Introduction to gastric balloon
The gastric balloon is a non-surgical treatment for individuals who are overweight or obese. It is an excellent alternative for patients who do not wish to have invasive weight loss surgeries, such as liposuction, gastric bypass, or gastric bands.
Non-invasive procedures can be important for a variety of reasons, including the avoidance of risks such as heart failure and haemorrhaging. It is also a good option for those with families or strict work schedules because it does not require the lengthy recovery period typical of major weight loss surgeries.
The balloon is inserted through the mouth with an endoscopic tube during an outpatient procedure. Patients who have gastric balloons inserted stay at the hospital for just around one hour and have a recovery time of around a single day.
The gastric balloon does not require cutting, stapling, or damaging the stomach. The balloon is inserted through the mouth and filled with either silicon or air. It will have no lasting effects on the size or shape of the stomach. Unlike other weight loss procedures, there is no external or internal damage or scarring. When the gastric balloon is removed, the stomach will return to its normal size and shape.
Once in place, the gastric balloon is expanded which reduces the stomach’s capacity for food. This means that patients with gastric balloons will feel full after eating small portions of food, thus reducing their desire and ability to overeat.
The insertion of the gastric balloon is painless and takes only about ten minutes to complete. Patients with gastric balloons typically experience around 40% weight loss.
The balloon is usually left in place for six months or less. Because the balloon has no lasting effects on the stomach, it is important that patients create and maintain a healthy diet. Without the gastric balloon taking up space in the stomach, patients will be able to eat larger portions immediately upon the removal of the balloon. This can result in weight gain for those who do not have diet and exercise plans in place. This is because they will return to their old habits of overeating. The gastric balloon is most successful in patients who are willing to maintain a low calorie diet after its removal.
The gastric balloon does not require a special diet or dietary supplement. Patients will be able to eat whatever they like, however, foods that are overly sweet may cause stomach discomfort or nausea.
A team of specialists work with weight loss patients to determine if the gastric balloon is the right choice. There are some psychological and medical conditions, including pregnancy, that could result in a lack of qualification for the procedure. Disorders of the stomach or treatments for unrelated disorders that effect the stomach may also render a patient unqualified for the gastric balloon.
In healthy patients, the balloon poses little if any health risks. The only major concern is the rupturing of the gastric balloon, but that has happened only in rare cases. The balloon is made from a durable material that remains flexible inside the body. For the safety of the patients, the silicon in the balloon is dyed with a non-toxic stain during insertion. If a rupture were to occur, a greenish colour would be visible in the patient’s urine.
After the procedure, it is important that patients continue to meet with the team of specialists. Support groups may also help patients with achieving and maintaining healthy diets. The specialist team will continue to be a part of the patient’s weight loss plan after the removal of the gastric balloon. They will help track and improve upon the patient’s weight loss goals.
The gastric balloon is not a long term solution. It is intended to be a stepping stone that will help set patients on the path to weight loss success. Diet and exercise will have to be a regular part of the patient’s life to ensure they achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Patients who are looking for a permanent solution may not be a good fit for the gastric balloon.
The gastric balloon should not be viewed as an easy fix for overweight or obese patients. Recipients of the procedure must be able to commit to a long term diet plan in order to maintain weight loss. Because it remains in the stomach for less than six months, it cannot be relied upon as the patient’s sole weight loss solution.