The road to weight loss can be difficult, but endoscopic weight loss procedures have become a feasible and promising choice for people looking for non-surgical solutions. These procedures provide overweight and obese individuals with effective options to achieve their weight loss goals without having to undergo traditional weight loss surgery. One method that is becoming more popular is the intragastric balloon, which involves a non-surgical device that is inserted into the stomach to help with weight loss.
Losing weight can have a significant impact on your health, and many individuals have found relief from type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and fertility issues after weight loss. But what happens if a woman becomes pregnant after having an intragastric balloon inserted?
Today we are going to discuss what happens if you find yourself pregnant with Orbera or Spatz3 weight loss balloons. We will talk about some of the potential risks of using a gastric balloon during pregnancy and how soon you can get pregnant after gastric balloon removal.
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How Does A Gastric Balloon Help You Lose Weight?
Endoscopic weight loss procedures have filled a big gap in available treatment options and represent a significant advancement in the field of weight management. Unlike traditional bariatric surgeries, endoscopic techniques do not require incisions or changes to the anatomy of your digestive tract. Instead, these procedures are performed using a flexible endoscope that is inserted through the mouth, down the throat, and into the stomach, resulting in a less invasive and faster recovery process.
The intragastric balloon is a temporary weight loss device that is placed into your stomach endoscopically. The deflated balloon is placed into your stomach and then inflated with saline, occupying a large portion of the available space and leading to a feeling of fullness with smaller food portions. This helps you to reduce your intake of calorics and leads to gradual and sustainable weight loss.
Can You Get Pregnant With A Gastric Balloon?
Yes, it is possible to get pregnant while you are participating in a weight loss program that involves the use of a gastric balloon. In fact, losing weight often helps straighten out hormone imbalances and often improves a woman’s fertility.
When losing weight with a gastric balloon, it is advised that extra precautions be taken to avoid becoming pregnant until after the balloon is removed.
If a patient becomes pregnant after having the intragastric balloon inserted, it is vital to prioritize the safety of both the mother and the developing baby. The intragastric balloon is not considered safe for use during pregnancy, and the balloon will need to be removed.
Doctor Steven Batash discusses pregnancy with a gastric balloon.
What Should I Do? I Had A Balloon Procedure, Now I Am Pregnant
If you become pregnant while you are being treated with a gastric balloon, you need to tell your doctor right away. Being pregnant while a gastric balloon is inserted in your stomach poses a few risks that are not worth taking.
- Restricting caloric intake while pregnant is not recommended as it can inhibit the intake of vital nutrients that both the baby and the mother require;
- Gastric balloons can cause some uncomfortable side effects (nausea, vomiting, and acid reflux), which can be exacerbated when combined with the same common symptoms of pregnancy;
- The rare but possible risk of the balloon spontaneously deflating and requiring surgical removal.
To ensure a safe pregnancy for both you and the developing baby, the balloon must be removed. Your doctor will carefully evaluate the timing of the removal to ensure it aligns with your health and pregnancy progression.
Experts agree that the safest time to perform the balloon removal is during the second trimester of pregnancy. By this time, the pregnancy has stabilized, and the risk of potential complications is minimized.
How Soon Can You Get Pregnant After A Gastric Balloon?
If you wish to become pregnant after losing weight with a gastric balloon procedure, you should consult with your doctor about the best timeframe.
Typically, after having traditional bariatric surgery, doctors recommend that women wait anywhere from 12 to 18 months to try to get pregnant.
The good news is that because a gastric balloon procedure is temporary, does not alter your digestive system, and does not have the recovery time associated with traditional surgical weight loss procedures, you will not have to wait long. Provided you are in good health and your doctor gives you the all-clear, there is no reason why you cannot attempt to conceive after the balloon is removed.
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I Just Had A Baby, When Can I Get A Gastric Balloon To Lose Weight?
A lot of women are eager to drop those excess pounds after pregnancy and wonder about getting a gastric balloon to help them lose their "baby weight".
It is generally recommended to wait for a period of 6 to 12 months after delivering your baby; however, the timing of your gastric balloon procedure after giving birth may be influenced by both how your baby was delivered and if you are still nursing.
Starting a diet and weight loss plan while nursing as a new mother may not be in the best interest of you or your baby. Nursing can deplete your nutrients, and using a gastric balloon may limit the nutrients you receive, so this combination could potentially lead to deficiencies. It is best to wait until you are no longer nursing to start a weight loss program that includes a gastric balloon.
That being said, you can take steps right away that can help you get back into your favorite pair of jeans without compromising the nutritional needs of you or your baby. Focus on adopting healthier and nutrient-rich eating habits and incorporating physical activity into your daily schedule. Activities such as taking the baby for a walk in the stroller or using online resources to access "at-home" yoga routines or workouts for new moms can also be beneficial.
Once you have stopped nursing and your doctor agree that the timing is right, you can begin a weight loss program with a gastric balloon after pregnancy.
Where Can I Find Out About Getting A Gastric Balloon After Pregnancy?
If you are looking for a safe and effective way to lose weight after having a baby, you are in the right place! At Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center, we can help you shed those extra pounds that found you during your pregnancy.
Our expert team can tailor a plan specifically for you that considers your unique set of circumstances. We offer two different types of gastric balloons to ensure we can accommodate your weight loss needs. During and after your gastric balloon weight loss program, you will receive the highest level of support from Dr. Batash and his knowledgeable team of weight loss professionals, ranging from getting help with nutrition and menu planning from a registered dietician to learning strategies you can put into practice that help you stick to your plan.
If you are ready to lose weight and become healthier, set up an appointment today and find out if weight loss with a gastric balloon is a good option for you.
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