A. Christopher Ibikunle, MD - Account Suspended

The honest answer is even though some patients have kept their gastric balloons longer than 6 months, at this time NO gastric balloon is recommended or FDA approved to stay in the stomach for more that 6 months.

The reason is the risk of complication rises with the length of time the balloon is in the stomach.

Currently, there are research studies being carried out to see if we can keep gastric balloon for more than 6 months to 12 months. 

Enlargement of the gastric pouch is relatively common. This is driven by behaviors such as large portions (eating or drinking too much) or drinking and eating drinking at the same time. 

Often people will complain of not feeling full or feeling hungry after meals.

This is a vicious cycle and can lead to weight regain. The best way to avoid this is to eat frequent scheduled, small meals, dont wait until you are hungry or starving before eating, slow down, avoid carbonated drinks, learn to recognize your own signals of satiety, avoid the temptation to continue eating until your fill stuffed.

See your surgeon if you start loosing sense of fullness after recommended portion of meals

 

Good luck as you embark on this life changing journey.

Skin health is a complex process that reflects genetics, macro and micronutrients intake. While you will find a lot of supplements for sale claiming to improve your skin, the basics of skin health is balanced diet, vitamin C, exercise and hydration.

A healthy diet can help you look and feel your best. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Some research suggests that a diet rich in vitamin C and low in unhealthy fats and processed or refined carbohydrates might promote younger looking skin.

It is important to find out if you have irritable bowel syndrome. Please see your local GI or Surgeon for recommendations.

In the meanwhile try keeping a food log, identify trigger foods and eliminate gas producing foods such as legumes, diary products and any other foods that may me contributing to the bloating. Increase your fiber and water intake as well.

While not all doctors require this, it is very common.

The main reason is to check for nicotine (tobacco) use.

Nicotine use can cause significant complications after gastric bypass so we want to ensure that our patients are not using it