What happens if the gastric balloon breaks?
Placing you in a gastric balloon It is one of the safest bariatric procedures, but what happens if the gastric balloon breaks while it is in your stomach? In this post, we will explain in detail what could happen, how to recognize the symptoms, and what to do in case it happens to you.
Do you want to eliminate your obesity and recover your quality of life? Contact our team and find out how we can help you eliminate your obesity for good with bariatric surgery.
What happens if the gastric balloon breaks?
If the gastric balloon ruptures, you could experience nausea or stomach discomfort, and your urine could become bluish or greenish in color. In very rare, severe cases, it could cause intestinal obstruction.
The risks of a gastric balloon rupture are minimal because the balloon liquid is a saline solution that is safe for your stomach and the balloon components themselves are harmless.
So only in very serious cases would you experience anything more than stomach discomfort.
Keep in mind that in addition to the stomach discomfort, your urine may turn bluish or greenish; this is because the saline solution that fills the gastric balloon is usually blue in color, so you can immediately notice if the device has ruptured.
Can the gastric balloon be broken?
Yes, a gastric balloon can rupture, especially if it has been in your stomach longer than recommended (between 6 and 12 months). However, the risk of a gastric balloon rupturing is very low.
How likely is it that a gastric balloon will rupture?
The chances of a gastric balloon rupturing are very low, especially if it is kept in the stomach within the recommended intervals (from 6 to 12 months) and as long as you follow your doctor's instructions. bariatric.
What symptoms can you experience if the gastric balloon ruptures?
The main symptoms you might experience if the gastric balloon ruptures are:
- Nausea.
- Abdominal pain.
- Vomiting.
- Urine of a blue, bluish or greenish color.
The clearest sign that your gastric balloon has ruptured will be the color of your urine, so pay close attention if you suspect it has happened to you. If your urine is a bluish or greenish color, contact your gastroenterologist and follow their instructions. Don't worry; in most cases, a ruptured gastric balloon poses no danger.
What to do if the gastric balloon ruptures or deflates?
If your gastric balloon ruptures or deflates, the first thing you should do is contact your gastroenterologist, as they will advise you on safety measures. Do not try to force the expulsion of the gastric balloon, as this could worsen the symptoms.
What you should do step by step if your gastric balloon ruptures:
- Contact your gastroenterologist for medical care and to minimize the risks of a gastric balloon rupture.
- Pay attention to the symptoms you experience, as they will give clues about the condition of the gastric balloon and help your doctors determine the best treatment.
- Do not ingest solid food; this will not complicate your stomach's condition.
- Please come with your bariatra at the time I indicate to manage the extraction of your gastric balloon (which will be by endoscopic method).
Precautions to prevent the gastric balloon from rupturing
If you want to minimize the risk of your gastric balloon rupturing or deflating, there are some precautions you can take:
1. Follow your barriatar's instructions to the letter
Your bariatra will tell you everything you can and cannot do with the gastric balloon. Following its recommendations is key to avoiding any problems with the gastric balloon and achieving the results you expect.
2. Never miss your medical check-ups
Monitoring with your bariatra will allow you to be aware of your symptoms, and assess the evolution of the gastric balloon in your stomach, preventing ruptures from occurring and anticipating any problems before they become serious.
3. Avoid very hard foods that could damage the gastric balloon
Taking care of yourself Diet with the gastric balloon It is important for you to achieve the weight loss you are looking for, but it will also prevent the balloon from rupturing. Your bariatra will tell you which foods you should eliminate from your diet to reduce the risk of rupture of the gastric balloon.
4. Pay attention to your symptoms
Your symptoms will reflect the condition of your stomach with the gastric balloon, so you should pay attention to them. If you notice any strange sensations, discomforts, or even changes in the color of your urine, you will need to notify your gastroenterologist immediately.
Dr. Cristobal Garza
I am a bariatric surgeon certified by the Mexican College of Obesity Surgery. Over the last 10 years, I have helped more than 3,500 patients overcome their obesity and live a happier, healthier life.
