Balloon Weight Loss Surgery | Denver Center for Bariatric Surgery

Balloon Non-Surgical Procedures

About the procedure

Led by Dr. John Weaver, Intragastric Balloon Non-Surgical Procedures can provide you with non-permanent, and non-surgical techniques for weight loss. Balloon procedures can help you shift your dietary habits, and rebuild the foundation of your life. Intragastric balloons require an esophageal insertion procedure (through the mouth and throat) and will be removed in this same fashion after six months.

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How It Works

Intragastric balloons are non-surgical medical weight loss products that, when combined with comprehensive nutritional coaching and support, successfully help you lose weight by suppressing your appetite. The intragastric balloon procedure has been approved for people with a BMI of 30-40.

A deflated balloon is placed temporarily in your stomach through the mouth via a brief, non-surgical, endoscopic procedure that is performed in an outpatient setting. The entire procedure usually only takes 20 minutes and you will go home the same day. The saline-filled balloon is about the size of a grapefruit and remains in the stomach for approximately six months, at which point it is removed through another non-surgical endoscopic outpatient procedure.

For the first six months after balloon insertion and the six months following removal, comprehensive medical/dietary monitoring and nutritional therapy work in conjunction with the balloon. The balloon is proving to be comparable to bariatric surgery for achieving sustainable weight loss for people living with obesity.

 

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Health Benefits

Recent studies demonstrate that intragastric balloons were on average more than three times as effective as traditional exercise and nutrition treatments for weight loss. Patients usually lose approximately 30lbs with this safe and effective weight loss solution and keep it off during the year of management — even for the 6-months after balloon removal.

Along with the weight loss, you can expect to see improvements in your overall quality of life. Studies show that gastric balloon patients experience improved physical function, vitality, bodily pain, general health, social function and mental health. Further, when combined with medical management and nutritional counseling, the balloon has been demonstrated to improve comorbid conditions, including hypertension and diabetes.

Balloon Non-Surgical Procedures Benefits

  • Non-surgical approach
  • Fully reversible
  • An effective weight-loss solution

What Are The Risks?

The intragastric balloon is relatively low-risk and issue-free. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects.

Some of the potential risks of intragastric balloons include:

  • Gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea and vomiting
  • Pancreatitis
  • Balloon deflation
  • Ulcers
  • Need for early/urgent removal
  • Intolerance

Contact us if you experience any unexpected side effects.

How Much Will Your Procedure Cost?

The intragastric balloon procedure varies in cost as it depends on the kind of balloons chosen for you specifically. Be sure to enquire about costs before choosing to move forward with your procedure. Insurance companies do not cover the balloon at this time, so please reach out to the office for financial details.

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What To Expect After Your Procedure

Be mindful of the fact that you now have a very full stomach, so be patient with your recovery and allow your stomach to adjust. You should plan to have two to three days of relative inactivity to give your body time to heal. You’ll be able to resume your normal daily life when you feel your body has adjusted properly to the balloon