What is the Gastric Balloon?
The gastric balloon is a medical device designed to promote weight loss. It is a soft, expandable silicone balloon inserted into the stomach via endoscopy. Once in place, it is inflated with a sterile saline solution or air, thereby reducing the available space in the stomach and limiting the amount of food you can consume.
How Does the Gastric Balloon Work?
The gastric balloon works by creating a quicker and longer-lasting feeling of fullness through the following mechanisms:
- Reduction of Stomach Capacity: By occupying a significant portion of the stomach, the balloon allows you to feel full with less food.
- Feeling of Satiety: The balloon exerts pressure on the stomach walls, stimulating the satiety receptors and helping you feel full faster.
- Appetite Regulation: By eating less, you develop new eating habits and reduce portion sizes.
Benefits of the Gastric Balloon
The benefits of the gastric balloon include:
- Significant Weight Loss: Generally, patients lose between 10% and 15% of their body weight over the six months the balloon is in use.
- Non-Surgical Procedure: Unlike bariatric surgery, the insertion of the gastric balloon does not require incisions or permanent anatomical changes.
- Reversibility: The balloon is temporary and can be removed after six months, allowing for an assessment of its effectiveness without long-term commitment.
- Improvement of Comorbidities: Weight loss achieved with the balloon can improve or resolve health issues related to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.
- Support and Follow-Up: Patients often benefit from a support program that includes nutritional advice and regular medical follow-ups to optimize results.
Who is the Gastric Balloon For?
The gastric balloon is intended for:
- Patients with a BMI of 60 and above, preparing for bariatric surgery (Bridge) or another surgical intervention to reduce surgical risk.
- High-risk patients who cannot undergo bariatric surgery.
- Individuals with a BMI between 30 and 40 who have not succeeded in losing weight through conventional methods such as diet and exercise.
- Those seeking a non-surgical alternative to more invasive interventions.
Contraindications:
- Patients under 18 years old
- Pregnancy
- Previous gastric, bariatric, or duodenal surgeries
- Large hiatal hernias, esophageal diverticula, strictures, or stomach ulcers
Placement and Removal Process
- Before Insertion: One week before the procedure, treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) begins to reduce gastric acid secretion. An endoscopic examination of the stomach is conducted just before the balloon placement to check for contraindications.
- Placement: The balloon is inserted endoscopically under light sedation in a 20- to 30-minute procedure, allowing you to go home the same day.
- Adaptation Period: Initially, you may experience nausea or stomach cramps, but these symptoms generally subside within a few days. A strict liquid diet is followed for the first week. Starting from the second week, soft foods can be introduced.
- Regular Follow-Up: Regular medical follow-ups will assess your progress and adjust your treatment plan.
- Removal: After 6 or 12 months, depending on the type of balloon, it is deflated and removed endoscopically in a procedure similar to the insertion.
What is the Swallowable Gastric Balloon Pill?
Traditionally, the gastric balloon requires endoscopic intervention and anesthesia for placement and removal. The swallowable gastric balloon pill, like the one from Allurion, can be ingested with water without anesthesia and will naturally be expelled from the body after 4 to 6 months.
Conclusion
The gastric balloon is a non-surgical and effective solution for those seeking significant weight loss. Combined with a nutritional and medical support program, it can help achieve weight loss goals and improve quality of life. For more information, consult our online physician to discuss your eligibility, potential benefits, and get a free quote.
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