When to Consider a Gastric Balloon for Weight Loss

Losing weight is hard. And for some, eating less and moving more may not lead to long-term results. Fortunately, advancements in obesity medicine have expanded the options available for achieving a healthier weight when diet and exercise aren’t enough.

Weight loss surgery is one of the most effective tools for weight loss. But if you’re not ready for surgery or don’t qualify, you may want to consider the gastric balloon. This nonsurgical weight loss procedure can help you eat less and lose weight without drugs or incisions.

At Transform Bariatrics in Germantown and Greenbelt, Maryland, our bariatrician, Dr. Hitesh Amin, knows no single tool works for all when it comes to weight loss. That’s why we offer a full range of surgical, nonsurgical, and medical options. 

Here, we want to explain what the gastric balloon is, who it’s for, and when you might want to consider it.

About the gastric balloon

The gastric balloon is a nonsurgical weight loss tool that helps limit how much you can eat by taking up space in your stomach. Using endoscopic techniques, we place the gastric balloon in the stomach and inflate it. 

With less room in your stomach, you feel full faster and stay full longer so you naturally eat less and lose weight. 

Candidates for gastric balloon

If you have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher and can’t lose weight with diet and exercise, then the gastric balloon may work for you. It’s also a good option for people considering weight loss surgery, but don’t want to change their stomach permanently.

We also recommend the gastric balloon for people who need to lose weight before undergoing weight loss surgery. Some people with obesity may not qualify for surgery because their weight makes it unsafe.

When to consider gastric balloon

If you’ve tried traditional weight loss methods without success, then the gastric balloon might be the next step on your journey. Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to take action, our team at Transform Bariatrics is here to support you every step of the way. 

We’ll guide you through your choices and help determine the best approach based on your health, goals, and lifestyle.

What to expect

The gastric balloon is an outpatient procedure we perform at the office. After placement, you follow a modified diet as your stomach adapts to the balloon. Once back on regular food, we provide a diet plan that emphasizes lean proteins and vegetables.

The balloon stays in place for six months. Though results vary, you can lose 10 to 15% of your total body weight with the gastric balloon. We continue to monitor you after we remove the balloon to help you develop the habits that lead to long-term results. 

We also offer weight loss medications and may combine them with the gastric balloon to help you reach your weight goals.

Are you struggling with your weight, but you’re not ready for surgery? Call us today or book an appointment online to learn more about the gastric balloon and how it might help you get to a healthier weight without surgery.