What is Intragastric Balloon?

An intragastric balloon procedure is a non-surgical treatment to help individuals lose weight. It works by allowing patients to feel full after eating a small amount and reduces the stomach’s capacity to hold food. A gastric balloon channels individuals looking for a temporary weight loss solution or if your Body Mass Index (BMI) defines that you need to lose weight before further surgery, such as a gastric bypass.

Although gastric balloon options will help you to lose weight, the best weight loss results are combined with a healthy diet and exercise.

A Good Candidate for Intragastric Balloon

Candidates in general are all obese people except for those with psychiatric problems. Obesity is defined as one whose body mass index exceeds 30.

Treatment with intragastric balloon is already being successfully, the outcome in all patients is a significant amount of weight loss. Clinical results show that two thirds of individuals maintained the weight achieved during treatment with the intragastric balloon, or continue to lose weight after the removal of it.

Intragastric Balloon Procedure

A surgical camera called an endoscope is passed down the esophagus, or gullet, enabling the doctor to visually make adjustments. A small balloon is inserted into the stomach using the camera. Once safely in place, the gastric balloon is inflated by adding a saline solution unless a specific model is filled with air.

Average Duration of Intragastric Balloon: 20-30 minutes. It is performed under a local anesthetic. Patients usually leave the hospital on the same day.

Risks and Side Effects of Intragastric Balloon

Generally, this is a very safe procedure. Complications are rare but the following is possible:

· Leakage or actual bursting of the balloon

· Ulcers (rare)

· A rupture or bleeding in the stomach or windpipe caused by a faulty insertion of the balloon

· Gastric problems such as reflux, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting

Recovery from Intragastric Balloon

Recovery for the first week after the balloon procedure will balance a liquid diet with a profuse amount of water.

Solid food will be reintroduced to your diet under clinical supervision. It is vital to give yourself enough days to recover as you can expect to feel sore and tired after the procedure. For the first couple of weeks after a gastric balloon procedure it is common to experience nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps, as your stomach adjusts to the balloon. Medication and fluids will help to manage these symptoms. The gastric balloon will be removed after a maximum of 6 months. It is deflated and removed as quickly and easily as it was inserted.

Results of Intragastric Balloon

Results vary from person to person but you can expect to lose 50% of your excess weight in the first 4 months after the gastric balloon procedure.