A number of people every year deal with gaining weight and have continued trouble finding the right balance between exercise and diet to shed the excess pounds. After assessing all of their weight loss options, they may come across an intragastric balloon or gastric sleeve procedure. But which one is the right one? While the answer depends greatly on the individual, we can help you better understand the differences between the two weight loss procedures and how they can improve your overall health.
We will help break down everything from the procedure itself, to post operative care and recovery time in hopes that you have a more clear picture and can consult with a board-certified surgeon like Dr. Rizwan Chaudhry regarding your weight loss options.
Intragastric balloon procedure
Beginning with an intragastric balloon procedure, one of the major benefits is that this particular method is non-invasive and recommended for individuals looking to lose 20-50 pounds.
What is it?
An intragastric balloon procedure uses a flexible tube to enter the body endoscopically with the balloons in tow while the patient is under anesthesia. The doctor conducting the procedure will insert one or two uninflated, FDA-approved balloons into the stomach, depending on which intragastric balloon procedure is chosen by the patient. Once all of the necessary tools are safely inside the patient, the balloons are inflated using saline and the tube is slowly removed. The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes.
The insertion of the balloons results in the patient eating less and feeling fuller faster as the balloons take up quite a bit of space within the stomach. Over the course of 6 months, patients can better adapt to healthier eating habits while the balloons are still in place, and they can also be encouraged to choose foods that offer more nutritional value to their bodies. Patients can expect to lose about 35% of their excess weight.
What is the recovery time?
The recovery time for this procedure is extremely short. Patients should expect to be able to go home about 20 minutes after the intragastric balloons are successfully inserted and the procedure is complete.
Are there any complications?
Most complications that occur from an intragastric balloon procedure come from leaving the balloon in the body for too long. The balloons should be removed from the body after the 6 month period is over. At Advanced Houston Surgical, Dr. Chaudhry keeps a close eye on patients and requires frequent checkups to make sure the patient is on the right track at all stages of the procedure.
Is this method covered by my insurance?
The intragastric balloon procedure is not often covered by insurance but can be depending on the individual as well as their specific plan. It is always best to check with your doctor and insurance provider to find out if this weight loss method is right for you financially.
Gastric sleeve procedure
Unlike the intragastric balloon procedure, a gastric sleeve procedure is surgical and requires some downtime but can result in more overall weight lost. This surgical method is recommended for those who have a BMI of 35 or more.
What is it?
This operation reduces an individual’s caloric intake by cutting away the stomach’s size and reducing it to about 20% – 25% of its original form. With gastric sleeve surgery, the patient is limited to a restricted diet which forces them to eat less resulting in major weight loss.
This invasive method of weight loss surgery is done using a laparoscopic approach. This means that small incisions will be necessary as the correct equipment including surgical tools are inserted into the abdominal cavity during the operation. The stomach is stapled and the rest is cut away producing a much smaller stomach. The entire procedure takes about an hour to an hour and a half.
What is the recovery time?
An overnight stay if often recommended for this procedure and a new diet will be enforced to ensure the patient remains on track. Patients should expect to resume their normal lives about a week after surgery.
Are there any complications?
Although the gastric sleeve procedure has minimal complications, it is more risky than the intragastric balloon procedure. The most common complication from this procedure is leakage coming from the stapled portion of the stomach. At Advanced Houston Surgical, Dr. Chaudhry takes extra care to follow up with patients closely throughout their first year after the surgery to be certain that everything is running smoothly.
Is this method covered by my insurance?
Gastric sleeve surgery is more often covered by insurance but again, varies from patient to patient. Discussing your weight loss options with your insurance provider and doctor are going to be the best way to be sure that your gastric sleeve surgery is covered.
At Advanced Houston Surgical, Dr. Chaudhry and his staff of highly trained professionals are here to make sure patients receive quality treatment and care to help them reach their health goals and lead healthier lives.