When is a gastric balloon preferable to a gastric band?
Posted by admin | Posted in Celebrity Weight Loss, Gastric Band Info | Posted on 28-01-2010-05-2008
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While most people have now heard of gastric bands (thanks to celebrity weight loss stories like Fern Britton and Sharon Osbourne) much less seems to be known about gastric balloons.
The first key point is that a gastric balloon may be preferable to people who would prefer to avoid surgery.
The procedure sees a balloon inserted into the stomach and then inflated, to reduce the stomach capacity. This is generally a less invasive procedure than having a gastric band fitted and requires only a local anaesthetic.
The second point of difference is that a gastric balloon works best for those who are overweight or mildly obese, to help them kickstart a healthy lifestyle. A balloon – or BIB SYSTEM – is not the right procedure for those who are obese or morbidly obese, where a gastric band might be more appropriate.
What are the effects of a gastric balloon?
A gastric balloon is totally harmless once in place and simply makes you feel full sooner, so you eat less food. Digestion is not affected in any way and when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise, it is a tried and tested method of losing weight.
Your progress is monitored and, over time, the effect of the gastric balloon is to help you re-educate your body about good eating habits.
After six months, the BIB SYSTEM is usually removed though your aftercare and access to a 24-hour emergency helpline continues after this period.
Although it is a non-surgical procedure, a gastric balloon is very effective at helping patients lose weight and can help avert some weight-related illnesses, such as heart conditions and diabetes.
Contact obesity surgery specialists at Gastric Band Info learn more about everything from gastric balloon prices to the care you will receive.