Dr. Sharaiha is now offering all 3 gastric balloon procedures: non-surgical, short term weight loss options! The balloon is a good option for someone who is moderately overweight and has been unable to lose weight with dieting and exercising, but is unable or uncomfortable with having bariatric surgery.

The balloon works by creating a feeling of fullness quicker after smaller meals. It takes up room in the stomach and competes for the same space with food, allowing the patient to eat less. Many patients say the gastric balloon also reduces their hunger, allowing them to better control portion sizes, and can be used as a stepping stone on the path to weight loss success. Ultimately, the gastric balloon is a tool to jumpstart your weight loss while you adapt to a healthier lifestyle.

Dr. Sharaiha offers all 3 gastric balloon systems: ReShape and Obalon which you can learn about below, and Orbera which you can learn about here.

ReShape & Obalon 

Both gastric balloon profiles are excellent, with strong indications of safety, comfort and effectiveness.

Reshape
The ReShape system, approved in the United States in 2015, involves an innovative dual sphere system, with each of the two balloons holding 450 cc of saline (900 cc in total). The deflated balloons are inserted in the stomach through the mouth and esophagus with an endoscope, and then filled with saline. The procedure only takes about 15 minutes and patients go home the same day.

Obalon
The newest balloon Obalon, is different in that it is the first and only swallowable, lightweight balloon system for weight loss. Under a physician’s supervision, the patient swallows a capsule approximately the size of a vitamin pill, attached to a micro-catheter. As the capsule dissolves, the balloon is inflated with gas. (Obalon also varies from ReShape in that the balloons are filled with nitrogen gas, rather than saline.)

Effectiveness
Both balloons have been shown to be about twice as effective as diets. When patient-randomized trials were performed, compared to people who didn’t have a balloon, the balloon group lost twice as much weight. Both balloon systems are designed to be removed after six months. The balloon is not meant to induce the same level of weight loss as bariatric surgery, so it is important that patients have a clear idea of what they can expect with the gastric balloon procedures beforehand. The key to success will be the lifestyle changes you learn to make with the help of the gastric balloon.

If you are interested in learning more about the balloon and whether it’s a good choice for you, schedule your consultation with Dr. Sharaiha today.