Gastric Balloon Vs. Bariatric Surgery
Spatz3 is the world’s only Adjustable Gastric Balloon System
Gastric balloon and surgery are effective weight loss options for those who are obese and overweight. While they both have shared outcomes of weight loss, balloon weight loss and bariatric surgery are two very different methods.
Those considering a gastric or stomach balloon need to be aware of the features of the gastric balloon as well as those of surgery before committing to a procedure.
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Is a Gastric Balloon a Surgery?
A gastric balloon is a non surgical approach to weight loss. Gastric balloons are a silicone balloon that’s inserted into your stomach via endoscopy during a short, outpatient procedure. No surgery is involved in gastric balloon insertion. The balloon is inflated to occupy space in your stomach. Balloons remain inserted for 6-12 months during which time you both lose weight and learn new, healthy lifestyle changes that include better diets and exercise. Once the balloon is removed, you’re likely to have lost roughly 10-15% of your weight. Some patients lose as much as 30%. Your commitment makes a difference.
What is Bariatric Surgery?
While gastric balloon procedures are done without surgery, bariatric surgery refers to major surgeries conducted on a patient’s stomach or intestines. The most common bariatric procedures are sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, and gastric banding. With bariatric surgery, your stomach is forever altered, meaning it is a permanent and non-reversible procedure.Gastric balloon and bariatric surgery lead to weight loss in a similar way—you eat less to lose weight.
Qualifying for Gastric Balloon or Surgery
As you consider the pros and cons of each approach, bear in mind that not everyone qualifies for both procedures. For gastric balloons, you must have a BMI between 30 and 40. With bariatric surgery, your BMI must be above 40, or above 35 with an obesity related condition. Your doctor can assess your further to determine if you qualify for either or both procedures.
Side Effects of Gastric Balloon Vs Surgery
In addition to considering all of the above, you need to be aware of what the side effects are for gastric balloons versus bariatric surgery. Gastric balloons are a painless insertion. Some may experience a little nausea, heartburn, cramping, and vomiting the week after the insertion, but there are medications to help offset these side effects. What’s more, these side effects often subside quickly. Once the gastric balloon is removed without surgery, there are no lingering side effects.
On the contrary, bariatric surgery can have substantial side effects including:
- Malnutrition
- Dumping syndrome
- Hernias
- Gallstones
- Internal bleeding
- Cardiac problems
- Bowel obstruction
While bariatric surgery can reduce weight by over 50% in many patients over the course of time, many debating between gastric balloons or surgery consider the potential side effects and disadvantage of bariatric surgery.
Is It Worth Getting a Gastric Balloon?
In wondering if balloon weight loss or surgical weight loss is best for you, you may be wondering about long-term effectiveness. Because surgery is permanent, you know that your appetite will never return to its current state, which might sound somewhat ideal. Given the cost of a stomach balloon or surgery (bariatric surgery costs two to three times more than gastric balloon), it’s not a decision you should take lightly. If gaining weight back is a fear, remember that with both procedures, lifestyle changes that includes diet and exercise are required for either method to be effective. People who have bariatric surgery can regain weight in addition to suffering major side effects.
When it comes to balloon weight loss or surgery, you want to be mentally prepared for a lifestyle change. Your healthcare provider will make sure that you are appropriately committed to this journey before you embark. In choosing a way to lose weight, remember that both have proven results and both require your commitment to remain effective for the remainder of your life following a gastric balloon or surgery.
When it comes to losing weight, you want to have permanent results. Gastric balloon weight loss can be permanent without permanently altering your body. With the Spatz3’s revolutionary adjustable gastric balloon, you can turn up the or turn down the level in which your balloon for a customizable gastric balloon experience with better results than regular gastric balloons.
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