Gastric Balloon in Seattle

Diet and exercise are often helpful for people who wish to lose weight, but everyone’s needs are different. A gastric balloon is a bariatric procedure that can assist with weight loss. In a relatively simple process, a doctor nonsurgically places a balloon into your stomach and inflates it with a saline solution. This takes up space in your stomach, meaning you feel full more quickly. Our providers at Newvue Plastic Surgery can help you determine if a gastric balloon procedure in Seattle will help you reach your weight loss goals. From initial consultation to follow-up care, we are here for your needs.

What Is A Gastric Balloon?

A gastric balloon is a soft medical device that is placed in your stomach during a quick, non-surgical endoscopic procedure under mild sedation. The balloon is used as a temporary tool and is removed between 6 and 9 months after it is installed.

How it works

The gastric balloon helps you eat fewer calories by taking up much of the stomach's capacity, so you eat less and get full faster. You participate in a year-long doctor-supervised weight loss program and work on changing your behavior to follow healthier lifestyle habits.

Procedure time

Less than 30 minutes.

Performed by

Dr. Brian Sung, a double board-certified surgeon in general and bariatric surgery with 20+ years of experience.

Anesthesia

Light sedation.

Recovery

Most patients recover in about three days. They must follow a special diet for several weeks to allow their stomach to get used to the balloon.

Location

Bellevue, WA.

Benefits of A Gastric Balloon

Patients can lose triple the amount of weight with a gastric balloon rather than with just diet and exercise alone.

The balloon is placed in the stomach endoscopically and without incisions, so there is no hospital stay.

The doctor-supervised program used with the balloon helps teach you portion control and to make permanent lifestyle changes.

Recovery is very fast.

Weight loss can help improve chronic conditions like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.

The balloon is only temporary, and it is reversible if needed.

Gastric Balloon Candidates

You may be a great Seattle candidate for a gastric balloon if you are having trouble losing weight, despite changing your diet and exercise. Gastric balloons are recommended for people with a body mass index between 30 and 40, which is in the obesity range. You must be committed to a healthy lifestyle with a better diet and regular checkups, and you should not have had stomach or esophageal surgery.

While not right for everyone, a discussion with our provider can help you determine if a gastric balloon is a good fit for your unique needs. We will help you navigate the treatment process and find the best type of care for you.

Seattle Bariatric Surgeon with Proven Expertise

Brian Sung, M.D.

Dr. Sung has more than 20 years of experience as an expert in bariatric surgery and has over 3,000 procedures to his credit. He specializes in bariatric surgical procedures and endoscopic weight loss that help combat obesity and improve your health, including the gastric balloon. He pioneered outpatient sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass at Swedish Medical Center and served as Washington’s Access to Care Representative, contributing to healthcare policy and legislation.

He is a member of:

American Board of Surgery
American Board of Obesity Medicine

Learn more

Contact Our Team to Learn More About a Gastric Balloon in Seattle

If you find yourself struggling to keep weight off, contact our experienced, expert provider for a consultation today and find out if a gastric balloon is the right choice for you. Our team at Newvue Medical is dedicated to bringing the highest level of customized care to each patient who walks through our doors. Get in touch today to learn more about a Gastric Balloon procedure in Seattle and see if it would be a good fit for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About A Gastric Balloon

Who is a good candidate for a gastric balloon?

A good candidate for a gastric balloon is someone with a higher body weight who has not been able to lose weight with diet and exercise alone.

It is often chosen by people who do not wish to have surgery but they need help losing weight. A qualified weight loss doctor can review your health history to determine if a gastric balloon will be right for you.

Can the gastric balloon be removed early if needed?

Yes. A gastric balloon can be removed at any time if you are experiencing side effects or you are unable to tolerate it. The balloon is removed through an endoscopic procedure, similar to how it was placed. Most people do not need to have the balloon removed early, but it is an option if necessary.

Will I feel the gastric balloon inside my stomach?

Most people are aware of the gastric balloon in their stomach during the first week after it is placed. Many people feel extra fullness, pressure, or mild cramping initially, but after a short period of adjustment, they no longer notice the balloon during.

What happens after the gastric balloon is removed?

After the balloon is taken out, your stomach capacity will go back to normal. You will be able to eat more once it is removed than you have been for the past several months.

Maintaining your results will depend on how well you continue to follow the diet and lifestyle changes you made during the time the balloon was in your stomach.

Can you drink alcohol or carbonated drinks with a gastric balloon?

It is not recommended that you drink alcohol or carbonated drinks while the balloon is in your stomach. Carbonation can increase the amount of bloating, pressure and discomfort you feel. Alcohol can hinder your weight loss progress and can irritate the lining of your stomach.

Can the gastric balloon help reset eating habits long term?

Yes, one of the goals of a gastric balloon program is to help you develop new, healthier, habits and reset the portion sizes your stomach has become used to. It retrains your body to get full fast while eating smaller amounts.

Gastric Balloon In Seattle Metropolitan Area

Newvue Plastic Surgery in Bellevue

10047 Main St Ste 103, Bellevue, WA 98004 (425) 463-9883

Monday: 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
Tuesday: 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
Wednesday: 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
Thursday: 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
Friday: 8:00 A.M.-4:00 P.M.
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Map & Direction