How does a gastric balloon work?

The gastric balloon is a small silicon pouch that is inserted into the patient’s stomach through the use of an endoscopic tube. This tube is painlessly inserted through the mouth and into the stomach. The balloon is deflated during insertion and then filled with either saline or air once in place. An external catheter is used to fill the balloon, which will then partially fill the stomach.

Due to the pressure of the balloon, the patient feels full more easily. The gastric balloon allows patient’s to feel satisfied after eating only a small portion of food. Naturally, eating less food will result in weight loss.

The gastric balloon will be removed from the patient’s stomach after a maximum of six months. Afterwards, the patient must continue to eat smaller portions in order to maintain weight loss. The gastric balloon has no lasting impact on the size or shape of the stomach. If patients return to eating large portions of food, they will gain weight just as quickly as before the insertion of the balloon.

During the first few days after insertion, patients may experience nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. These symptoms should not be severe and, if experienced, should last for only a short time.

After a maximum of six months, the balloon will be removed from the patient’s stomach. The balloon is deflated prior to removal and then pulled through the mouth via an endoscopic tube.

A numbing throat spray will be provided to patients during the insertion and removal of the gastric balloon. Sedation during the procedures are not necessary, but are available to those who feel they may need it. Patient’s who are nervous about the procedure should talk to their surgeon about the possible use of sedation.

The procedure may be uncomfortable, but is generally painless. Only local anaesthetics are required before and during the procedure.

 In cases where the gastric balloon fails to result in weight loss or weight is quickly regained, surgeons may suggest a more permanent weight loss surgery.

Beginning a diet before the insertion of the gastric balloon will help the body adjust to changes in the quantity of consumed food. The gastric balloon will help train the body to need less food to feel full, but patients on diets are more likely to experience long lasting results than those who do not actively modify their food consumption. Beginning a diet before the insertion of the balloon also results in less discomfort in the first few days after insertion.