Intragastric balloon is a type of surgery for weight loss. This method involves having your surgeon place a saline-filled balloon into your stomach.

What is Intragastric Balloon?

Intragastric balloon is a type of surgery for weight loss. This method involves having your surgeon place a saline-filled balloon into your stomach. The stomach balloon reduces the capacity of your stomach and promotes a feeling of fullness.

Even though an intragastric balloon is a temporary solution, it assists in portion control and healthy eating habits. Balloon surgery is a safe and reversible solution that is popular in the treatment of obesity.

Who is The Right Candidate for Intragastric Balloon?

Intragastric balloon is a minimally invasive surgery procedure that takes about half an hour. After the surgery, patients generally do not need to spend the night at the hospital. However, not everyone is the right candidate for this type of bariatric surgery.

• You should be at least 18 years old.
• Your Body Mass Index bmi which indicates your overweight values, should be between 30 and 40.
• You should have tried to lose weight; however, traditional methods could not help.
• You should be free from gastrointestinal diseases.
• You should be free from eating disorders such as bulimia or binge eating.
• You should not be pregnant.

How Many Types of Gastric Balloon are There?

Intragastric balloon helps you lose weight by limiting the amount of food you can eat and making you feel full faster. There are various types of gastric balloon, each has specific properties.

Elipse Balloon

This intra gastric balloon is a swallowable type that does not require endoscopy or anesthesia. It naturally passes through your digestive system after about four hours. Despite its ease, the elipse balloon has only a four-month lifespan.

Medsil Balloon

The Medsil gastric balloon is inserted endoscopically and filled with saline. It is designed for a six-month treatment period. The advantage of the Medsil balloon is the customizable amount of saline for individual patient needs. However, it requires endoscopy for both insertion and removal, which could be a disadvantage for some.

Orbera Intra-gastric Balloon

Orbera is a widely used balloon that is placed and removed via endoscopy. It stays in the stomach for six months. Its advantage lies in its track record and global usage.

Spatz Stomach Balloon

The Spatz balloon's volume can be changed during treatment. This can extend its use up to 12 months. Your surgeon will place this balloon on a long, flexible camera.

What is The Gastric Balloon Surgery Procedure?

Intragastric balloon surgeries can differ according to the type of balloon. Except for the swallowable ones, the surgery for stomach balloon is performed under mild sedation.

• During the procedure, your surgeon will insert the ballon via endoscopy. There is no need for incisions during the surgery.
• Once in place, your surgeon will inflate the balloon with saline or air to reduce the available space in the stomach. This step will allow you to feel full faster.
• The surgery will take about 15 to 20 minutes.
• Typically after 6 to 12 months, your surgeon will call you back to deflate the balloon.

What Should You Do After the Weight Loss Balloon Surgery?

Intragastric balloon procedure can be successful if you strictly follow the aftercare instructions of your surgeon. Balloon weight loss surgery aftercare instructions can be summed up as follows:

• You should start with a liquid diet. After a few days, according to your surgeon’s instructions, you can gradually transition to soft foods and regular foods.
• You can work with a nutritionist to develop a balanced and healthy gastric balloon diet.
• According to your surgeon’s advice, you can incorporate physical exercises.
• You should drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

Diet After the Balloon in Stomach for Weight Loss

Intragastric balloon diet should be strictly maintained as you need to lose weight effectively. You should note that if you do not follow diet instructions, you may regain weight in a short period of time.

• You will maintain a liquid diet for the first two weeks. You should focus on hydration with clear liquids like water, broth, and sugar-free electrolyte drinks.
• Within weeks 2 and 4, you will consume soft, blended foods such as pureed fruits, mashed vegetables, or blended lean proteins like fish or chicken.
• After the first month, you will gradually incorporate soft and easily chewable foods like scrambled eggs, soft fruits, or cooked vegetables.
• After 6 weeks, you can typically return to a regular, balanced diet.

Risks and Benefits of Stomach Balloon Surgery

Intragastric balloon is a highly popular surgery as it is easy to insert and remove the balloon. Even though it is a temporary solution, you can feel the impact once the balloon is placed in your digestive system. This treatment consists of both benefits and risks, which you can see below:

Gastric Balloon Results and Advantages:

• As it is a non-invasive method, the surgery involves less risk than other types of losing weight operation.
• It is a reversible treatment.
• It assists in significant weight loss by limiting food intake and promoting early satiety.
• The surgery may help improve diseases or conditions related to overweight, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, etc.

Gastric Balloon Side Effects:

• You may experience nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort initially.
• The balloon in the stomach may deflate.
• It is a short-term solution that needs to be reversed within several months.
• Long-term side effects of gastric ballon can include acid reflux or gastritis.