What is the gastric balloon and how does it work?

Are you interested in knowing what the gastric balloon is, how it works and how many kilos it could help you lose? Are you tired of trying diets and exercises without results and you are looking for a definitive solution to your weight problems? The intragastric balloon could be what you are looking for.

In this post we tell you everything you need to know about this weight reduction treatment, from how it works to its main advantages and disadvantages.

What is the gastric balloon?

The gastric balloon, also known as an intragastric balloon, is a silicone device used as part of a bariatric treatment to reduce weight in people with obesity.

How does it work?

The gastric balloon does not require surgery, but is introduced endoscopically into the stomach. Once in the stomach, this silicone balloon is filled with 600 cc of saline solution. As it fills, the balloon takes up space in the stomach, which makes you feel less hungry and fills you up with less food.

It is usually kept in the stomach for about 6 to 12 months. After this interval, the bariatric surgeon removes it, evaluates the patient's progress and defines the steps to be taken to ensure that weight loss continues until the patient reaches his or her ideal weight.

Although the balloon itself does not produce changes in your stomach or body that will cause you to lose weight, it is designed to make the process easier for you by addressing two of the main challenges to weight loss: the sensation of hunger and the need to eat large amounts of food to be satiated.

Therefore, in addition to having the gastric balloon placed, you will have to follow a strict and healthy diet and have regular follow-ups with your doctor. bariatric and a nutritionist to ensure that you are doing what you need to do to lose weight effectively.

Apart from the conventional gastric balloon, there are other types of gastric balloons that are placed with much more innovative methods, although their operation is practically the same, they usually do not require anesthesia or endoscopy and are placed for about 4 months.

Who is the intragastric balloon intended for?

The gastric balloon is indicated for patients with the following characteristics:

• Between 18 and 70 years of age
• BMI between 30 and 40 

As a minimally invasive procedure, it does not have as many requirements as other weight reduction operations. 

However, keep in mind that, as noted in the Mayo ClinicIn some cases, the intragastric balloon may not always be the ideal solution in every situation, so it is necessary to evaluate your case with your bariatric surgeon to find out if it is suitable for you or if you would need another bariatric procedure, such as a bariatric surgery. gastric sleeve or the gastric bypass to get the results you are looking for.

Advantages and disadvantages of the gastric balloon

Among the pros and cons of the gastric balloonThere are a few things you should consider to find out if the operation is really what you are looking for:

Advantages

• The gastric balloon does not require surgical intervention.
• It is a reversible procedure.
• It is a very fast and safe treatment.
• It does not cause discomfort.
• There is very little chance of complications.

Disadvantages

• It does not produce as marked weight loss as gastric bypass or gastric sleeve.
• In some cases, the patient may be intolerant to the gastric balloon.
• It is only maintained for about 6 months.

Main risks of gastric balloon

The gastric balloon is not particularly dangerous, the placement of the balloon only takes about 20 minutes and does not even require hospitalization. However, some patients may feel pain and nausea after insertion, although this discomfort does not last more than a few days.

To a lesser extent, there is also a slight chance of balloon deflation (which can cause problems in your digestive system), intolerance to the intragastric balloon and over-inflation, among other conditions.

However, these are very remote possibilities, and your bariatric surgeon will take care to minimize any risk by performing sufficient preoperative studies to ensure that you are in good health for this type of treatment.

When is a gastric balloon not recommended?

Although the gastric balloon is a minimally invasive procedure with few risks, it is not recommended for people who have any disease that makes implantation dangerous or who have already undergone surgery on the stomach. It is also not recommended for patients suffering from hernias, coagulation or endocrinological disorders. 

How many kilos can be lost with a gastric balloon?

With a gastric balloon the patient can lose between 10 and 25 kilos.. However, the gastric balloon results will depend to a great extent on the habits that the patient develops, and how well he/she adheres to his/her diet and to the indications of his/her bariatric surgeon and nutritionist.

Is a gastric balloon the ideal operation for you?

The gastric balloon is a great option if you are looking for an effective solution to your overweight problems and are interested in avoiding drastic surgical procedures, such as gastric bypass or gastric sleeve. In addition, being less invasive, the gastric balloon allows you to lose weight with less risk and recover faster.

However, before deciding to have a gastric balloon placed, it is essential that you consult a bariatric surgeon who will evaluate your particular case and confirm that you meet the requirements for a gastric balloon. requirements to have a gastric balloon. 

Do you want to find out more about the gastric balloon or are you interested in which procedure you need? Contact us via email o via WhatsApp and we tell you how we can help you lose weight and regain your health.