Can Heartburn Be Cured with the Right Diet?
Heartburn is a symptom with multiple causes. If your food choices are the culprit, a new diet could be the answer. Here’s what you need to know.
I Want My Body to Be Summer-Ready: Where Do I Start?Summer is coming — are you ready? If this is the
Believe it or not, the Chicago winter is almost over, and summer is coming. However, if you’re carrying extra weight, the change of seasons could have you thinking more about your health and appearance.
The good news is that even if you have a long journey ahead of you, working toward a summer-worthy body doesn't have to be daunting, nor does it necessitate surgery.
Dr. Darrien Gaston helps Chicagoans of all shapes and sizes slim down for summer and for life. At Metropolitan Gastroenterology Consultants, we offer effective nonsurgical solutions that improve your health and self-confidence. Here’s an overview of nonsurgical and medical weight loss and two of our most popular treatments.
Nonsurgical medical weight loss 101
You can sign up for weight loss surgery, but it comes with some hefty risks. Unless your life depends on surgical intervention, Dr. Gaston recommends more conservative options.
Our nonsurgical medical weight loss treatments help you achieve a healthier weight through physician-supervised plans that don’t require an operation. These options can include personalized diet and exercise regimens, behavioral therapy, and even medical devices or medication — all aimed at promoting significant and sustainable weight loss.
When diet, exercise, and other traditional treatments fail, you still have alternatives that don’t include scalpels and stitches. Here are two of our highly effective and most popular options.
AspireAssist®
One of our premier nonsurgical treatments is the FDA-Approved AspireAssist® weight loss program. This comprehensive regimen embraces a holistic approach, focusing on the scale, improving overall health, and fostering a sustainable lifestyle transformation.
The AspireAssist is a device that involves a minimally invasive procedure where Dr. Gaston inserts a small tube into your stomach, allowing you to empty a portion of your stomach contents about 20 minutes after eating. This process, known as aspiration therapy, removes approximately 30% of the consumed calories.
This technique reduces caloric intake while encouraging you to adopt healthier eating habits. AspireAssist isn’t a quick fix but a long-term lifestyle change.
ORBERA™ intragastric balloon
Another innovative nonsurgical solution is the ORBERA™ Managed Weight Loss System, which is also FDA-approved. Dr. Gaston places a saline-filled silicone balloon in your stomach endoscopically, occupying space and making you feel fuller sooner during meals.
The efficacy of ORBERA is a temporary intervention — usually six months. Although your results may vary, studies show that people achieve an average of 38.4% weight loss during the treatment.
AspireAssist vs. Orbera: How to choose
Choosing between programs like AspireAssist and the Orbera intragastric balloon can be confusing. Both options are highly effective, yet they cater to different needs and lifestyles.
AspireAssist is ideal if you want a program with dietary guidance, exercise plans, and behavioral support from our healthcare professionals. It also encourages a holistic transformation beyond weight loss to improve your overall well-being.
On the other hand, ORBERA may appeal to you if you want a less intensive approach with a defined time frame. The intragastric balloon physically reduces food intake and provides our professional nutritional and fitness advice for six months. It’s ideal if you’re motivated by immediate physical changes to jumpstart your weight loss journey.
Dr. Gaston assesses your health history and weight loss goals, including your commitment level to lifestyle changes, support system, and medical conditions, to help you decide on the most suitable option.
It’s important to remember that both Aspire and ORBERA require dedication to a healthier lifestyle.
As you look forward to summer and a healthier, slimmer you, there’s hope and help. Call Metropolitan Gastroenterology Consultants in Chicago, Illinois, to explore your nonsurgical weight loss options.
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