Ingestible gastric balloon: what it is and who is it recommended for?

Have you heard of the swallowable gastric balloon, but don't know what it is or how it works? If you're interested in a weight loss option that gives you definitive results and doesn't require surgery, the swallowable balloon might be just for you.

Therefore, in this post, we will tell you what the ingestible balloon is and what differentiates it from the conventional gastric balloon And why it's becoming one of the most sought-after and simple options for losing weight without surgery. This way you'll know if it fits what you're looking for, and what results it could help you achieve.

What is the ingestible gastric balloon?

The swallowable balloon, also called the swallowable intragastric balloon, is a silicone device that is placed in the stomach without the need for surgery of any kind, as the patient swallows it directly in the form of a capsule, so it does not cause discomfort. Once there, the balloon will help the patient lose weight.

All of this means that you wouldn't need weight loss operations, you'd just need to go to your bariatric and you request the procedure, then after routine evaluations and confirmation that it's ideal for you, you would only have to ingest the capsule (without surgery), and follow your bariatrician's instructions.

What is it for?

The ingestible balloon serves to mitigate the feeling of hunger and to make you feel full with less food, as it occupies a part of your stomach. In this way, you will feel less desire to eat, you will more easily control your cravings, and you will achieve sustained weight loss.

How is the swallowable intragastric balloon placed?

The ingestible intragastric balloon is placed in the stomach through direct ingestion of a small capsule in which the device is located. In other words, you just have to swallow the device's capsule with a glass of water for it to reach your stomach. 

After this, your bariatrician will fill the balloon with saline solution using a catheter. After filling it with between 550 and 600 cc of sterile saline solution, they will remove the catheter and verify that everything is in order.

With this, the balloon would be in your stomach and would begin to help you lose weight.

All without the need for riskier operations, cuts, or procedures. 

In fact, it's an outpatient procedure that doesn't even require anesthesia.

This is the main difference between this device and the normal gastric balloon (which does require endoscopy), and it's also what distinguishes it from bariatric surgeries more drastic, such as bypass or the gastric sleeve. 

How does it work?

Once filled with saline solution, the gastric balloon will occupy space in your stomach, reducing the remaining space. This will make you feel less hungry and feel full with less food because your stomach is already partially filled by the balloon. Thanks to this, it will be easier for you to change your eating habits, control cravings, and reduce your portion sizes, which will lead to weight loss.

Main risks of the ingestible gastric balloon

The ingestible pill is very safe, and since it doesn't even require surgical intervention, it's significantly less risky than other options. However, it does have some risks you should consider if you're thinking about getting one:

• Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps after the procedureThese side effects are very unusual, and if they occur, they usually disappear on their own in less than 3 days and can be managed with routine medication when they do occur.
• Gastric balloon deflationThere is a remote risk that the balloon could deflate, which could cause stomach and intestinal problems. However, the probability of this happening is very low, and even if it did occur, the consequences are usually not serious.
• Stomach lining irritationIn some cases, the stomach may react negatively to the gastric balloon, which can cause minor irritation of the stomach lining, something that can be resolved with treatment.
• HeartburnAlthough it's not common, there's a slight chance the balloon may cause reflux or heartburn. This can also be treated with medication prescribed by your bariatrician.

All of these risks are quite unlikely, after all, the gastric balloon and the placement procedure are already quite safe in themselves, which greatly reduces the chances of complications. Furthermore, the risks are reduced even further if the procedure is performed by an experienced bariatrician.

For how long can you have an ingestible gastric balloon?

The balloon can remain in the stomach for up to four months. Logically, the final amount of time you have a gastric balloon will depend on what your bariatrician has defined, your health conditions, and your goals with the procedure.

How much weight could you lose with this procedure?

You can lose up to 50%% of excess weight with an ingestible gastric balloon.. The final weight loss will also depend on how well you adhere to your bariatrist's instructions, how you manage your eating habits, and whether or not you engage in physical activity.

Keep in mind that the gastric balloon will not give you good results without a change in habits; it helps you with weight loss, but to achieve this, you must also watch your diet and ensure you exercise regularly.

Who is the ingestible intragastric balloon recommended for?

The swallowable intragastric balloon is recommended for patients between 18 and 60 years old who suffer from overweight or moderate obesity. It is also often recommended for patients with morbid obesity who want to reduce their weight before bariatric surgery such as a bypass or gastric sleeve, and for patients who are not eligible for other weight reduction procedures.

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