The patient adheres to a diet after placing the stomach balloon, and this system includes eating fluids on the first day after the operation, followed by eating fluids and soups for a week after the operation, then eating pureed foods, and the patient can eat natural foods after that, but through a diet determined by the nutritionist in order not to gain back lost weight again.
What Is a Gastric Balloon?
The gastric balloon, also called an intragastric balloon, is a non-surgical weight loss method. Traditional balloons are placed into the stomach with an endoscope and then filled with sterile saline. A newer type, the swallowable capsule balloon, is taken like a pill and inflated with gas once it reaches the stomach. In both cases, the balloon occupies space in the stomach to promote an earlier feeling of fullness, helping patients reduce food intake and lose weight gradually.
Steps of the Gastric Balloon Procedure
The patient receives mild sedation to relax and reduce anxiety.
The balloon is inserted empty into the stomach (either by swallowing a capsule or using an endoscope).
The endoscope includes a camera connected to a TV screen to help get the balloon into the stomach accurately.
The balloon is entered empty and upon arrival, it is filled with sterile blue liquid, to be used as an alarm indicator if the balloon perforates. The balloon can also be filled with nitrogen gas, as it is light in weight.
After filling the balloon with sterile liquid, the balloon closes automatically.
The process takes about half an hour, and the patient can leave the hospital and return home a couple of hours after the operation.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Gastric Balloon
Advantages
- No surgery or general anesthesia is required in many cases.
- Supports gradual and controlled weight loss.
- A short-term option for patients who only need to lose a limited amount of weight.
Disadvantages
While effective, the intragastric balloon isn’t always the best option for patients with severe obesity:
- If patients don’t commit to a healthy lifestyle, weight often returns after balloon removal.
- The balloon is a temporary solution and usually stays in the stomach no longer than 6 months.
- Not ideal for patients with a BMI above 30 except as a preparation for bariatric surgery.
- Rarely, the balloon may rupture if kept beyond the recommended period, leading to symptoms like blue or red urine color, which requires immediate removal.
- Some side effects, especially in the first week: nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.
- Possible stomach inflammation or ulcers that may require medical treatment.
Is a Gastric Balloon Right for Me?
The Gastric Balloon is usually recommended for patients with a BMI between 26–30, aiming to lose about 5–15 kg. It isn’t a permanent fix but can help patients jumpstart weight loss. To maintain the results, patients must follow a healthy diet and lifestyle after the balloon is removed.
FAQs
What types of intragastric balloons are available?
- Orbera (USA): Placed via endoscopy, remains for up to 6 months.
- ReShape (USA): Contains two balloons for added safety.
- MedSil (Russia): Often used in patients with BMI ≥ 30; stays up to 6 months.
- Obalon: Swallowed as a capsule that inflates into a balloon inside the stomach.
How is the balloon removed?
The balloon is typically removed endoscopically after 6 months. The doctor punctures the balloon to deflate it and then pulls it out through the mouth. The removal usually takes about 15 minutes and is done with sedation and local anesthesia, causing minimal discomfort.
When can the balloon be extracted?
6 months after inserting it.
Who is the right person for the stomach balloon?
As a rule, the stomach balloon is only suitable in cases where a slight weight loss is required. And it is preferable to use the balloon of the stomach with people who do not suffer from excessive obesity (except in the case of preparing for another type of obesity surgery) and theose who do not wish to perform obesity surgery or who have medical contraindications to perform surgeries.
What is the diet after the stomach balloon?
Why might someone not lose weight with a gastric balloon?
Due to not following a balanced diet, consuming too many calories, or drinking sugary beverages that reduce the balloon’s effectiveness.
Can the gastric balloon rupture?
Yes, but it is very rare. Causes include damage or wear over time. If signs appear, the balloon must be removed promptly.
What are symptoms of intolerance to the gastric balloon?
- Persistent severe nausea.
- Recurrent vomiting.
- Continuous stomach cramps or pain.
- Severe acid reflux or heartburn.
Can I lose 30 kg with a gastric balloon?
It's unusual and generally unlikely to lose 30 kg with a gastric balloon alone. On average, patients lose about 10–15 kg. It may require additional procedures or lifestyle changes to lose 30 kg.