We believe that the ideal patient for the Gastric Balloon are individuals with BMI between 28 and 35 and less than 50 years of age. Studies have shown that patients who did not have a weight problem, but then experienced an event such as pregnancy, illness or an immobilizing accident will likely have the best results with the balloon. The goal is that the balloon will help them return to their previous weight and dietary counseling will help them maintain the weight lost.

We believe that the Gastric Balloon is another safe and effective option for a well selected group of obese patients.

About Gastric Balloon Programs

Much like the Lap-Band, weight loss is induced through a reduction in caloric intake.  The Intragastric Balloon is designed to be removed after 6 months leaving no permanent changes to the stomach.  The program at The Surgical Weight Loss Centre includes 6 months of dietary counselling with our registered dietitian while the Balloon is in place and then another six months of ongoing dietary counselling once the Balloon has been removed.  The goal is that the Balloon is used in conjunction with regular dietary counselling to learn new and effective eating habits and that this new way of eating be an established new behaviour that will lead to sustained weight loss.

Patients are able to use the satiety induced by the balloon to establish healthy eating patterns instead of struggling with the hunger and cravings associated with dieting.  Patients can be expected to lose between 30 and 50 pounds during the period that the Balloon is in place.  Studies have shown that the patients with BMI<35 and age <40 have the greatest success (70%) at achieving sustained weight loss after two years with the Intragastric Balloon.  We feel that the Intragastric Balloon is ideal for this group of patients.  Patients with higher BMI are less likely to achieve enough weight loss, and less likely to sustain the weight loss achieved.  We therefore continue to recommend the Lap-Band for these patients.