Busting 5 Common Gastric Balloon Myths!

Since FDA-approval in 2015, gastric balloons have been growing in popularity as an option for people to reach weight-loss success. Although interest and visibility surrounding the procedures have increased, so has misinformation about them.

We’re here to clear up some of the most common gastric balloon myths, and help keep everyone informed about the latest in bariatrics!

MYTH: The balloons are inserted during a long surgery.

Gastric balloon placements are very quick, and best of all, they’re not actually surgeries! Gastric balloon insertion is an outpatient that doesn’t even always require local anesthetic!

ReShape’s dual balloon placement takes around a half hour; the balloon is inserted endoscopically and then filled with saline or salt water.

The Obalon balloon is installed by swallowing a capsule that is then inflated with gas by a micro catheter, which takes only about ten minutes.

With gastric balloons, there’s no cutting, no changes to anatomy, and no hospital stay!

MYTH: Gastric balloons are uncomfortable.

Some people with gastric balloons have reported noticing or feeling the balloon immediately after insertion. However, the sensation is not common, and if experienced, tends to go away after a few days.

Another early side-effect is nausea, which stems from learning how to change one’s diet and meal portions. After a short acclimation period, patients tend to stop feeling nauseous.

MYTH: The procedure keeps people from going back to work.

One of the best benefits of gastric balloons is that patients can still live their active, healthy lives; they can exercise, move around, and many are able to get back to their regular work schedule and routine three days or less after insertion!

MYTH: People who get a gastric balloon regain all their lost weight back when it’s removed.

Gastric balloons are not meant to be permanently inserted, nor are they meant to be a magic fix; they bolster weight-loss success while patients learn healthy habits that will set them up to achieve their health goals.

We have support systems in place to teach patients the skills to sustain their weight loss long-term. In fact, our patients see us at least once a month for the six months they have the balloon inserted, as well as the next six months after it is removed!

MYTH: A person shouldn’t look into Bariatrics until their BMI qualifies them for surgery.

Gastric balloons are a great option for patients who are below the threshold for bariatric surgery, and can help keep them from ever reaching it.

The longer a person waits to address their weight, the more time that weight has to impact their health. Obesity and overweight can not only cause general health issues; they are also linked to several comorbidities that can range from uncomfortable to fatal, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and even increased cancer risk.

Non-surgical options such as gastric balloons and medically supervised weight loss are available to anyone looking to achieve a weight-loss goal, whether they can’t have surgery or just don’t want to.

Get expert care at New York Bariatric Group!

There’s no reason to wait to find out if a gastric balloon could be the right choice for your health journey. At NYBG, we are dedicated to performing the best, most up to date procedures and ensuring our patients are comfortable and have access to all the tools they need to succeed.

Get in touch today, and find out what we can do for you!

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I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man.

5.0

Everybody treated me like a king. The day of surgery, I was excited. The hospital couldn’t be any nicer. I went in for surgery. An hour later, I came out a new man. My recovery was awesome. I was out of bed that day. My wife and kids were my motivation on getting this surgery. They are my whole life. I’m happy I’m going to be around for them.

I hit my goal weight ... and I feel fabulous

5.0

I had the gastric bypass. I am Type 2 Diabetic and I wanted to gain control of my sugar. I hit my goal weight in about 5 and half months and I feel fabulous. The procedure has completely changed my life for the better because it has empowered me as a middle aged woman that I can really do everything and anything that I want to do. I don't put an age on anything. I don't say I'm too old for something.

I was tired of the way I looked. I was tired of the way I felt.

5.0

I knew if I didn't change something soon, I was going to be in a lot of trouble. The consultation process was a lot easier than I expected. I was met with open arms. I was treated like I was the only patient here. Not only did they answer all of my questions, they had questions for me to make sure I was the right candidate for the surgery. After surgery and that weight started dropping off, my life started changing for the better.

I feel like a completely different person.

5.0

I had the gastric sleeve procedure. The driving factor behind me getting this procedure was my health. I didn't feel good physically or mentally. I had joint pains, even standing was difficult sometimes. Emotionally, this surgery completely turned my life around. I have so much more confidence. So much more happiness. I feel like a completely different person. I feel stronger. I feel able to accomplish more.

It saved my life.

5.0

The driving factor behind me getting my procedure was that I couldn't get up off the floor with my granddaughter. That was my why. That was my big reason for having this surgery done. After surgery, it was a little bit of a struggle with what to eat. What you put in your mouth that you don't even think about. You don't think about what you're eating or how you're eating and portion size. It's what I do now every single day. The procedure has changed my life in so many ways. It saved my life.

I am totally comfortable in my own skin.

5.0

I think I always grew up identifying myself as less than other people because I was fat. I decided to tackle that and just live my life. I had a sleeve gastrectomy. It changed how I view myself. How I communicate with people. I'm able to be much more of myself and live the life I always thought I should have been living. I am totally comfortable in my own skin. You have the tools you need to succeed here.

I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before.

5.0

I had a vertical sleeve gastrectomy because I had just become diabetic, and I had hypertension for many years. I lost a total of 157 pounds in 11 months. I have a brand new life. I can do things I couldn't do before. Everyone at New York Bariatric Group has been wonderful. They are kind. They are understanding. They make you feel comfortable. They will guide you every step of the way on your journey so that you can be successful.