Stomach Balloon (Intra-Gastric Balloon)
Intra Gastric Balloon is an endoscopic method applied to lose weight. With the balloon placed in the stomach and inflated with 500-600 cc liquid, it is aimed for the individual to consume less food.
What is Intra Gastric Balloon?
Intragastric balloon placement is a weight-loss procedure that involves placing a saline-filled silicone balloon in patient’s stomach. This helps to lose weight by limiting how much he/she can eat and making the person feel fuller faster.
Who it’s for?
- Body mass index (BMI) is between 30 and 40
- Willing to commit to healthy lifestyle changes, get regular medical follow-up and participate in behavioral therapy
- Have not had any previous stomach or esophageal surgery
How does it applied?
During the procedure, the doctor advances a thin tube (catheter) loaded with the intragastric balloon down patient’s throat into his/her stomach. Next, the doctor advances an endoscope, flexible tube with a camera attached, down his/her throat into stomach. The camera allows doctor to see the balloon as he or she fills it with saline.
The procedure takes about a half-hour. Patient can normally go home one to two hours after the procedure is finished.
What Type of Balloons Are Available?
There are two types of balloons which stay in stomach for 6 or 12 months. The decision of it made by patient and doctor. Short term balloon is generally advised for patients who has digestive problems. In both types of balloon procedure, patients may be given drugs that reduce stomach acid and prevent nausea. 12-month balloons can be adjusted in size if needed.
What happens after the procedure?
Pain and nausea affect about one-third of people soon after insertion of an intragastric balloon. However, these symptoms usually only last for a few days after balloon placement. These symptoms can usually be managed with oral medications at home.
What to eat after the operation?
Patient can have small amounts of clear liquids starting about six hours after the procedure. The liquid diet generally continues until the start of the second week, when you can start eating soft foods. You’ll probably be able to start eating regular food around three weeks after the procedure.
Safe foods patients can consume are fish, chicken, meat, egg, limited fruit, tea and linden. Forbidden foods are chocolate, pastry, pies, acidic beverages and fried foods.
How does it work?
An intragastric balloon can make the patient feel more full faster than he/she normally would, which often means he/she eat less. One reason is that the intragastric balloon slows down the time it takes to empty the stomach. Another reason is that the balloon seems to change levels of hormones that control appetite.
The amount of weight person lose depends on how much you can change your lifestyle habits including diet and exercise. Based on a summary of currently available treatments, loss of about 7% to 15% of body weight is typical during the six months after the placement. Total excess weight loss ranges from 30% to 47%.
Permanent healthy changes in your diet, along with regular physical activity and exercise, are necessary to avoid regaining weight.
How to Remove Intra Gastric Balloon?
It is the same way as the placement of an intragastric balloon.
Who are the experts of an Intra Gastric Balloon?
What kind of problems can be faced after intra-gastric balloon procedure?
Serious side effects after intragastric balloon placement and removal are rare. It is possible that the balloon could deflate. If the balloon deflates, there’s also a risk that it could move through your digestive system. This can cause a blockage that may require an additional procedure or surgery to remove the device. Sometimes patients cannot tolerate the nausea and vomiting. In this case, the balloon could be removed.