The small gastric balloon arouses the curiosity of researchers and generates questions for patients seeking an easy and effective way to achieve weight loss. How can placing a balloon in the body help them achieve their goals?
Gastric balloon procedure
Gastric balloon is a procedure that helps patients lose weight and get rid of excess weight by reducing the size of the stomach without surgery. The obesity surgeon inserts the empty, durable silicone rubber balloon through the mouth using an endoscope, then fills it with a saline solution to occupy space in the stomach, leaving less room for the amounts of food and drink consumed.
The presence of the balloon enables patients to eat smaller amounts of food, feel full for longer periods, and are therefore less hungry between meals.
The gastric balloon procedure is a minimally invasive procedure.
Patients can return home once the anesthesia wears off, and resume their normal activities without restrictions, following the post-procedure instructions provided by the doctor regarding the types and amounts of foods.
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Advantages and disadvantages of gastric balloon
Before making the decision to place a gastric balloon, the patient should consult a doctor to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this procedure and determine whether it is suitable for him or not.
Advantages offered by the gastric balloon procedure:
- It is non-surgical and does not involve any permanent changes in the digestive system, which makes the complications of its procedure very few.
- Changeability: The balloon can be easily removed once weight loss goals are achieved or when the patient feels discomfort, unlike most other weight loss procedures.
- Contributing to the improvement of health conditions associated with obesity, such as high blood pressure and obstructive sleep apnea.
Like any medical procedure, it is not without some potential drawbacks, including:
- Temporary procedure: The gastric balloon is a device that is placed for a temporary period determined by the doctor, usually 6 months, and then must be removed. Patients whose health habits have not changed during this period can quickly regain weight loss.
- Its ability to reduce weight is low compared to surgical procedures to get rid of obesity.
Patients may also suffer from some side effects following the procedure, let us learn about them in detail.
Types of gastric balloon
There are several types of gastric balloons, which differ in shape, the material they are made of, and the length of time they remain in the stomach. The most popular types include the following:
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Orbera balloon
It is the common type of gastric balloon. It is made of silicone. It is inserted into the stomach endoscopically under light anesthesia, and then filled with a sterile saline solution, usually between 450 to 700 ml. It remains in the stomach for 6 months, then it is removed endoscopically.
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ReShape duo balloon
This type of gastric balloon consists of two balloons connected inside the stomach, which are inserted endoscopically and then filled with saline solution. This type is characterized by the fact that if one of the balloons leaks, the other balloon prevents the device from passing into the small intestine, which increases safety, and it remains in the stomach for approximately 6 months before laparoscopic removal.
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Spatz balloon:
It is inserted and removed laparoscopically, and is characterized by being an adjustable balloon, meaning the doctor can adjust its size by adding or removing the solution while it is in the stomach to achieve the best results or to alleviate side effects.
The Spatz Gastric Balloon can remain in the stomach longer, up to 12 months, allowing for a longer period for weight loss and lifestyle changes.
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Obalon balloon
It is known as the stomach capsule or smart capsule, because it is swallowed in the form of a capsule connected to a thin tube. Once the capsule reaches the stomach and its position is confirmed by x-ray, the balloon is inflated with carbon dioxide gas through the tube, and then the tube is withdrawn.
To increase the volume of space occupied in the stomach, up to three capsules may be used sequentially, remain in the stomach for 6 months, and then removed laparoscopically.
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Elipse capsule or Allurion balloon
This type is considered a breakthrough in the field of gastric balloons because it does not require an endoscope for insertion or removal. The capsule containing the balloon connected to a thin tube is swallowed, and after confirming its position with an X-ray, the balloon is filled with a sterile liquid of about 550 ml, then the tube is separated after filling.
After about 4 months, a valve in the balloon automatically opens, allowing the fluid to drain and the balloon to exit the body naturally with the waste.
Gastric balloon procedure steps
The gastric balloon installation process is performed in several stages, starting from preparation until follow-up after installation, and includes the following steps:
- The preparation stage before the operation, in terms of conducting the necessary medical examinations, as well as x-rays or endoscopy of the stomach to ensure that there are no ulcers or infections, stopping some medications such as painkillers, and informing the doctor about any other medications you are taking.
- Fasting before the operation, for 8-12 hours.
- The operation is performed under light anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the type of balloon. Some types, such as Elipse, do not require anesthesia because they are swallowed like a capsule.
- In the case of endoscopic balloons such as Orbera and Spatz, the doctor inserts the endoscope through the mouth into the stomach, then inserts the empty balloon through the endoscope.
- The balloon is then filled with a sterile saline solution, ranging in volume from 400-700 ml depending on the type, then the endoscope is withdrawn, and the balloon remains in the stomach.
- In the case of endoscopic swallowing balloons such as the Elipse, the patient swallows the capsule containing the balloon attached to a thin thread.
- The doctor confirms that the capsule has reached the stomach with x-rays, then the balloon is automatically filled with a special liquid through the thread, and then the thread is withdrawn.
- The procedure usually takes 20-30 minutes laparoscopically or less if the capsule is swallowed.
- Most cases are discharged two hours after the gastric balloon procedure. Some centers may request a one-night stay for observation.
Disadvantages of balloon for slimming?
Although this procedure is generally safe, it can lead to unpleasant side effects, which include:
- Repeated nausea and vomiting.
- Stomach cramps.
- Acid reflux.
- Digestive system disorders including diarrhea or constipation and feeling bloated.
Some rare complications also include:
- Incorrect balloon deflation.
