FAQ

Can you explain how the gastric balloon can help me to lose weight?

The principle beyond the Athenix gastric balloon system is that when your stomach is full, you will not be as hungry, and you will eat less. The inflatable silicone balloon is inserted through the mouth with an endoscope and guided into the stomach, where it is then filled with saline. With this device in place, you easily achieve a feeling of being satiated and content after meals, helping you to better control your portions and resist excess eating behaviors such snacking, binging, emotional eating and night-eating. The device stays in place for six months, after which it is removed.

What makes the Fresno Athenix program unique?

The Athenix Fresno team wants to see you lose weight, not just for a few months so you can fit into a dress for that wedding or graduation, but so you can make the transition to a sustained, healthier lifestyle that ensures longevity and peace of mind. The two-part program consists of six months with the gastric implant in place, and another six months without it, during which time you will solidify the progress you made and gain more and more confidence in your new approach to eating. The support you receive from caring, medically trained professionals is invaluable, and the proof is in the amazing results our gastric balloon clients are seeing both short and long term.

Who is an ideal candidate for the procedure?

The ideal gastric balloon client is looking for a more structured weight loss program than is possible with just diet and exercise, but is not ready for invasive surgical procedures. Fresno stomach balloon patients should be over 18 with a BMI of 30-40, and be willing to commit to the entire 12-month program including dietary modification and follow-up sessions. Note that those who have had bariatric surgery in the past are not eligible to undergo the gastric balloon procedure.

How safe is the gastric balloon?

Recently approved by the FDA for use in North America, the gastric balloon has been shown to effectively produce weight loss with a low risk of complications. To date, there are over 220,000 clients who have benefitted from gastric balloon placement. In addition, over 200 papers have been published worldwide attesting to the gastric balloon’s efficacy and safety.

Will I lose a lot of weight?

Most clinical studies report that patients lose an average of 35% of their total unwanted body weight, or somewhere between 25 and 75 lbs. depending on their BMI. Remember that your results will depend a great deal on the effort you put into making healthy lifestyle changes, incorporating exercise into your daily routine, and continuing with follow up visits for the entire 12-month program.

Will my health insurance cover stomach balloon insertion and removal?

Unfortunately, no. The good news is that Athenix Fresno can help connect you to a plentiful selection of healthcare funding sources, many of which have excellent payment plans and low APR’s.

How soon will I recover from gastric balloon insertion?

The procedure takes about 30 minutes on average and no overnight stay is required. This means you can safely return to school or work within 24 hours, as long as you feel fit to do so.

Are there any side effects?

Since gastric balloon insertion is non-surgical and is performed under sedation, there is no pain or extended recovery involved. Some patients do experience a brief period of nausea or vomiting however, as the body becomes acclimated to the device. Your doctor can provide certain medications to make these inconveniences more manageable.