Am I A candidate?

Is the Gastric Balloon for you?

If you have less than 100 lb to lose and traditional methods of weight loss have not worked for you then the Gastric Balloon may be an ideal treatment.

The Gastric Balloon may be the ideal solution for you if you:

• Are at least 18 years of age and older
• Have a history of demonstrated failure in maintaining weight loss with traditional weight loss methods and if you do not meet the criteria for Lap-Band surgery but wish to achieve weight loss for health or and/aesthetic reasons
• Have a BMI >27 and need to lose weight in order to reduce your risk for surgical procedures such as joint replacement or back surgery
• Are not currently pregnant and have no intention of becoming pregnant in the 12 months following Gastric Balloon placement
• Have not had previous bariatric surgery, intestinal obstruction, or adhesive bowel problems

The Gastric Balloon may NOT be the ideal solution for you if you:

• Have a BMI of <27
• Have unresolved eating disorders such as bulimia
• Have inflammatory disease of the GI tract including esophagitis, gastric ulceration, duodenal ulceration, or specific inflammation such as Crohn's disease
• Have potential upper gastrointestinal bleeding such as esophageal or gastric varices
• Have congenital or acquired abnormalities of the G.I. tract such as large hiatus hernia
• Are emotionally unstable or exhibit psychological characteristics that may interfere with compliance with the Gastric Balloon
• Are dependent on alcohol or illicit drugs
• Have poor general health that would preclude surgery should a complication occur
• Have had previous open abdominal surgery or bowel surgery
• Have a history of chronic or current use of high doses of NSAID and or aspirin

The Gastric Balloon may be useful for people who are considered too overweight and at increased risk for surgical procedures such as joint replacement or other bariatric surgery. The pre-operative use of the Gastric Balloon to successfully reduce weight may help reduce the risks associated with surgical procedures on overweight patients.

The amount of weight lost depends both on the feeling of fullness caused by the Gastric Balloon and on the patient’s motivation and commitment to a new lifestyle and eating habits. It is important to understand the advantages, disadvantages, and potential risks involved.