The best weight loss procedure is only as good as your determination to lose weight. A procedure will never replace the need for creating new habits and goals. With that said, some procedures are clearly better than others—and understanding your options helps you choose wisely.
Non-Surgical: Gastric Balloons
Weight loss balloons are relatively new to the field and stand out from other options because they're completely non-surgical. At Gentle Revive, we use the Orbera gastric balloon.
How It Works
A deflated balloon is placed into the stomach using an endoscope (a thin flexible tube), then inflated with sterile saline solution. Once in place, the balloon takes up space to prevent overeating while you learn new eating habits.
Key Benefits
- Non-surgical—no incisions, no permanent changes
- Little to no downtime—resume normal activities quickly
- Reversible—balloon is removed after 6 months
- Effective—average 20-50 pounds of weight loss
This is the option we recommend for most patients seeking weight loss support—it's effective, safe, and doesn't permanently alter your anatomy.
Surgical Options
While we don't perform surgical weight loss procedures at Gentle Revive, understanding them helps you make an informed choice.
Gastric Sleeve
Removes approximately 80% of the stomach, leaving a banana-shaped tube. This permanently reduces stomach capacity and affects hunger hormones. Typical weight loss: 60-70% of excess weight.
Gastric Bypass
Creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes the small intestine. This limits food intake and reduces calorie absorption. Typical weight loss: 70-80% of excess weight.
Lap Band
Places an adjustable band around the upper stomach to create a small pouch. Less invasive than other surgical options but generally less effective long-term.
The Risk-Benefit Equation
Surgical procedures typically produce more dramatic weight loss but come with permanent anatomical changes, potential nutritional deficiencies, and surgical risks. They require lifelong dietary modifications and vitamin supplementation.
Non-surgical options like Orbera offer significant weight loss with minimal risk—making them an excellent first step before considering more invasive procedures.
Finding Your Path
The "best" procedure depends on your starting point, health conditions, weight loss goals, and commitment level. During a consultation, we'll discuss your specific situation and help you understand which approach makes the most sense for your journey.
About This Article
Authors: Dr. Steven Cherrington, DO & Kenna Graff, NP
Editorial Process: Initial content ideas and drafts may be generated with the assistance of AI language models. Every article is then thoroughly reviewed, edited, and medically verified by Dr. Cherrington and/or Kenna Graff before publication to ensure accuracy, relevance, and alignment with current medical standards.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance.