If you’re considering medical weight loss and a gastric balloon procedure, Dr. Azeem Khan and his team at Forest Hills Gastroenterology in Forest Hills, NY, and serving the New York City area can help you determine the best options for your weight loss journey.
Purpose of a Gastric Balloon
Being overweight or obese is a common issue in America. It can lead to or impact other conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart problems, and diabetes.
Though most people are aware of the effects, excessive weight remains an issue – and it’s not always due to a lack of trying to lose weight. Some people put as much effort as they can into dieting and exercise, but find that they can’t get rid of some of their weight.
Others have a difficult time eating less or eating healthily. In cases such as these, a gastric balloon in New York City and Forest Hills, NY may be used as part of a medical weight loss program.
What Is a Gastric Balloon?
A gastric balloon, otherwise known as an intragastric balloon, is a specialized balloon that is inserted into the stomach. It occupies some of the space in the stomach, leaving less room for food. Those with the balloon feel full quicker than normal, leading them to eat less and, therefore, lose weight.
How Does the Process Work?
During an outpatient procedure, you will be sedated as an endoscope pushes a specialized, deflated balloon through your mouth and into your stomach. It is then inflated to the necessary size with dye or gas and saline.
It will remain in your stomach for the duration of the program, which is normally around six months. At that point, it is deflated and removed while you are sedated.
In the beginning, you’ll likely feel some discomfort, cramping, and possibly nausea as there is a foreign object in your stomach. However, your stomach will adjust, and these feelings should go away soon thereafter.
For the first few weeks, you’ll have to stick with liquids and a light diet, according to Dr. Khan's recommendation. While the balloon is in place, your diet and behaviors will be supervised by Dr. Khan and his team in order to implement more positive behaviors and guarantee the best results.
To learn more about the benefits of a gastric balloon in Forest Hills, NY, and serving the New York City area, schedule an appointment with Dr. Khan at Forest Hills Gastroenterology today by calling (718) 459-8460.