Gastric Balloon
A gastric balloon is a weight loss procedure that involves temporarily placing a silicone balloon in the stomach. The balloon takes up space in the stomach, which limits the amount of food that can be consumed, and makes the person feel fuller more quickly. This helps in losing weight by reducing the volume of the stomach without surgery.
The balloon is inserted through the mouth and placed in the stomach by a doctor using an endoscope.
This procedure is also known as an endoscopic intragastric balloon, which leaves one to three inflated silicon balloons in the stomach for six months.
It is considered a temporary treatment for obesity that helps individuals lose weight by limiting the amount they can eat and making them feel fuller faster.
The protocol to have a gastric balloon may vary depending on the specific type of gastric balloon being used.
However, based on the provided search results, there are some general steps involved in the placement and removal of a gastric balloon:
- Consultation with a qualified healthcare provider to determine if a gastric balloon is a suitable weight loss option.
- Prior to the procedure, patients may be required to undergo some tests such as blood tests, EKG, and chest x-ray to determine their health status.
- The patient will be sedated for the procedure.
- The doctor will use an endoscope to insert the deflated balloon through the patient's mouth and into their stomach.
- The balloon will then be filled with saline or nitrogen solution to expand and take up space in the stomach.
- After a few weeks, a second balloon may be placed, and in some cases, a third balloon may be placed.
- All gastric balloons must be removed six months after placement, using the same endoscopic procedure as placement.
It is important to note that these steps are general and may vary depending on the type of gastric balloon used and the specific medical center or healthcare provider performing the procedure. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider for more detailed information regarding the specific protocol for their chosen gastric balloon.
Gastric balloons are soft, smooth, and durable balloons made of silicone rubber. The placement of an intragastric balloon can help people with obesity feel full with less food and gradually lose weight. The procedure is done as an outpatient procedure in the endoscopy unit, and the doctor advances a thin tube loaded with the balloon down the patient's throat into the stomach.
There are some risks and potential complications associated with gastric balloon procedures, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. Some people may also experience intolerance to the balloon and require early removal.
However, gastric balloons may also offer some advantages, such as improvement in diabetes, cardiac health, and joint/bone issues. Gastric balloon patients are more likely to see health improvements than people of similar weight who do not have the procedure.
When choosing between gastric balloon, gastric sleeve, and gastric bypass procedures, the decision should be made based on individual factors such as medical history, BMI, and weight loss goals. Gastric sleeve and gastric bypass procedures are more invasive and typically require a longer hospital stay, but they may result in more significant weight loss and longer-lasting effects. A medical professional can provide guidance on which procedure may be best for each individual.
You will then have to take into account while choosing your gastric balloon procedure:
1. the country and cost where it is performed
2. the brand of your gastric balloon
3. the surgical method used
4. how long it shall last and what about the surgery to take it out?
5. be sure that your BMI index will not be more suitable for a gastric sleeve or a gastric bypass
6. calculate the overall cost of the procedure compared to permanent procedures if you have to do it again in the future
