Gastric Balloon Surgery

At Houston Surgical Weight Loss, we offer advanced general, laparoscopic, and bariatric surgeries with a focus on safety, precision, and faster recovery. Led by Dr. Irfan Wadiwala, our team provides personalized care to help patients achieve better health and lasting results.

5220 Farm to Market 2920 Suite 120, Spring, TX 77388

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Gastric Balloon Surgery Specialist in Houston, TX

If diet and exercise alone haven’t delivered lasting results, gastric balloon surgery could be the safe, non-surgical solution you’ve been looking for.

At Houston Surgical Weight Loss, Dr. Irfan Wadiwala, a fellowship-trained and board-certified bariatric surgeon, offers gastric balloon procedures to help patients lose weight and build healthier habits. Many patients experience significant results—losing up to 30–40% of their excess body weight within six months.

Call (281) 653-6544 or schedule your consultation online today to find out if gastric balloon surgery is the right option for you.

What is Gastric Balloon Surgery?

Gastric balloon surgery is a non-surgical, minimally invasive, FDA-approved weight loss procedure. It involves placing a soft, expandable balloon inside your stomach, which reduces the amount of food you can eat at one time.

This smaller stomach space:

  • Helps you feel full faster
  • Reduces hunger between meals
  • Supports steady, sustainable weight loss

Unlike traditional bariatric surgeries, gastric balloon:

  • Requires no incisions, stapling, or rerouting of the digestive system
  • Is a temporary weight loss tool, usually removed after 6–12 months
  • Provides a safe way to kick-start long-term lifestyle changes

Benefits of Gastric Balloon Surgery

Choosing gastric balloon surgery comes with unique advantages:

  • Non-surgical and minimally invasive
  • No permanent changes to your digestive tract
  • Quick, outpatient procedure
  • Short recovery time—most patients return to normal activities in 1–2 days
  • Effective results with structured diet and lifestyle support
  • Helps establish healthier eating habits for long-term success

What to Expect During the Gastric Balloon Procedure

At Houston Surgical Weight Loss, Dr. Wadiwala uses advanced, minimally invasive endoscopic techniques.

Step-by-step process:

  1. A deflated silicone balloon is gently placed into your stomach through your mouth using an endoscope.
  2. Once in place, the balloon is filled with a sterile saline solution.
  3. The balloon partially fills your stomach, leaving less room for food.

Because this procedure is incision-free and performed under sedation:

  • It typically takes 20–30 minutes
  • Patients go home the same day
  • Recovery is fast, with minimal discomfort

Recovery After Gastric Balloon Surgery

Recovery from gastric balloon surgery is generally easier compared to surgical weight loss options.

What to expect:

  • Mild nausea or stomach cramping for a few days as your body adjusts
  • Gradual return to normal diet, starting with liquids
  • Most patients resume work and daily activities within a few days
  • Regular follow-ups to monitor weight loss progress and make lifestyle adjustments

Since the balloon is temporary:

  • It is usually removed after 6–12 months
  • Healthy eating and lifestyle changes are key to maintaining long-term results

Managing Your Gastric Balloon

One of the main advantages of gastric balloon surgery is that it acts as a training tool for portion control and mindful eating.

  • The balloon is removed after your treatment period (6–12 months)
  • Patients continue with diet, exercise, and behavioral strategies learned during treatment
  • Ongoing support from Dr. Wadiwala and his team ensures lasting weight management

Is Gastric Balloon Surgery Right for You?

You may be a good candidate if you:

  • Have a BMI between 30 and 40
  • Have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone
  • Prefer a non-surgical, temporary weight loss option
  • Are committed to lifestyle changes that promote long-term health

During your consultation, Dr. Wadiwala will review your medical history and goals to determine if gastric balloon surgery is the best option for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does gastric balloon surgery help with weight loss?

The balloon reduces available stomach space, helping you feel full faster and encouraging smaller meal portions.

Is gastric balloon surgery safe?

Yes. It’s FDA-approved, incision-free, and considered one of the safest weight loss procedures available.

How long does the balloon stay in place?

Typically, the balloon is removed after 6–12 months.

Will I need time off work?

Most patients resume work and normal activities within 2–3 days.

What happens after the balloon is removed?

You’ll continue following your nutrition and lifestyle plan to maintain long-term weight loss.

Meet Our Doctors : Bariatric Surgeon and Board-Certified General Surgeon – Irfan Wadiwala, DO and Meet Dr. Tse

Irfan Wadiwala, DO

Irfan I. Wadiwala, DO is a fellowship-trained bariatric surgeon and board-certified general surgeon with over 18 years of experience. He has performed thousands of successful bariatric and general surgical procedures with excellent patient outcomes.

    Education and Training:
    • Graduated Summa Cum Laude from Western University, Pomona, California.
    • Completed General Surgery Residency at Martin Luther King and Arrowhead Regional Medical Center near Los Angeles.
    • Completed a fellowship in Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery at Penn State Milton Hershey Medical Center in Pennsylvania.
    Professional Affiliations:
    • American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
    • Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons
    • Harris County Medical Society
    • Texas Medical Association

    Dr. Wadiwala stays current with latest advancements and techniques by attending conferences and continuously refining his surgical skills.

    Specialties:
    • Bariatric surgery for weight loss
    • Hernia repair
    • Gallbladder removal
    • Appendectomy
    • Cyst removal
    • Complex general surgeries

    As a compassionate and highly skilled surgeon, Dr. Wadiwala’s mission is to help patients achieve a healthier lifestyle and improved quality of life through safe and effective surgical care. 

    Meet Dr. Tse

    Alex Tse, MD is a board-certified general and bariatric surgeon with a passion for helping patients achieve lasting health through surgical excellence, education, and compassionate care. With extensive experience in advanced laparoscopic and robotic techniques, he specializes in minimally invasive procedures that promote faster recovery, reduced pain, and better outcomes.

      Education and Training

      University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Fellowship, Minimally Invasive Surgery, 2024 – 2025

      UTHealth Fellowship Consortium with BMI of Texas Minimally Invasive Surgery, 2024 – 2025

      Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai/South Nassau Residency, Surgery, 2020 – 2024

      University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Internship, Surgery, 2019 – 2020

      McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Class of 2019

      The University of Texas at Austin BS, Biochemistry, Magna Cum Laude, 2011 – 2015

      Certifications & Licensure

      TX State Medical License 2023 – 2026

      American Board of Surgery

      Why Choose Houston Surgical Weight Loss for Gastric Balloon Surgery

      • Fellowship-trained, board-certified bariatric surgeon with 12+ years of experience
      • Specialized expertise in non-surgical, minimally invasive weight loss procedures
      • Personalized care plans tailored to your goals
      • Comprehensive support including dietary guidance and follow-ups
      • Convenient telehealth and in-office consultations

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        Life After Bariatric Surgery: What to Expect in the First 12 Months

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        At Houston Surgical Weight Loss, we understand that cost is often a major concern when considering bariatric surgery. Our dedicated coordinators are here to guide you through every step of the process, from navigating insurance approvals to exploring flexible financing options, so you can focus on your journey toward better health.

        We cover a big variety of weight loss treatments.

        Whether you want to learn more about surgical options, or you want to join our post-surgical support group, we’re here for your needs.

        Call us to Schedule your Appointment (281) 653-6544

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