Intragastric Balloon Procedure

How much you weigh has a great deal to do with your health. Diseases that are known to stem from obesity are type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, respiratory problems, gallstones, and some forms of cancer, to name a few. There might not be an ideal weight calculator, but you can use a body mass index (BMI) chart to determine the target weight that is right for you. A body mass index chart is a quick way to tell where you are compared to ideal weight. If your BMI is 25 to 29.9, you are classified as overweight. If your BMI is 30 or higher, you meet the conditions of being obese. Ideally, you would like a BMI between 20 and 25.

The BMI is a calculation based on height and weight and is the basis of any primary body fat calculator, but there are variables that cause somewhat erroneous estimates. If you are athletic and have a muscular build, your body contains more muscle than the person with an average build, so the fat will be overestimated. On the other hand, if you are an older person, your fat estimate may be low because you have lost muscle due to inactivity. In addition, weight distribution has an impact on health risk - the circumference of the waist is a good indicator of health risk. If most of your body fat is around your waist instead of your hips, you have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. For men, the risk is more with waist sizes of 40 or more, and in women it increases after 35 inches.

When assessing your health risk, the BMI chart is a good place to start when you want to evaluate what you should do about your weight. Losing just a few pounds through exercise and eating well can help with your diabetes control and can reduce your risk for other health problems. However, for those of us where losing “even a few pounds” is a major battle, the placement of an intragastric balloon offers an effective jumpstart towards achieving a fitter and healthier you.

This is a question many of us ask ourselves. "I mean I did everything I was supposed to do and still I haven’t lost a pound! Or if I lost a few, I immediately gain them back after stopping the diet."

The causes seem to be various:

1. Most diets are just a short-term plan

2. Cheating

3. You’re not eating the right foods

Intragastric balloons, or gastric balloons for obesity and weight loss, have been used for this purpose since the 1980’s. The stomach balloon fills a portion of the stomach cavity and causes the stomach to empty its contents at a slower rate, resulting in satiety and diminished food intake.

While severe technical failures led to removal of Intragastric balloons from the US market in 1985, the next generation balloons were totally redesigned and have been successfully used in over 100,000 people for the last 20 years outside of the US, with 15 kg (33 lb) mean weight loss reported after six month implantations. Although balloons are not a recognized therapy in the US, in late 2008, Allergan (BIB, Orbera balloon) commenced clinical trials in 26 centers in the US with the goal of bringing balloons back to the US market. This is a reflection of improved safety, successful sales growth outside of the US, and the fact that the current generation of intragastric balloons are the only proven non-surgical therapy for the obese.

The gastric balloon procedure is not intended to be a permanent weight loss aid. Most of the balloons on the market today are limited to placement periods of only six months. However, the medical team at Spatz has introduced a 1-year balloon that gives a patient more time to lose weight and also more time to absorb the behavior modification plan that is emphasized during the course of the year’s treatment. The patient will learn better nutritional skills and develop more sensible eating habits during the time that the intragastric balloon is in place.

Better Quality of Life

Improved Appetite Control

Gain Confidence

Looking Good

Improved Relations and Employment Opportunities

Better Sexual Function

Easier Mobility And Increased Comfort

There is no doubt that one’s appearance has a profound effect on one’s feeling of self confidence. Losing the weight will make you feel really good about yourself. You will be able do activities with family that you could never do before when your obesity was becoming a form of disability. Your energy levels will increase allowing you to participate in physical activities.

In sum, the gastric balloon can help you deal with your constant feelings of hunger giving you a new focus on getting into shape and leading a healthier life style.