Losing weight is challenging for many people. Unfortunately, counting calories doesn't work for everyone. At Forest Hills Gastroenterology in Forest Hills, NY, Dr. Azeem Khan works with people who struggle with weight loss. He often recommends a weight loss balloon for patients.
What is a Gastric Balloon?
One of the most effective ways to help people lose a large amount of weight is by making the stomach cavity smaller. This helps you feel full sooner, and you eat less at a sitting. There are many ways to achieve this, such as sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, gastric bands, and gastric balloons. Weight loss balloons offer patients many advantages compared to other techniques.
1. Outpatient Procedure
Gastric balloons require no surgery. The entire procedure is performed on an outpatient basis at our Forest Hills, NY, office. You go home the same day, have no downtime, and no incisions or scarring. The procedure only requires a sedative, so it is an excellent option for patients who cannot receive general anesthesia.
2. Takes About 30 Minutes
Bariatric surgery requires hours in the operating room. With a gastric balloon procedure, you are ready to go home in much less time. Dr. Khan attaches the balloon to a thin tube that is routed down your esophagus and placed inside your stomach. The balloon is inflated with saline solution and sealed.
3. Gastric Balloons are Temporary
Bariatric surgery produces permanent changes to your digestive system. Even after you lose weight, you will still only be able to eat a small amount of food at a time. Gastric balloons are temporary solutions that help you lose weight. Once you shed the extra pounds, Dr. Khan removes the balloon with an endoscope. There are no permanent changes to the size of your stomach cavity.
4. Suitable for Most People
If you are not a good candidate for bariatric surgery due to underlying medical conditions, a gastric balloon may be a viable alternative. We encourage you to discuss your options with Dr. Khan before you feel discouraged about losing weight.
5. Gastric Balloons Work
The best reason to consider a weight loss balloon is that the technique works. Studies have shown that most people who have a gastric balloon for the entire six months lose between 20 to 50 pounds.
Would you like to learn more about weight loss balloon procedures? Call Forest Hills Gastroenterology today at (718) 459-8460. We will schedule an appointment with Dr. Khan at our Forest Hills, NY, office.