FAQ

Can you explain how the gastric balloon works?

The simple concept of the gastric balloon is that if you experience a station of fullness in the abdomen, you will be less likely to overeat, eat at night, or snack destructively. The saline filled stomach balloon helps clients to adjust to smaller portions, and in the process they typically lose up to 35% of their excess weight. The doctor will insert the sphere through the esophagus, gently guiding it down to the stomach through use of an endoscope. The gastric balloon will remain in place for the first 6 months, after which it will be removed. Counseling and life coaching however, continue for a full year.

Can you give me an overview of what happens after the balloon is no longer inside me?

The gastric balloon program consists of two parts. The first 6 months involves the placement of the device, while during the second 6 months, clients continue to receive ongoing nutritional counseling and life coaching as they adjust to not having the balloon. Portion control and coping strategies learned during months 1 to 6 continue to serve the patient while they slowly prepare for long-term abstinence from destructive eating habits.

How can I tell if I'm a good candidate for the procedure?

If you are over 18 and have a BMI of roughly 30 to 40, then you may qualify to receive the gastric balloon program. The nonsurgical stomach balloon procedure represents a more aggressive approach than mere dieting or diet pills, but a less invasive solution than bariatric surgery. Ultimately, the best way to tell if the Seattle gastric balloon program is right for you is to schedule your free confidential consultation with our team, during which all your questions and concerns will be addressed in detail.

Does my interest in bariatric surgery preclude me from gastric balloon treatment?

Some doctors require a preliminary weight loss before performing bariatric surgery. When this is the case, the gastric balloon can serve as a stepping stone, allowing the client to lose the recommended pounds in a safe, gentle fashion. The requirement of having a BMI of 30 to 40 still holds, however. If you are a client who has already undergone bariatric surgery, then the gastric balloon will not be appropriate for your goals.

How safe is the gastric balloon?

In 2015 the FDA approved the single sphere and double sphere stomach balloons for weight loss in North America. Over 200,000 success stories followed worldwide, with more and more people finding every day that the gastric balloon is the ideal solution for their needs. During your consultation, the doctor can go over in more depth the ways in which the gastric balloon is engineered for your safety and comfort.

What kind of outcomes to clients experience in terms of weight loss?

Seattle stomach balloon clients can expect to lose up to 35% of their extra weight on average, which translates roughly into anywhere from 25 to 75 pounds lost. Outcomes vary significantly from patient to patient, but the gastric balloon is said to be almost 3 times as effective as dieting and exercise alone. Adhering to the entire 12 months of the program is mandatory, however, as this ensures your positive lifestyle alterations will remain in place as lifelong habits.

Does health insurance cover stomach balloon treatment?

Unfortunately most insurance companies do not yet recognize the gastric balloon as the life-saving procedure that it is. To offset this frustrating reality, our dedicated patient coordinator will work with you to secure outside financing. We work with many reasonable lenders in the healthcare industry who can provide you with 0 to low down payments, manageable APR's and 12 to 60 month repayment plans. Get in touch with us today to get the process started.