Who cannot use the gastric balloon?

Although the gastric balloon is one of the most convenient weight loss options, it is not for everyone, as in some cases it may involve risks or may be ineffective. 

For this reason, in this post we tell you which people cannot wear a gastric balloon, so you can make sure that you meet the requirements. intragastric balloon requirements and that, beyond the requirements, it is not an inadvisable procedure for you.

You may be interested in: Pros and cons of the gastric balloon: is it the solution you are looking for to lose weight? 

Who cannot have a gastric balloon?

In general, the gastric balloon is not recommended for the following people:

1. Under 18 years of age or over 70 years of age

The gastric balloon has not been approved for children or adolescents, only a few patients have undergone this procedure, and always under great medical care. 

Although the gastric balloon risks are low, however, it is not recommended for very young or very old people.

2. Pregnant or breastfeeding women 

Both the procedure and the balloon itself could pose a risk to the baby because of nutritional imbalance. This precaution also applies to women who want to become pregnant.

3. Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 27 

The gastric balloon is designed essentially for people who are significantly overweight, but not morbidly obese, for whom other procedures, such as the gastric bypassare more effective.

4. People with a history of gastric or esophageal surgery. 

If you placed a gastric banding or other bariatric surgery If you have a gastric bypass or esophageal surgery, you will probably not be able to undergo this procedure, because these surgeries increase the risks of gastric balloon implantation.

5. Persons with active gastric or esophageal ulcers, severe esophagitis or large hiatal hernia.

These medical conditions increase the risk of perforation or bleeding during the procedure, which makes it much more dangerous to have a gastric balloon implanted, so it is not recommended.

6. People with uncontrolled psychiatric disorders, addiction to alcohol or drugs, or taking certain medications. 

These disorders together with eating disorders may increase the risk of complications and make it difficult to follow the treatment, so gastric balloon implantation is not recommended in this case.

Why is it important to make sure you are eligible for this procedure?

It is essential to ensure that you meet the requirements for the gastric balloon for several reasons:

→ Safety: Ignoring selection criteria can significantly increase the risk of serious complications during or after the procedure.

→ Efficiency: the gastric balloon is more likely to be effective for weight loss if it is placed in a person who meets the appropriate requirements.

→ Mental health: Undergoing a procedure for which you are not a candidate can have a negative impact on your mental and emotional health.

Finally, if you think this is the procedure for you and you are considering the gastric balloon as a weight loss option, contact us via WhatsApp o email and we tell you what we can do for you to help you regain your well-being.