- Perforation of the esophagus or stomach during the procedure.
- Spontaneous overinflation of the balloon, leading to gastric obstruction.
- Spread of infection in the digestive system.
The gastric balloon procedure offers a non-surgical and effective weight loss solution with significant health benefits but requires a commitment to lifestyle change for long-term success while being aware of the potential risks and limitations associated with its temporary nature.
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Signs of a gastric balloon burst
In rare cases when a gastric balloon ruptures, it can pose potential risks to the patient's health and may require immediate medical attention.
- Severe, sudden pain in the abdomen.
- Unexplained and persistent vomiting.
- Difficulty swallowing.
The appearance of a green color in the urine may also indicate a burst gastric balloon, as a harmless methylene blue dye is added to the balloon when it is inserted into the stomach. If the balloon bursts, this dye may leak into the stomach and then into the urinary tract, causing the urine to change color to green.
If you experience any of these symptoms after a gastric balloon procedure, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention to address any potential complications.
Book your consultation now at Obesity treatment center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital
Does the stomach expand after the balloon?
The gastric balloon does not expand the size of the stomach. It is a temporary, removable device that fills less than half of the stomach, which slows the passage of food and fluids and helps individuals feel full when eating small meals, without any surgical alteration of the stomach.
When does weight loss begin after gastric balloon?
Weight loss begins gradually after gastric balloon placement, and the first results usually appear during the first to fourth weeks, but this depends on several factors such as the type of balloon, the patient’s commitment to diet, and exercise.
The stages of weight loss after gastric balloon are divided into the following:
- The first days (1-7 days), a person can lose 2-4 kg.
- The first month (1-4 weeks), noticeably, the weight begins to decrease by about 4-10 kg per month.
- From the second to sixth months, weight loss usually continues at a rate of 2-6 kg per month, depending on the person’s commitment.
Who is suitable for the gastric balloon procedure?
The gastric balloon procedure is appropriate for individuals with a BMI higher than 30, but to determine whether a patient is a good candidate for the gastric balloon procedure, a comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary team, usually including a dietitian, gastroenterologist, and bariatric surgeon, is necessary to determine the procedure's individual suitability criteria.
Some of these standards are:
- People with a BMI higher than 30 are generally eligible for the gastric balloon procedure.
- The presence of medical conditions associated with obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders, even if the body mass index is less than 30.
- Individuals who are not eligible for bariatric surgery or those looking for a less invasive option.
It is worth noting that success in the gastric balloon procedure requires commitment to long-term lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise before and after the procedure.
When do the results of the gastric balloon appear?
The results of the procedure usually appear within six months of the balloon being installed, as patients usually lose about 10-15% of their body weight gradually during this period.
After the balloon is removed, patients may need to continue a healthy lifestyle to maintain the weight loss achieved during the six months.
In concluding this comprehensive exploration of the gastric balloon procedure, we find that this medical procedure stands out as an innovative and effective option for individuals seeking to eliminate the problems of obesity in a non-surgical manner. Medical team A specialist to ensure that the procedure is appropriate for his health condition and in line with his personal goals.
Important tips after installing a gastric balloon
To achieve the best results in weight loss and avoid complications, we advise you from Al Mousa Specialist Hospital to do the following:
- Follow a gradual diet from liquids in the first week and pureed soup to pureed and soft foods such as yogurt and boiled eggs starting from the second week to the fourth week.
- Avoid soft drinks, caffeine and sugars as they cause stomach irritation.
- Chew food well and eat small, frequent meals, avoiding large portions.
- After the first month, you can eat healthy solid foods, such as lean proteins such as chicken, fish, and cooked vegetables.
- Avoid fatty or fried foods and high sugars.
- You should drink enough water between meals and at least 1.5-2 liters of water per day.
- Do not drink while eating, as this expands the stomach and reduces the effectiveness of the balloon.
- You can take anti-nausea medications prescribed by your doctor in the first days to control nausea and vomiting after the gastric balloon procedure.
- Do not lie down immediately after eating, wait at least two hours.
- Do sports and physical activity. You can start walking today for 10-15 minutes after a week of installation, and after the first month you can do moderate exercises, but avoid vigorous exercises in the first month so as not to put pressure on the balloon.
- Commit to visiting the doctor and following up regularly according to the schedule.
Frequently asked questions
How many kilograms does the balloon drop in a month?
The gastric balloon contributes to losing body weight at a rate ranging from 10 to about 20 kilograms, depending on body mass, within four months of the balloon’s installation, because it increases the feeling of fullness and reduces the amount of food eaten, which makes you lose about 3 kilograms on average per month, but you should follow the doctor’s instructions and work to regulate your food.
Which is better, gastric sleeve or balloon surgery?
There are many very important differences between the gastric sleeve procedure and the balloon, and only the doctor can help you make the right choice for you, but the gastric sleeve helps in significant weight loss of up to more than 100 kilograms, after removing about 85% of the stomach volume through surgery, and it is one of the most suitable operations for overweight people when their body mass index exceeds 35, while the gastric balloon is a very simple procedure without surgical intervention and helps in weight loss at a rate of 20 kilograms at most, so it is determined
Will the weight return after the balloon procedure?
Yes, the weight may return again if the patient does not follow the correct instructions regarding following a healthy diet and not exercising, which leads to the expansion and expansion of the stomach again. Therefore, it should be noted that these surgeries are merely a means to help you lose weight, but they do not replace following a healthy diet.
Medical references
