A gastric balloon, also called intragastric balloon or stomach balloon, is an FDA-approved, non-surgical weight loss treatment that has been effectively used on patients for years. If you or a loved one is obese and are interested in learning about the benefits of stomach balloons in Elmhurst, NY. Forest Hills, NY, contact Forest Hills Gastroenterology for a comprehensive evaluation and qualified medical assessment. Dr. Azeem Khan is a Board Certified Gastroenterologist who is devoted to providing compassionate and expert care to his patients.
What is a Stomach Balloon?
A stomach balloon is an inflatable medical implant placed in the patient’s stomach. The balloon takes up space in the stomach, restricting the amount of food a patient can eat and helping the patient feel full and satiated. The stomach balloon is not permanent and does not require surgery for installation. The doctor will use an endoscope (a long tube with an attached camera) to place the balloon in the patient’s stomach properly. Some newer balloons only require the patient to swallow the implant. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the average patient loses approximately 30% of excess weight with an intragastric balloon.
The Orbera balloon is an implant filled with a sterile saline solution that takes up about a third of the patient’s stomach. The weight of the balloon allows the implant to rest on the bottom of the stomach and helps slow down the emptying of the stomach. The Obera balloon stays in the stomach for six months; concurrently, the patient will work with a nutritionist to make lifestyle and dietary changes to help create long-term and sustained weight loss. Since the Orbera is inserted with an endoscope, patients will be mildly sedated and given a topical anesthetic.
The Obalon is less invasive, and the patient will be required to swallow a capsule. The capsule’s position in the stomach will be confirmed by X-ray, and the balloon will then be inflated with nitrogen gas. Some patients may have as many as three balloons introduced to their stomach, spaced a few weeks apart. Obalon balloons are also removed after six months. Patients who receive an Obalon balloon do not undergo sedation.
Contact Us Today
Upon making an appointment at Forest Hills Gastroenterology in Elmhurst, NY. Forest Hills, NY, Dr. Khan will overview options for stomach balloon procedures and recommend the best treatment for you. If you live in Elmhurst, NY. Forest Hills, NY, contact Forest Hills Gastroenterology to assess the best medical options to treat obesity so you can achieve optimal health and live your best life. Please call (718) 459-8460.