Gastric Balloon vs Weight Loss Injections
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If you don’t take good care of your health, it becomes a land for many health conditions. Obesity is one of the major health concerns, affecting millions of people, both men and women, globally. Many of you think obesity means people just become fat, but the fact is that they are at risk of many other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart problems, hypertension, certain types of cancer, etc. However, losing weight can reduce these problems, but it is a tough and challenging task.
In this fast-paced world, different weight loss options are available, and most of them are truly effective. If you are struggling with obesity and trying to lose weight, we can help you. To explore all possible weight-loss options, consult Dr. Venugopal Pareek, one of the best weight-loss surgeons in Hyderabad; he can evaluate your condition and suggest the best treatment option that supports your weight-loss journey.
Regular exercise along with a restricted diet is the traditional weight loss method, but it takes a long time to achieve desired results. However, for those who need even more effective solutions, medical interventions like weight loss injections, bariatric procedures, and gastric balloons can be considered.
Bariatric procedures are surgical solutions for weight loss, while gastric balloons and injections are nonsurgical weight loss options. Here is an insightful blog from Dr. Venugopal Pareek comparing gastric balloon and weight loss medications for people who are considering them as weight loss options. He says both of these weight-loss options are effective but have their own benefits and risks. They work differently, and success rates also vary in long-term weight management.
Gastric Balloon
A gastric balloon, often called an intragastric balloon, is a minimally invasive procedure for losing weight. In this procedure, the surgeon inserts a deflated silicon balloon into the stomach through the mouth by using a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope (with a camera). Once the balloon reaches its place, it is filled with approx. 500 ml of water or saline, which takes up some space in the stomach. As the space is reduced in the stomach, you will feel fuller sooner and also reduce hunger.
- The gastric balloon procedure is reversible and typically expelled in 4 months. There is a possibility of regaining weight if you are not committed to the recommended lifestyle changes after balloon removal.
- Typically, this weight loss procedure can help to lose 12–18% of total body weight. It is higher and more effective than weight loss injections but less effective compared to bariatric surgery.
- In rare cases, people may experience certain risks and complications, which include balloon deflation, migration, or gastric obstruction.
- Patients may experience common yet manageable side effects such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and discomfort, especially within the first two weeks after surgery.
To learn more about gastric balloon procedures, read: An Overview Of Gastric Balloon Surgery For Weight Loss
Weight Loss Injections
Weight loss injections work by suppressing appetite. Semaglutide and liraglutide injections are the popular GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss due to their effectiveness and non-invasive nature. However, they may not be suitable for everyone and come with certain limitations, especially considering their long-term effects:
- These injections can be a temporary solution for weight loss, but to maintain your weight loss, these injections need to be taken continuously. Many individuals have reported that they gained weight once they stopped taking the injections.
- According to studies, weight loss achieved through injections varies between 10-15% of total body weight, which may be inadequate for people with severe obesity.
- Patients may experience common yet manageable side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. As these medications are relatively new for weight loss treatments, the long-term risks remain uncertain. In rare cases, people may experience severe complications such as pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, and gallbladder diseases.
- The cost of these medications might not be affordable, and moreover, their availability is limited. They may not always be covered by insurance, which makes it difficult to use for some patients, especially in the long term.
Success rates of these popular weight loss options in long-term weight loss management.
Compared to all weight loss methods, bariatric surgery has a high success rate in maintaining the lost weight over the long term.
People can lose desired weight with the help of weight loss injections, but 80% of them might regain weight if treatment is discontinued.
Gastric balloons can be considered an effective short-term weight loss procedure. Once the balloon is removed, there is a high risk of weight gain, especially if you don’t follow a restricted lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Whereas in the case of a bariatric surgery, on average people can lose 50–70% of excess body weight and can maintain over 10+ years. This is why it has become one of the most effective weight-loss solutions in the long term.
It is important to understand all your options so that you can make the right decisions that suit your weight loss journey. For personalized guidance and expert care, consult Dr. Venugopal Pareek, the best bariatric surgeon in India. If you want to meet the best weight loss doctor in Hyderabad, call +91 91777 77715 to schedule an appointment.
