While gastric bands claim the headlines and column inches (largely thanks to notable celebrity endorsements), it seems that many people are unsure exactly what a gastric balloon entails.
Indeed, obesity surgery specialists Why Go Abroad finds that many patients come to them assuming they need a gastric band or gastric bypass, when a gastric balloon is actually the procedure for them.
So how is a gastric balloon different?
A gastric balloon is unusually among weight-loss procedures because it:
- is not a surgical treatment
- can be carried out under local anaesthetic
- is intended for those who are overweight but not obese.
During a gastric balloon procedure, a balloon – or BIB SYSTEM – is lowered into the stomach and inflated, to shrink the stomach capacity and therefore control the amount of food that is consumed.
How effective is a gastric balloon?
When carried out by experts, such as Why Go Abroad, a gastric balloon is totally harmless. Once in place, you are able to eat much less food before you feel full – the result being that you lose weight over time.
However, a gastric balloon is much more effective when combined with a healthy diet and exercise, and part of the aftercare offered by Why Go Abroad is to advise you on what a healthier diet entails.
Once your body is re-educated about a healthy diet, after around six months, the gastric balloon is usually removed, though aftercare and post-treatment advice continues.
With gastric balloon prices from just £3,950, why not contact Why Go Abroad to see whether it could be your route to a happier and healthier you?
