IF you have less than 100 pounds to lose and traditional methods of weight loss have not worked for you, then the gastric balloon may be the solution.

The gastric balloon is literally a balloon that is placed in the stomach through the mouth and inflated. The balloon partially fills the stomach so that it produces fewer hunger hormones, thus decreasing your appetite. It decreases the available space for food so you eat smaller amounts of food before you feel full. It also causes the food to stay in the stomach longer so you feel full for a longer period of time. The balloon accomplishes weight loss by this restriction in the amount of food and hence total calories consumed per day. This results in significant weight loss of up to 50 pounds over the six months it stays in the stomach.

Who gets the balloon?

If you are at least 18 years of age, have a history of failure in maintaining weight loss with traditional methods and wish to lose weight for health reasons, you may be a candidate. You should not be pregnant and have no intention of becoming pregnant in the six months following gastric balloon placement. You should not have had previous major abdominal surgery or intestinal obstruction. Usually your Body Mass Index(BMI) should be less than 30. However, the balloon has been used to get persons with higher BMIs down to a weight that would make other bariatric procedures easier and safer. People with eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are not candidates for the balloon. If you have abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract such as heartburn, ulcers, gastritis or bleeding, you would not be suitable for the procedure. Patients who are emotionally unstable or have psychological characteristics that may interfere with compliance with the gastric balloon, or who are addicted to alcohol or drugs, have a high risk of failure and the procedure would then not be advisable.

Where do you get it?

The gastric balloon has become a clinically accepted method of treatment of obesity for more than 10 years in Europe, Canada, Australia and South America. It is, however, awaiting FDA approval in the United States. This has resulted in many Americans seeking the gastric balloon treatment overseas. The procedure was introduced to Jamaica earlier this year and has resulted in significant weight loss in patients who have started the programme.

What results can you expect?

The gastric balloon offers significant benefits over other non-surgical weight loss programmes. You will probably lose more weight than with other diet programmes. A significant advantage of the programme is that a healthcare team that includes a clinical psychologist, a dietician and a bariatric surgeon will support you on your journey. You will learn fundamental principles for long-term success and enjoy the benefits of a non-surgical, non-drug-based approach to long-term weight loss.

Studies have shown that the anticipated weight loss is between 25 and 40 per cent. For example, if you were 100 pounds above your ideal body weight, you would be expected to lose between 25 and 40 pounds. Individual results vary and it is possible not to lose any weight at all. It is largely up to the patient’s ability to follow the programme and not force themselves to overeat or eat poorly. The balloon is not a miracle, but rather a tool to help change your lifestyle. Taking part in the programme will give you the education and support to change your lifestyle and eating habits and will give you a better chance for long-term success.

How do I maintain the weight loss?

The gastric balloon is an aid to weight loss and must be used along with a nutrition and behaviour modification programme. This is very important to ensure that your weight loss is maintained after the balloon has been removed.

Dr Alfred Dawes is a consultant general, laparoscopic and obesity surgeon at Dunrobin Medical and Wellness Centre. Telephone: 755-3262. Contact him at alfred.dawes@gmail.com.