I need to lose 80 lbs with a BMI of 39, is the Gastric Balloon a good option? I ask this, as I am not wanting to do the sleeve?

Question

I am a 59yr old woman wanting to jump start my weight loss, I lost 130lbs kept it off for 12 years with just dieting.I want to jump start the process again, but do not want to have a major surgical procedure, I am interested in the gastric balloon for my jump start. I have seen some guidelines in my research that says this is a weight loss device for those not needing to lose a significant amount of weight, but for me I am looking to do the least invasive procedure to get me to my goal.Thanks .

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

Orbera would be a good option for you with your BMI and goals.  An intragastric balloon is minimally invasive, as there is no alteration of your body with a surgical procedure.

Prabhsharan Kundhal, MD · Answer

Thank-you for the question. I would say that if you are not interested in any surgical procedures such as lapband or sleeve gastrectomy, then the Orbera Balloon would be a reasonable option. That being said, it is important to recognize that it is a tool to help kick start your weight loss journey and it must be removed at 6 months. In addition, weight loss require lifestyle change and increased physicial activity. Ensure that your balloon clinic provides good follow-up care. In my opinion, if you are not interested in surgery the Orbera Balloon is a reasonable option to help you acheive a healthy weight.

Darrien Gaston, MD, FACP, FACG · Answer

In my experience, I have a patient who lost 73 pounds. I have heard of other patients losing over 100 pounds, but they are not my patients, so I cannot verify he accuracy. For the amount of weight you would like to lose, you would have to be committed to exercising daily and strictly adhering to a proper diet. If you are so motivated, I believe you can achieve your goal.

Take care,

Take care,

Isaac Raijman, MD · Answer

I think the key component of your question is to jump start your weight loss. You have proven yourself that you can lose weight and keep it off. With the balloon, expect to lose 30-40 pounds, but you can also add specific diet to it that will allow you to lose more. The balloon will help you get started, motivate you as you start losing the weight, and help you change your mind to one that will push you to lose the weight and keep it off. Best wishes

Angel Caban, MD · Answer

Losing 80 lbs with the balloon is possible if you put significant effort. If you do the minimal work those 8K dollars wont give you 80 lbs of weight loss.A sleeve or a bypass is your best bet but you still need to exercise and follow a diet. Surgery or the balloon are only tools to help you achieve your goals... You still need to do the work.\I will not recommend a Lap band.

I need to lose 80 lbs with a BMI of 39, is the Gastric Balloon a good option? I ask this, as I am not wanting to do the sleeve?

Answers (8)