Losing excess pounds is anything but easy for many people. If you can’t reach your desired weight despite diet and exercise, and you suffer from obesity, a gastric balloon treatment may be a good option for you. The gastric balloon reduces the capacity of the stomach, thus helping to lose weight. Keep reading to learn more about gastric balloon surgery.
What is a Gastric Balloon?
A gastric balloon is a type of balloon placed in the stomach through an endoscopic method, occupying about one-third of the space in your stomach to fill it. The gastric balloon helps reduce your portion sizes when eating, and as a result, the feeling of satiety occurs much earlier. It should be clear to everyone that after any type of weight loss surgery, a change in lifestyle is required. To ensure the long-term success of the operation, it is necessary to maintain a permanent, healthy diet and engage in regular exercise.
How is a Gastric Balloon Inserted?
First, the total body weight and body mass index (BMI) of the patient are calculated. Then, the surgeon decides over what period the gastric balloon should remain in the patient’s body. Inserting the balloon into the stomach typically takes about half an hour. The procedure can be performed in an outpatient setting since inserting the gastric balloon does not require anesthesia. The patient swallows the balloon capsule with the help of a catheter. After the X-ray, the balloon in the stomach is filled with water using a catheter. A second X-ray is taken to ensure that the balloon is correctly filled. Another possible method is for the doctor to pass a thin tube with a balloon through the throat into the stomach. The surgeon moves a flexible tube with a camera through the throat into the stomach. Using the camera, the balloon is filled with saline solution. There are two types of balloons that can be placed in the stomach for 6 or 12 months. Balloons placed for a short period are typically recommended for patients with digestive problems. After consultation, the doctor and the patient jointly decide on the details of the process.
Who Prefers the Gastric Balloon?
The gastric balloon is typically preferred by patients who have difficulty adhering to a diet or have difficulty losing weight despite dieting. Patients aged 18-55 with a BMI over 27 who have not previously had stomach or esophageal surgery can undergo gastric balloon treatment. For patients with severe stomach ulcers or other serious stomach problems, the gastric balloon procedure may not be the appropriate option.
What to Consider After Gastric Balloon Treatment?
Typically, patients can leave the hospital after a few hours of gastric balloon treatment. Throat pain for a short time is natural. About one-third of patients experience pain and nausea in the first few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually sufficient to alleviate the discomfort. Approximately 6 hours after the gastric balloon operation, the patient can take a small amount of fluid. The patient should follow a two-week diet in which only fluids are consumed. After this fluid diet, the patient is transitioned to soft foods. About 3 weeks after the operation, the patient is gradually reintroduced to normal diet.
The gastric balloon is naturally expelled from the body.