Is Weight Loss A Challenge?
Weight loss continues to be a struggle for Americans, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recording obesity rates well over 40%. Anyone with a body mass index (BMI) over 30, based on body composition, can be obese. Being overweight or obese creates serious health challenges, including social and emotional turmoil. For some, obesity is not due to a lack of trying. Thanks to several different factors, losing weight can seem impossible. At that point, intragastric balloon bypass may be a suitable procedure to jumpstart weight loss.
Why we fail at weight loss
A healthy diet and exercise is the route to success, but this can often fail. Weight loss is a process. However, most people want to lose pounds as quickly as possible. These unrealistic expectations are often fueled by fad diets and other methods that promise fast results. While some people lose weight, the pounds tend to come back, often with interest, creating an unhealthy cycle. Many Americans also have underlying conditions like thyroid dysfunctions, leaky gut syndrome, leptin resistance, or lipedema. These, and much more, all affect weight loss. In many cases, a combination of issues can make weight loss difficult.
Intragastric balloon bypass may help
Some people will benefit from a procedure that can kickstart the weight loss process. There are several surgical options available to help with obesity. However, intragastric balloon bypass is a simple, non-surgical alternative with amazing benefits. The process involves installing a small silicone balloon in the stomach. The balloon is filled with either a saline solution or gas, limiting the amount of food the stomach can hold. People with intragastric balloon bypass also feel fuller for longer. Combined with a consistently healthy diet and exercise, the procedure can help with significant, long-term weight loss.
Here’s what happens during intragastric balloon bypass
A medical team will make a complete diagnosis first to confirm if a patient is eligible for a balloon bypass. If that’s the case, the patient can proceed with the procedure. Intragastric balloon bypass can happen either endoscopically or orally. The surgeon uses an endoscope to place the silicone balloon in the stomach. The balloon is then filled with a saline solution. In some procedures, the patient swallows a capsule with a balloon and a catheter. Using an X-ray, the surgeon locates the balloon and adds the gas. For gas procedures, balloons of increasing sizes are installed over time. Both methods are non-invasive and take less than 1 hour.
Look at your BMI
Intragastric balloon bypass is not for everyone, and BMI is a significant determining factor. BMI measures a person’s weight relative to height. Doctors consider people with a BMI between 30-40 as suffering from obesity. If someone is within these ranges for a prolonged period, a balloon bypass may help.
Diet and exercise alone are failing
With diet and exercise, consistency is key. For some people, diet and exercise over a prolonged period still bring little to no results. If a person has a BMI over 30 and is disciplined with weight loss, the procedure can be a much-needed boost. Balloon bypass can help people lose up to 15% of body weight with diet and exercise.
An alternative to permanent surgery
Intragastric balloon bypass is a temporary procedure and not permanent surgery. After 6 months, the surgeon removes the balloon. That means the system is excellent for someone who would like to avoid surgery. Based on pre-existing conditions, some people aren’t medically fit to have weight loss surgery. Others would prefer to avoid surgery altogether. The procedure can bring some of the benefits of bariatric surgery with minimal risk.
Concerns about overall health
Obesity opens the door for many comorbidities. These include but are not limited to hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, strokes, and much more. Some persons may be genetically predisposed to one or more of these conditions. Losing weight can positively impact long-term health. Balloon surgery helps with healthy, gradual weight loss, and eventually restores any markers that can signal disease.
Get help with weight loss today
Losing weight, and keeping the weight off, can be one of the most challenging tasks someone can attempt. For some people, diet and exercise alone are not enough. A BMI of over 30 signals obesity and a need for action. At this point, consider all available options. If surgery is not possible, an intragastric balloon bypass may help. The non-surgical technique can help with managing food intake. The effects even last long after the balloon is removed.
