Can A Balloon Help People Lose Weight?

As obesity reaches epidemic proportions in the United States, medical scientists have been searching for new, effective and less invasive ways to help people safely shed pounds. A relatively new procedure that involves the placement of a balloon is offering a great deal of hope on this front. Called the Orbera gastric balloon, this procedure is meant to help promote weight loss in those who might not be candidates for more permanent procedures like gastric bypasses or the sleeve gastrectomy.

 Orbera involves an outpatient procedure that takes roughly about 45 minutes to perform. During this time, the balloon is inserted into the stomach through the mouth and then inflated once in place. The medical-grade balloon is filled with simple saline solution to take up some of the stomach’s holding capacity space. Intended to be fully reversible, the balloon remains in place for about six months and then is removed in the same fashion as it was inserted.

 Orbera is meant to be performed in conjunction with lifestyle interventions to help those who are approaching obesity or are only slightly into the obese range shed pounds. Diet and exercise goes along with this prospect so weight lost while the balloon is in place can be maintained once it is removed. Essentially, the procedure is meant to serve as a boost to help speed along weight loss. The procedure has been used in the United States and in Europe with a great deal of success, especially among those who follow through with lifestyle changes.

 Losing weight can greatly lower risks for diabetes, heart disease and other serious health complications. To find out more about Orbera or other weight loss options, speak with a qualified bariatric surgeon.  Recommendations may vary based on a person’s unique medical situation. Whether weight loss occurs through a surgical procedure or via diet and exercise alone, maintaining a healthy weight is recommended for everyone. 

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