What is a Gastric Balloon?
A gastric balloon, also known as an intragastric balloon or a stomach balloon, is an inflatable medical device that is temporarily placed into the stomach to help reduce weight.
It is designed to help provide weight loss when diet and exercise have failed and surgery is not wanted or not recommended for the patient.
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What is a gastric balloon and how does it work?
It is a soft intragastric device that is filled with a saline solution and then placed in the stomach. It fills a portion of the stomach making a person feel less hungry.
This, in turn, enables them to eat smaller portions while still experiencing the feeling of being full.
For successful weight loss, you should stick to a customized weight loss plan that includes exercise and diet before, during, and after the period in which the gastric balloon is in place.
Who performs this procedure?
The procedure is performed by a gastroenterologist, anesthetist, and trained nurses. It can be performed in a hospital or outpatient center.
How is the balloon inserted?
The procedure is minimally invasive and does not require surgery. You will be given a mild sedative. The doctor inserts a gastroscope (endoscopic camera) through the esophagus and into the stomach.
The deflated gastric balloon is then placed into the stomach. It is filled with a saline solution that is sterile through a small filling tube that is attached to the balloon.
Once the balloon has been filled, the tube is removed by a gentle pull on the external end and the balloon is left inside the stomach. This procedure usually lasts for approximately half an hour.
How is the balloon removed?
The removal procedure of the gastric balloon takes about half an hour.
It involves the removal of the saline solution and then the balloon.
You will need to adhere to the same guidelines as when having the balloon inserted.
It is removed through the esophagus.
The doctor will insert a catheter into the stomach through the mouth so as to puncture the balloon.
Once the balloon has been deflated it is grasped and removed.
Preparation for the procedure
Since you will be sedated, you will need to arrange for transportation from the hospital. You should not take any liquids 12 hours before the procedure and no food for 24 hours before the procedure.
Advantages of a gastric balloon
Nonsurgical: The most common advantage of the gastric is that it is non-surgical. It is also ideal for people who want to lose weight but do not qualify for weight loss surgery.
Temporary: A gastric balloon can be removed once the goal is achieved. It also does not cause permanent alterations to the body.
How long will the balloon stay in the stomach?
The gastric balloon is usually placed in the stomach for a period of six months.
If your doctor recommends using the balloon for a period longer than six months, a new balloon will have to be inserted after six months and the old one removed.
What happens if the gastric balloon spontaneously deflates?
A colored dye called Methylene Blue is placed inside the balloon to help identify any leakage or deflation.
If there is deflation or leakage, your urine color will change to green.
If this does happen you should see a doctor immediately for the balloon to be removed