A Gastric balloon or an Intra Gastric balloon is a non-invasive approach that can treat obesity or as part of a weight management program. It benefits those suffering from obesity who cannot lose weight with the assistance of traditional ways such as dieting and exercising. People who desire to lose a large amount of weight and have tried other weight loss methods without success can find success with a gastric balloon. During this procedure, an endoscope inserts a balloon into the stomach through the mouth.

The balloon is then inflated to the desired size. The balloon is stuffed with saline, facilitating weight loss by reducing the amount of food consumed while increasing feelings of fullness. This implant is not permanent; therefore, it does not cause any changes to the patient’s anatomy. This procedure carries a lower risk than bariatric surgery. If the patient meets the criteria, then the gastric balloon is the only treatment option that should be suggested.

As with any other method of treating obesity, a patient is expected to maintain a healthier lifestyle schedule. Therefore, the patient will need to make permanent healthy changes to the diet and regularly engage in physical activity to ensure the procedure will be successful over the long term.

Why is Intragastric Balloon Insertion Done?

The insertion of an intragastric balloon into your stomach can facilitate weight loss. Losing weight can help reduce your risk of developing potentially serious health conditions that are linked to obesity, such as:

• Heart disease or stroke
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
• High blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes

The implantation of an intragastric balloon and any other weight-loss operations or surgeries can only be done after an individual has attempted to reduce their body fat by altering their eating and exercise routines.

Who It’s For?

You should consider getting an intragastric balloon if any of the following apply to you:

• Your body mass index (BMI) ranges from 30 to 40.
• You are willing to make adjustments to your lifestyle that are more beneficial to your health, participate in behavioral treatment, and have frequent medical checkups.
• You have not undergone any prior procedures involving your stomach or oesophagus.

When it comes to treating obesity, intragastric balloons aren’t necessarily the best option for everyone. Your doctor can determine whether or not the treatment will be advantageous for you with the assistance of a screening process.

How Should You Prepare?

Preparation for an intragastric balloon placement surgery is a highly individualized process. There are several possible pre-op exams and lab tests that may be required of you. You may be asked to limit certain foods and liquids and certain medications in the days preceding your procedure. Additionally, you might need to initiate a fitness regimen.

You must consume a diet consisting primarily of thin liquids. This assists your body in becoming accustomed to the balloon. However, if you consume nothing but liquids, it would be difficult for you to fulfill your body’s needs. Because of this, it is critical to be sure that the liquids you consume supply your body with the nutrients it needs. There should not be any lumps, pieces, or particulates in any of the fluids. The liquids must be thin enough to be able to flow via a straw.

After Iintragastric Balloon Implanted

After the surgery, you won’t be able to consume anything but clear liquids in tiny amounts for roughly six hours. In most cases, the liquid diet will continue until the beginning of the second week, at which point you will be allowed to begin eating soft foods. After having the intragastric balloon implanted, you will most likely be able to resume eating normally around three weeks later.

After being left in situ for up to six months, the endoscopic removal of an intragastric balloon requires the use of a scope. At that point, a new balloon might be inserted, or it might not, depending on the strategy you and your physician devised for the procedure.