mild sedation. While you are sedated a doctor inserts the deflated balloon down your esophagus and into the stomach. Once it is in the proper place the balloon is inflated. The balloon itself is made from silicone and is inflated with saline solutions.

Once the operation is over you will be monitored for a few hours then can return home. You can not feel the balloon and it should be a painless operation. The operation, from start to finish, takes about 20-30 minutes. The balloon works, because it reduces the amount of food a person can eat. By taking up space in the stomach the patient cannot eat as much as they normally would. This operation is perfect for people whose BMI is under 35, but still needs to lose some weight.

When is the gastric balloon right?

This operation is perfect for anyone that needs to lose 10 to 15 KG for medical reasons; but do not have a BMI above 35. Usually the balloon is used for anyone with a BMI of 27 to 35. It is also good for anyone who does not want to go through a full surgical procedure. If you do not want to have a full operation like gastric band or sleeve the balloon is a good alternative. It is very important you are motivated to lose weight, and are able to follow strict diet before and after the operation.

Benefits of Gastric Balloons

There are several benefits to this type of surgery. First it is less expensive than normal fully scale operations, like gastric band or sleeve. Moreover the balloon is removable, which makes it very easy to reverse. The balloon will need to be removed in about 6 months. While the weight loss will be between 10 to 15 kg, the patient is expected to not regain the weight after the balloon is removed for 6 more months. This means you will have to follow a strict diet.


About the Author:
For more information on gastric balloons please visit http://www.thehospitalgroup.org/gastric-balloon.php



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