Nicholson Clinic

When it comes to weight-loss surgeries that are known to produce dramatic and often very lasting results, there are two major options: the gastric bypass and the sleeve gastrectomy. While the bypass has long been the gold standard for producing the results those considered morbidly obese need, the sleeve is fast gaining in popularity. Although similar in its aim and the results produced, the sleeve gastrectomy tends to be a little less involved. That fact is one of the driving forces behind this procedure being selected by patients and their doctors at a growing rate. The sleeve gastrectomy and bypass are both designed to shrink the stomach’s holding capacity. In doing so, these procedures make it very difficult for people to overeat. In the sleeve procedure, the shrinking involves the surgical removal of roughly 80 percent of the stomach. What is left behind is a small, banana-shaped pouch. It’s that pouch that gives the procedure its name. In addition to providing a way to promot...

People who are obese, but aren’t ready to consider permanent surgical options may have a new avenue open to help them shed pounds. A relatively new procedure that is completely reversible, minimally invasive and requires no cutting or stitches is making very big waves in the weight-loss community. Known as the Orbera gastric balloon, this alternative to a gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy has been producing tremendous results for people committed to following through with major dietary and lifestyle changes. The gastric balloon is designed to essentially mimic the effects of more dramatic procedures by temporarily shrinking the size of a person’s stomach. To achieve this, the balloon is inserted into the mouth, through the esophagus and into the stomach. Once in place, the balloon is filled with a saline solution that enables it to expand to about the size of a grapefruit. The balloon is kept in place for about six months, providing portion control as it does. Rather than involve...