Gastric Balloon vs Weight loss Injections

It is important to consider all options when trying to lose weight. In this article, we look at injectable medication for weight loss vs the gastric balloon.

Although both procedures are generally effective, there are a few key differences between them. Let’s take a look at the Gastric Balloon first.

What is the Gastric Balloon?

A gastric balloon is a temporary weight loss procedure. Gastric Balloons are spherical in shape, approximately 500ml in volume and are filled with water or saline.

Streamline offers two different balloon programs, the Orbera 365 balloon & the Elipse balloon. In our experience, both balloons work best when they are combined with an individualised weight loss programme.

How does the Gastric Balloon work?

The balloon sits in the stomach, making you feel full, controlling appetite, so that portion sizes are reduced and patients are less driven to snack.

What are the benefits of the Gastric balloon?

The gastric balloon is a non-surgical procedure, it does not need a general anaesthetic, is performed as an outpatient and is a temporary procedure that is usually well tolerated. On average patients will lose 10-15% of their body weight.

What are Weight loss Injections?

There are a number of different weight loss injections but we are going to look at Saxenda and Wegovy. Both these injectable medications help patients lose weight by targeting their appetites.

What is Saxenda?

First approved in the UK in 2017 Saxenda® is a weight loss medication for the treatment of obesity. The medication works by emulating the function of an appetite hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Just like this hormone, Saxenda® aids weight loss by suppressing your appetite, hunger and reduces cravings.

The results? You can eat less without constant feelings of hunger! In most cases, this can lead to gradual, but more importantly, sustainable weight loss.

 

What is Wegovy?

The active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide, which is injected into the body once a week. When Wegovy is taken alongside a healthy, reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise it can help weight loss. The active ingredient, semaglutide, imitates the actions of the hormone that targets areas of the brain involved in regulating appetite and food intake.

As a result of the medication mimicking this hormone, you feel fuller for longer and less hungry. This can help you to eat less and hopefully lose weight.

Gastric Balloon vs Weight loss Injections

 

Both these treatment options are temporary ones, that in the correct situation can be used for long-term periods. The most important consideration with any weight loss treatment is how safe are they and what the complication rate is.

The Gastric Balloon is a very safe treatment option in generally, but for those patients that do develop a problem or a complication it can be quite major and in some cases might require an operation.

However, with injection therapies, the drug is very safe and very reliable with very little side-effects. If any side effects do occur then the drug can be stopped and these should rapidly clear up. With the injection treatments, it is very rare to have a serious complication

Saxenda and Wegovy are typically less expensive than the gastric balloon, and the injections can be done at home. However, the gastric balloon will require a visit to your local hospital for placement and some balloons require another visit around 6-12 months after placement for the balloon to be removed.

Remember when considering either of these options it is important to seek advice from an expert weight loss clinical team. They will be able to advise you on your best treatment option, as well as any risks or complications.