Non-surgical procedures at Nairobi Bariatric Center.

Diet plans and exercise programs are the most well-known and highly suggested solutions for losing weight. Detox plans, which are temporary dietary interventions, are also gaining popularity and are designed to help refresh your digestive system. However, without proper guidance, it is easy to fall into unhealthy practices that can put you further away from your goal, than you were before. 

Fortunately, there are new alternative options that can help you kickstart your weightloss journey and reach your goals. These options are safe and provided by trained and highly knowledgeable professionals. 

In this post, we explore the non-surgical weight loss procedures that are provided by the  Nairobi Bariatric Centre. These are the gastric balloon, bowel irrigation and psychotherapy 

What is the Gastric Balloon Procedure?

The gastric balloon procedure is a relatively new non-surgical weight loss option that is considered as an alternative to bariatric surgery. This procedure is offered to two groups of people:

• Those with a BMI ranging between 30-40
• Those whose BMI does not fall in the above range but have struggled to lose weight through regular diet and exercise routines.

It is a temporary option, lasting up to 6 months, and therefore requires a commitment to a permanent lifestyle change for its effects to be felt long-term.

The gastric balloon is inserted using the endoscopic procedure at Nairobi Bariatric Centre. This involves inserting a long flexible tube (the endoscope) down your throat and into your esophagus. It is a painless procedure and lasts about 30 mins to an hour

Once inside your stomach, the balloon is detached and filled with saline water causing it to cover almost half of the total stomach space..

How does a Gastric Balloon Aide Weight Loss?

The principle behind weight loss is that the number of calories consumed must be less than calories burned. 

The gastric balloon helps with weight loss in two ways: 

• Reduces the available room in your stomach for food

This means that you will physically be unable to consume the same amount of food as you did pre-balloon. Less food being consumed implies that the calories are lower. Should you be performing the same level of exercise as you did before, your calories burned will now be higher than those consumed and as a result, you will lose some weight. 

• Restricts the free passage of food and water through your stomach

This restriction slows down the passage of food through your stomach making you feel full quicker and stay full longer. 

Ghrelin is the hormone responsible for increasing appetite. When released into the bloodstream, it signals to the brain that it is time to eat which then causes you to seek out food. The longer it takes for food to pass through your stomach, the less ghrelin is produced keeping you feeling full longer

What Are The Side Effects of Gastric Balloon Procedure?

The side effects generally do not last long and should reduce a few weeks after insertion of the balloon. Nairobi Bariatric provides an IV drip for two days after the procedure which helps the balloon settle well. Additionally, free consultation is offered to ensure your safety and general well-being and to monitor your progress.

Some common side effects following this procedure include: 

• Acid reflux
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach cramps 
• Difficulty when sleeping due to an uncomfortable stomach or acid reflux.

Bowel Irrigation 

Also known as colon cleansing or colonic irrigation, bowel irrigation is a procedure that is used to help ease digestive issues i.e. bloating, constipation and indigestion. It involves flushing the colon with large amounts of water to help bring the patient immediate relief. This treatment helps refresh the digestive system and is open to people of all ages.

At Nairobi Bariatric, bowel irrigation is carried out non-invasively using warm saline water. You will be given about 200ml of warm water which you are then required to drink in 5-minute intervals. The entire process lasts about 2-3 hours. 

Although bowel irrigation does contribute to weight loss, it can help kickstart those efforts

Psychotherapy and Weight Loss

Psychotherapy is a process that uses scientifically validated methods to enable people to develop healthier and more effective habits. It is provided by a highly trained professional and involves engaging in dialogue to identify triggers and harmful practices that are detrimental to your well-being. Over time, you will learn to develop and incorporate new and healthier habits that will allow you to live a more fulfilling life. Psychotherapy is useful in weight loss as it helps you identify your eating triggers, learn how to better manage these triggers and improves your relationship with food. 

At Nairobi Bariatric, we offer group and individual psychotherapy sessions to help you achieve your weight loss goals. Our group sessions are on a weekly basis for 4 months and last 1.5 hours. By the end of your time with us, you are guaranteed to have: 

•  A healthier relationship with food
• Learnt how to trust your body’s signal for food 
• Identified and learnt to better manage your triggers 

With us, psychotherapy doesn’t end once you leave your sessions. You will be provided with audio psychotherapy which you can listen to at home and at your convenience.

Conclusion

Bowel irrigation, gastric balloon and psychotherapy are three non-surgical procedures offered at Nairobi Bariatric Centre which help in rejuvenating your digestive system and achieving your weight loss goals. We offer an all-rounded approach, addressing not only the physical aspects that can help you lose the excess weight but also focusing on psychological elements that lead to weight gain. If you are seeking a new alternative route to weight loss, Nairobi Bariatric Centre has just what you’re looking for.