Gastric balloon for weight loss

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Ever thought about trying a gastric balloon for weight loss? It’s a non-surgical approach that has become quite popular for kickstarting weight loss journeys.

So, what exactly is a gastric balloon, and what can you expect from the procedure? Let’s dive into the details of gastric balloon placement, covering common side effects and tips to optimize your results.

What is a Gastric Balloon?

A gastric balloon is a non-surgical weight loss method where a deflated balloon is inserted into your stomach and then inflated to reduce the available space for food.

Typically made of a soft, safe silicone material, the balloon’s size and weight when filled vary depending on the device and the amount of fluid used. In general, these balloons are about 400 to 700 cc in size, equivalent to a grapefruit sitting in your stomach and weighing 1-1.5 pounds.

The liquid used to fill the balloon is usually a sterile saline solution, safe for the body. The quantity of fluid can differ based on the device and desired restriction level.

For those looking for a different approach, there are also swallowable gastric balloons, a newer type of non-surgical weight loss procedure. Unlike traditional balloons, these don’t require endoscopy or sedation. You swallow them like a pill, and they inflate once in the stomach.

Gastric Balloon Insertion

1. Preparation: Before the procedure, follow specific instructions, like fasting or adjusting medications. Your healthcare provider might run tests to ensure you’re a good fit.
2. Sedation: To keep you comfortable, you’ll receive a sedative or general anesthesia, making you relaxed and drowsy.
3. Insertion: The deflated balloon goes in through your mouth and down your throat using an endoscope—a flexible tube with a camera. It guides the balloon into your stomach.
4. Inflation: Once in place, the balloon is filled with sterile saline. The amount varies, but it’s usually 400 to 700 cc. This creates a feeling of fullness, helping control meal size.
5. Observation: After inflation, the endoscope is removed. You’ll be monitored for a short time to ensure no complications. The entire procedure takes about 30 minutes.
6. Recovery: Days after, some experience vomiting, stomach pain, nausea, and heartburn, especially after eating. A specialized liquid diet will be necessary initially. Take all the prescribed medication, even if you feel okay—it helps your stomach adjust. Most don’t notice the balloon, but you might feel it move when lying down.

Gastric Balloon Side Effects

When it comes to weight loss procedures, gastric balloons offer a safer alternative with fewer long-term side effects compared to surgeries like lap bands or gastric bypass. Unlike these surgeries, gastric balloon insertion doesn’t involve cutting open the body.

During the procedure, your surgeon determines the appropriate size for your balloon, which might not always be the maximum volume possible.

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea and Vomiting: The most prevalent side effect, occurring in up to 80% of patients, usually resolves within a few days.
• Abdominal Pain and Discomfort: Adjusting to the balloon’s presence can cause some stomach discomfort.
• Acid Reflux: The balloon may trigger acid reflux, often manageable with medication.
• Difficulty Eating: Reduced stomach capacity may lead to challenges in eating for some patients.
• Dehydration: Decreased fluid intake can result in dehydration for some individuals.

Rare Side Effects:

• Balloon Deflation or Rupture: A rare occurrence, happening in less than 1% of cases, may necessitate balloon removal.
• Esophageal or Gastric Perforation: Though rare, this serious complication can occur during balloon insertion.
• Infection: There’s a small risk of infection following the procedure.
• Obstruction: The balloon might obstruct the stomach or intestines, requiring removal.
• Pancreatitis: Rare reports link pancreatitis to gastric balloon insertion.

Gastric Balloon Removal

1. Sedation: During removal, you’ll likely receive sedation to help you relax and minimize any discomfort.
2. Deflation: The balloon is deflated using a special syringe, removing the saline solution that inflated it.
3. Extraction: Once deflated, the balloon is carefully taken out of the stomach through your mouth using an endoscope.

FAQ

How Long Does It Last?

The Orbera gastric balloon stays in your body for 6 months, although some specialized types can stay for as long as 12 months. Swallowable balloons are designed for a shorter duration, usually three to six months.

How Effective Is It?

Gastric balloons are an option for weight loss, but they’re not as effective as other surgical procedures like gastric sleeve or gastric bypass. One significant reason is that balloons are temporary and need to be removed after a certain period.

In the first few weeks, many people experience a weight loss of around 5% of their current weight, like going from 180 lbs to 170 lbs. This initial drop is often because the stomach is adjusting to the balloon, and individuals might need to follow a liquid diet during this time.

These balloons are about 400 to 700 cc in size, which is equivalent to approximately 55% of your total stomach volume. However, having a balloon that fills 55% of your stomach doesn’t mean your appetite or calorie intake will decrease by the same percentage.

How Much Does It Cost?

In Canada, the whole procedure, including removal, typically costs between $6000 to $9000. In the United States, be prepared for an average ranging from $6000 to $15,000.

Is It Right For Me?

Before taking the plunge, be ready for some changes in your life and diet. Using additional weight loss tools or protocols is often recommended alongside the balloon. Why? Well, the balloon has an expiration date—it can only chill in your stomach for around 6 to 12 months, depending on the specific type.

Sure, it can be a handy tool for shedding those pounds, but it’s no magic fix. To achieve and maintain a healthy weight, you’ll still need to make some lifestyle changes. It’s a team effort between you, the balloon, and a commitment to healthy living.

Learn more about

• Gastric Balloon Diet Plan
• The Allurion gastric balloon
• Medical devices for weight loss
• 6 Things To Know Before Getting Weight Loss Surgery
• Other weight loss procedures

See also

• 
  Comparing Different Gastric Balloons
  Many types of gastric balloons exist, from swallowable to adjustable, although the standard Orbera balloon remains the most commonly used.
• 
  Gastric Balloon Diet Plan
  Once you have a gastric balloon, properly transitioning from liquids on day 1 to 3, to solids by day 14, is key to success on your balloon.
• 
  The Allurion gastric balloon
  The Allurion is a swallowable gastric balloon that naturally passes into the stools itself. However, it is smaller than the Orbera balloon.
• 
  Medical Devices for Weight Loss
  Medical devices like lap-bands, gastric balloons, or AspireAssist often face issues that make them less ideal for weight loss than they seem.
• 
  Gastric Sleeve vs Gastric Bypass
  Gastric bypasses more drastically alter your stomach, and are more effective than the sleeve. Both are serious weight loss surgeries.