At Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Bariatric and Metabolic Institute, we offer two effective gastric balloon options. Then, our bariatric specialists work with you over the course of one year to help you adopt healthy habits that you can continue for the rest of your life.
Are you ready to lose weight and improve your life? At one of our free information sessions, you can meet our weight loss specialists and learn more about bariatric surgery options. Find a session near you by calling (412) 235-5900 (select option 1).
A gastric balloon (also called an intragastric balloon) is a type of nonsurgical and temporary weight loss procedure. This procedure is best suited for people with a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40 who seek significant weight loss without surgery.
During a short outpatient procedure, a physician places a gas- or water-filled balloon in your stomach for up to six months. A gastric balloon helps you lose weight by taking up room in the stomach so you can eat less while still feeling full.
After six months (when the balloon is removed), your body will be used to your new healthy eating and exercise habits. Your new habits can help you continue to lose or maintain your weight, as you see fit.
There are different types of gastric balloons. They work in a similar way (taking up space in your stomach). However, each is slightly different in makeup (the balloon itself) and the procedure involved.
We offer the:
During this outpatient procedure, a bariatric specialist will:
Once the procedure is completed, you can go home the same day. In the coming months, here’s what you can expect:
For this gastric balloon procedure:
We can place up to three balloons in you. Each balloon is placed two to three weeks apart. In the coming months, here’s what you can expect:
Each type of bariatric surgery offers its own benefits and drawbacks. We consider your overall health and circumstances before recommending which bariatric surgery procedures may offer you the best results. Often, you can choose the surgical approach that fits your preferences.
Gastric balloon surgery offers several benefits. It:
The gastric balloon involves certain disadvantages. It:
When you choose AHN for surgery gastric balloon procedure, you can also expect:
In addition to gastric balloon surgery, our bariatric specialists perform a range of weight loss procedures, including:
Schedule or find out more about our bariatric surgery services by calling (412) 235-5900 (select option 1).