Busting Myths and Facts About Gastric Balloons

Gastric balloons in Dallas, TX

Gastric balloons are FDA-approved, nonsurgical weight loss procedures. Gastric balloons are placed inside the stomach to occupy a significant portion of the stomach, thereby reducing the amount of food the stomach can take. This reduces the amount of food you eat, thereby reducing your calorie intake which facilitates weight loss.

Unlike bariatric surgery, balloons don’t require any surgery, incisions, or removal of any part of the stomach. This makes balloons a safer option for weight loss.

While balloons become increasingly popular for weight loss, there are misinformation and myths about the treatment which are not true.

We are going to look at most of the myths about gastric balloons and also debunk each of them with the facts.

Myth 1: Inserting Gastric Balloons Requires Invasive Surgery

Fact:

Inserting balloons doesn’t require invasive surgery. It can be placed in the stomach endoscopically through a tube or by swallowing a special capsule that contains the balloon.

ORBERA balloon is a type of balloon that is placed in the stomach using an endoscopic procedure. A thin, flexible tube (endoscope) is passed through the mouth down to the stomach. When the balloon is in the stomach, it is filled with saline to expand it. As it expands, it fills up a significant portion of the stomach.

Obalon balloon is another type of gastric balloon that is swallowed in the form of a capsule. When in the stomach, it is filled with saline to expand it to an appropriate size to fill up a portion of the stomach.

Gastric balloons that are swallowed are better options for patients who wish to avoid endoscopy and anesthesia.

Myth 2: Gastric Balloons Remain In Place Forever

Fact:

Gastric balloons are not left in the stomach forever. Balloons are usually left in the stomach for a period of three to six months to limit the amount of food you can eat.

The balloons are removed after 3-6 months. You need to adjust to your new eating habits even after the balloons are removed.

Myth 3: Balloons Are Hard To Remove

Fact:

Gastric balloons are not difficult to remove. The balloons are removed in one endoscopic procedure that typically takes about 15 minutes. The balloon is first deflated and removed through the thin tube passed through the mouth.

It is a simple and painless procedure that doesn’t require incision. You may only be given a mild sedative to keep you relaxed throughout the procedure.

Myth 4: You Need To Eat A Liquid-Only Diet

Fact:

You don’t need to eat a liquid-only diet after receiving gastric balloons. You need to eat healthy low-calorie diets. Avoid diets with fat and high calories.

You can continue eating solid foods while the balloons are in your stomach. However, you need to ensure that your diets contain essential nutrients that can help facilitate weight loss. Your weight management doctor can suggest a diet plan for you.

Myth 5: Gastric Balloons Work As Well As Diet And Exercise

Fact:

Gastric balloons work to complement diet and exercise. You will most likely not lose weight on balloons alone. You must combine balloons with diet and regular exercise to experience significant weight loss.

It will help make your weight loss journey more successful by reducing the amount of food and calories you ingest in your stomach.

These balloons occupy space in your stomach to reduce your calorie intake, helping you shed more weight than you would have with diet and exercise alone.

Myth 6: There’s Only One Type Of Gastric Balloon

Fact:

There are different types of gastric balloons. Some are swallowed, while some are placed in the stomach endoscopically. Some balloons are placed alone in the stomach, while some are placed in multiple numbers.

Examples of the different types of gastric balloons are ORBERA, Obalon, Elipse, and Spatz3.

Myth 7: A Gastric Balloon Is Uncomfortable

Fact:

Gastric balloons are not uncomfortable. You can eat your normal meals and go about your normal daily activities with balloons in your stomach.

You may only feel a bit uncomfortable during the procedure, particularly when you’re receiving balloons endoscopically. You will be given a mild sedative to help you relax and feel comfortable throughout the procedure.

Myth 8: You’ll Regain All The Weight Once The Gastric Balloon Is Removed

Fact:

The aim of gastric balloons is to reduce the amount of food you eat. The balloons take a significant portion of your stomach, allowing a little portion for food. This helps to reduce the amount of food you eat, reducing your calorie intake, which ultimately helps to facilitate weight loss.

You need to commit to a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy low-calorie diets and exercising regularly while on gastric balloons. It help you to shed more weight than you would have with exercise and diet alone.

Even after removing the balloons, you need to commit to a healthy lifestyle by engaging in continuous exercises and eating healthy, low-calorie diets. Also, you should follow your new eating habits even after the balloons are removed. Doing all these will prevent you from gaining weight and also help you shed more weight.

Myth 9: You Can’t Eat A Normal Diet

Fact:

You can continue eating your normal diet with balloons in your stomach. The balloons don’t cause stomach discomfort or pain. However, you should mind the type of foods you eat since you’re trying to lose weight.

Your weight loss program won’t be successful if you continue eating junk and foods with high calories. Hence, you need to eat healthy, low-calorie foods after getting gastric balloons. This will help you shed more weight and also prevent you from gaining weight.

Myth 10: Stomach Shape Changes During And After The Procedure

Fact:

Gastric balloons are just about the size of an orange when inflated. They occupy space in your stomach to reduce the portions of food you eat.

Gastric balloons don’t change the shape of your stomach during or after the procedure. Your stomach will still retain its normal shape. Nobody can tell that you have balloons in your stomach just by looking at your stomach.

Get Expert Care at Dr. Kedia MD Dallas!

If you’re looking for the right place to get gastric balloons in Dallas, you should contact Kedia MD.

Dr. Prashant Kedia is a highly specialized and experienced endoscopist who offers treatments for patients who want to lose weight. He will provide you with expert care and management, ensuring that you achieve your weight loss goals.

To learn more about gastric balloons and get expert care, contact Dr. Kedia, MD at 214-941-6891. You can also schedule your weight loss consultation today.

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