Gastric Balloon
Gastric balloon principle
An intra-gastric balloon is a newer type of weight loss procedure. A saline-filled silicone balloon is placed in your stomach, which helps you lose weight by limiting how much you can eat. It also makes you feel full faster.
This procedure is an option if you are overweight or obese, and your diet and physical activity have not helped.
Like other weight loss procedures, an intragastric balloon requires a commitment to a healthier lifestyle. You must make permanent changes to your diet and exercise regularly to ensure the long-term success of the intragastric balloon procedure.
Who should have a gastric balloon?
An intragastric balloon may be an option for you if:
Your body mass index (BMI) is between 30 and 40.
You are ready to commit to changing your lifestyle, doing regular medical follow-up and to participate in behavioral therapy.
Have you ever had stomach or stomach surgery? 'esophagus.
Intragastric balloons are not the right choice for all overweight people. A screening process will help your doctor determine if the procedure might benefit you.
Why is the gastric balloon done?
Placing an intragastric balloon helps you lose weight. Weight loss can reduce your risk of potentially serious weight-related health problems, such as:
Heart disease and stroke
High blood pressure
Sleep Apnea
Type 2 diabetes
Intragastric balloon and other weight loss procedures or surgeries are usually only done after you have tried to lose weight by improving your diet and exercise habits.
Gastric Balloon Risks
Pain and nausea affect about one-third of people shortly after insertion of an intragastric balloon. However, these symptoms usually only last a few days after the balloon is placed. And they can be treated with oral medication.
Serious risks after insertion and removal of the intragastric balloon are rare. It is possible that the balloon could deflate. If the balloon deflates, it may also move through your digestive system. This can cause a blockage which may require an additional procedure.
Other possible risks include ulcers or a hole (perforation) in the stomach that may require surgery.
How can I prepare for a gastric balloon pose?
If an intragastric balloon needs to be placed in your stomach, your healthcare team will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your procedure. You may need to pass various tests and lab exams before your procedure.
You may need to limit what you eat and drink, as well as the medications you take, in the lead up to the procedure. You may also need to start a physical activity program.
What you can expect from a gastric balloon
The intragastric balloon procedure is performed in the endoscopy unit as an outpatient procedure. You will be sedated for the procedure.
During the procedure, the doctor advances a thin tube (catheter) loaded with the intragastric balloon down the throat and into the stomach. Then the doctor advances an endoscope — a flexible tube with a camera — down your throat and into your stomach. The tiny camera lets your doctor see the balloon as they fill it with saline solution.
The procedure takes about half an hour. You can normally go home several hours after the procedure.
After gastric balloon insertion
You may have small amounts of fluid beginning about six hours after the procedure. The liquid diet generally continues until the beginning of the second week, when you can start eating soft foods. You will probably be able to start eating regularly about three weeks after insertion of the intragastric balloon.
The intragastric balloons are left in place for 6 months and then removed using an endoscope.
Results of intra-gastric balloon placement
An intragastric balloon can fill you up faster than usual, which often means you'll eat less. One reason may be that the intragastric balloon slows down the time it takes to empty the stomach. Another reason may be that the balloon seems to alter the levels of appetite-controlling hormones.
The amount of weight you lose also depends on how much you can change your lifestyle habits.
A loss of approximately 10-15% of body weight is typical during the six months following placement of the intra-gastric balloon. In a randomized clinical trial of 255 adults with a BMI between 30 and 40, people who had the intragastric balloon procedure combined with behavioral therapy lost 29% of their excess weight, compared to 14% in a group receiving behavioral therapy alone.
As with other procedures and surgeries that result in significant weight loss, the intragastric balloon can help improve or resolve issues related to being overweight, including:
Heart disease or stroke
High blood pressure
Severe sleep apnea
Type 2 diabetes
