GASTRIC BALLOON

A gastric balloon operation, also known as intragastric balloon or gastric balloon insertion, is a non-surgical procedure designed to help people with obesity lose weight. It involves the temporary placement of a balloon inside your stomach to reduce the amount of space available for food, which can make you feel full more quickly and consume fewer calories. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of the procedure for a patient:

1. Pre-Procedure Evaluation:
Before the procedure, you’ll meet with your healthcare team, which may include a gastroenterologist, a dietitian, and a surgeon. They will assess your overall health, discuss your weight loss goals, and make sure you’re a suitable candidate for the gastric balloon.

2. Preparing for the Procedure:
You’ll need to follow specific pre-operative instructions, which may include fasting for a certain period before the procedure. Your medical team will provide you with all the details you need.

3. Anesthesia:
Gastric balloon insertion is typically performed on an outpatient basis. You’ll be given a mild sedative or local anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable during the procedure.

4. Inserting the Balloon:
The deflated gastric balloon is inserted into your stomach through your mouth without the need for any incisions or surgery. It is typically attached to a thin, flexible tube that allows the healthcare team to guide it into your stomach.

5. Inflating the Balloon:
Once the balloon is inside your stomach, it is inflated with a sterile saline solution. This process may take 20-30 minutes, and the balloon is designed to be large enough to limit food intake but not so large that it causes discomfort.

6. Confirmation:
The healthcare team will ensure the balloon is properly positioned and securely inflated before they detach it from the tube.

7. Removal of the Tube:
After the balloon is inflated, the tube used for insertion will be removed.

8. Recovery:
You will be monitored for a few hours after the procedure to ensure there are no complications. Some patients may experience nausea and discomfort initially, but these symptoms usually subside within a few days.

9. Diet and Lifestyle Changes:
Following the procedure, you’ll need to adhere to a specific diet and exercise plan developed by your medical team. This plan is essential for maximizing the effectiveness of the balloon and helping you achieve your weight loss goals.

10. Duration of the Balloon:
Gastric balloons are usually left in place for about 6 to 12 months, depending on the type of balloon used and your individual progress.

11. Removal:
After the prescribed period, the balloon is removed. This is done by a similar endoscopic procedure to the insertion, and it typically takes around 20-30 minutes.

It’s important to understand that the gastric balloon is not a permanent solution for weight loss. It is a tool to help you adopt healthier eating habits and lose weight, but long-term success depends on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Your healthcare team will provide guidance and support throughout the process. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and benefits, and it’s essential to discuss these with your healthcare provider to determine if the gastric balloon is a suitable option for you.