When it comes to managing obesity, weight loss surgeries and gastric solutions are often considered by those who struggle to manage their weight with diet and exercise alone. While gastric bands, balloons, and other physical remedies can be effective for some.
Here at Bodyline, we want to help those struggling with their weight explore all the options available before considering gastric weight loss. Our 17 years of experience in medicated weight loss programmes mean we are well equipped to offer alternative approaches to help individuals successfully achieve their weight loss goals without undergoing surgery.
What is a gastric balloon?
A gastric balloon is a temporary procedure, where a spherical balloon is inserted into the stomach and filled with approximately 500ml of water or saline, with the purpose of reducing calorie intake in the treatment of obesity.
The balloon causes the feeling of fullness to come sooner during meals, enabling a reduction in portion size and food consumed which promotes weight loss. Generally, it stays in place for six months, kick-starting weight loss.
The process of getting a gastric balloon involves a surgeon inserting the balloon orally and then expanding it with sterile saline fluid, once it is placed in the stomach. When it is filled, the balloon makes us feel fuller with less food in our stomachs, because it is too large to pass through the bowels.
The gastric balloon is a non-surgical procedure, it does not need a general anesthetic or an overnight stay in hospital and is a temporary procedure that is usually well tolerated.
On average patients will lose 10-15% of their body weight, however, it does not reduce overall cravings and must be used alongside a comprehensive diet and exercise regimen.
What are the benefits and risks of a gastric balloon?
One benefit of gastric balloons are the quick insertion and removals, which means they’re temporary and can be removed at any time.
Additionally, gastric balloons can help users lose up to 15% of their body weight, due to its ability to make them feel fuller for longer.
However, with a gastric balloon it is possible to regain weight after it has been removed, as the stomach will revert back to its original size. The only way a gastric balloon will work for sustainable weight loss is if habits are formed and can be maintained long past the removal process.
Side effects and potential complications from a gastric balloon may include:
- A feeling of imbalance akin to sea sickness
- Gastric discomfort, nausea and vomiting
- A feeling of heaviness in the stomach
- Abdominal or back pain
- Acid reflux or indigestion
Medical Weight Loss Injections: Alternatives to the Gastric Balloon
Weight loss programmes that incorporate medical interventions like injections provide safe, affordable, and tailored evidence-based weight loss plans to women and men throughout the UK. At Bodyline, we have found that medical weight loss has been incredibly effective for those who need to lose the same amount of weight and curate positive, healthy lifestyle changes for long term weight management.
A less invasive and more accessible option is Bodyline.
Bernie Murphy, our Head of Clinical Services says,
“At Bodyline, we prescribe a combination of effective weight loss medications, injections, vitamins, and herbal weight loss supplements as part of our holistic wellness programmes. If you are struggling to lose weight and have tried diets and other weight loss options, our safe and personal approach to helping women and men achieve their weight loss goals really works.
“Our programmes are designed and supervised by healthcare professionals, including doctors, dieticians, and nurses, who specialize in weight management and are guaranteed to help our clients lose weight.”
Medical weight loss injections: A popular alternative to a gastric balloon
One of the newest and most popular medical obesity treatments are GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) or GLP-1/GIP injections. GLP-1 and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) are hormones produced naturally in our guts. They get released by the intestines in response to food intake, particularly carbohydrates and play important roles in regulating appetite, blood sugar levels, and fat metabolism.
Injections with GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonists mimic the effect of the hormones to boost the body’s ability to suppress the appetite, control blood sugar levels, and promote weight loss.
These medications are prescribed to those eligible under the guidance of healthcare professionals, and should only be used in combination with a fully supported weight management plan.
Each GLP-1 injections are proven to induce incredible weight loss, with clinical trials showing “game-changing” results.
At Bodyline, Saxenda has been prescribed as part of our programmes for many years and has been proven to help our patients lose between 5-10% of their starting weight.
WeGovy is also available within our programmes, producing incredible weight loss results that can be sustained with long term lifestyle changes. Studies show they produce an average 15% body weight reduction over a 68-week period when used alongside diet and exercise.
Mounjaro is the newest GLP-1/GIP injection to be approved in the UK, far surpassing the weight loss results from other injections and the gastric balloon. The dual acting mechanisms work together to help over 85% of clinical trial participants lose 5-20% of their starting weight.
At Bodyline, we can assess your medical history, lifestyle, and weight loss goals and prescribe a medication that can work for you to promote successful weight loss.
Contact Bodyline today to find out more about our safe and effective weight loss programmes and range of treatment options.
Successful Weight Loss with Bodyline
At Bodyline Clinic, we specialise in providing medically supervised weight loss programmes that offer a safe and effective alternative to weight loss surgery.
Our experienced healthcare professionals understand the challenges individuals face when it comes to weight loss and tailor treatment plans to meet individual needs and goals.To learn more about our medical weight loss programmes and how they can be the alternative to weight loss surgery for you, contact Bodyline Clinic today at 0800 995 6036 or fill out our online contact form. Our experienced healthcare professionals are ready to guide you on your weight loss journey and help you achieve lasting results.
