Get to know the Gastric Balloon
If you carry excess weight, that might cause a significant impact on many aspects of your life and losing weight is sure to become a big challenge for you to achieve, so it is time for you to find a tool to help you and understand that the results of your effort are as significant as you expect. It is quite normal to have questions about the different choices of bariatric procedures and you should speak to a surgeon to determine which bariatric surgery will be right for you.
What is Gastric Balloon?
Gastric Balloon Surgery is a very common and popular bariatric surgery also called Intragastric or Stomach Balloon Surgery. This is a temporary treatment for obese people that will help to lose weight by reducing the volume of the stomach without surgery, limiting the food they consume, and making them feel fuller faster.
How is this Gastric Balloon procedure done?
In Gastric Balloon the surgeon will place a saline-filled silicone in your stomach. This silicone balloon is inserted via endoscopy and once it is in there, it will be filled and inflated up to the size of a big lemon with saline solution to occupy space in the stomach leaving, of course, less room for the amount of food and drinks.
The balloon will be free floating in the stomach and will move around it and stay there for up to six months. During this time, you will decrease your appetite as your space for the amount of food in your stomach will be smaller and you will maintain that feeling of fullness longer and you will be less hungry between meals. The deflated balloon must be removed after these 6 months.
Who may be a candidate for stomach balloon?
- Gastric Balloon is recommended for you if your BMI is higher or lower than 30 to 40 in some circumstances.
- Gastric Balloon is also a great tool for weight loss for you if you prefer a less invasive choice to anatomy-changing bariatric surgery.
- Gastric Balloon is a very good weight loss recommended option for you if you have not been able to lose weight with diet or exercise.
- Very recommendable for people who have suffered from an injury and cannot exercise for a period of time, avoiding gaining weight.
How long does it take the Gastric Balloon procedure to be done?
The minimally invasive outpatient procedure to insert the silicone balloon using an endoscope (a narrow tube camera device, equipped with lights) will take about 15 to 20 minutes and it can be performed in an Endoscopy Center.
How long does it take to recover after undergoing a Gastric Balloon procedure?
During the Gastric Balloon procedure, you will be twilight sedated to be comfortable. So, you will be able to go home as soon as the sedation vanishes. You will able to do all your normal activities without any problem.
Are there side effects after Gastric Balloon?
You might experience some side effects after the procedure such as nausea, vomiting, or stomach cramping for a few days after the balloon is placed in your stomach. There is the medication that a surgeon can give you to deal with these symptoms and you will be fine after 3 or 5 days after.
Are there any complications to be considered?
- Balloon deflation after the procedure can block the intestines so, the balloon has to be removed.
- The overinflation balloon after the procedure must be removed immediately.
- Perforation of the esophagus.
How much weight do I lose after Gastric Balloon Procedure?
Right after the procedure, you have to follow a liquid diet, having a gradual transition until you are ready for a regular one. You will start losing weight very fast, especially in the first three months. The studies said people lose over 10 to 15 percent of their body weight within the first 6 months after the procedure if the post-op indications are completed.
Where can i get a Gastric Ballon Procedure?
If you think you are candidate for a Gastric Ballon, or if you want to know more information about the procedure at our bariatric center (Hidalgo Bariatrics) visit our Gastric Ballon section here.
