Gastric balloon and obesity – what is the idea behind it?

Many people know from their own experience that obesity is a serious problem and most of the peolple have fought unsuccessfully. The gastric balloon is a treatment under medical supervision which lead to a significant weight loss without surgery and often without drugs.

What is a gastric balloon?

The gastric balloon is made of soft stretchy silicone. The gastric balloon is inserted into the stomach and filled with 500-700 ml sterile saline.

How does the gastric balloon work?

The constant filling of the stomach through the filled gastric balloon creates a feeling of satiety and reduces appetite. Patients eat less without feeling hungry, because the distended stomach through the gastric balloon signales: “I am already full.”

What weight loss can I realistically achieve with the gastric balloon?

Three scientific studies with nearly 1000 patients showed a weight loss of 15-20 kg in 6 months. This is consistent with our experience.

Does the gastric balloon alone causes the weight loss?

As indicated above the gastric balloon treatment simply is helpful. A success can be achieved with personal motivation to reduce weight, nutritional advisors and a significant increase in physical activity . If patients do not conform the medical treatment the gastric balloon by itself reduces little weight.

How come the gastric balloon in the stomach and how do you feel afterwards?

During a gastroscopy, which usually is without anesthesia although under sedation (calming drugs) ambulatory the balloon is pushed through the esophagus into the stomach and get filled. In the first two to three days spasms can appear which has to be treated in practice by medication or infusions. Thereafter the stomach`s efforts to expel the gastric balloon brake up and you can not feel the balloon any longer.

Why the gastric balloon has to be removed after 6 months?

In order to avoid mechanical damage of the gastric mucosa by the foreign object the recommendation is to remove the gastric balloon after this time. We also have longer lying gastric balloons without any damages.

How the removal of the gastric balloon works?

The balloon is removed under the same conditions as for the deposit as part of a gastroscopy.

What happens with the body weight after the removal of the gastric balloon?

During the 6 months with the gastric balloon you have to internalize the relevant changes in your diet, you have to keep regular physical exercises and your self-motivation to keep the weight decrease. Otherwise you will gain weight after removing the balloon again.

Where can I get more information about the gastric balloon?

If informations above have awakened seriously your desire to deal with the treatment plan, you should take an appointment in specialized practice for obesity treatment of Dr. A. Rosenthal.

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