What Is A Gastric Balloon?

Gastric Balloon or Intragastric balloon placement is a non-surgical procedure that is carried out with the aim of permanent weight loss. The procedure is basically the inserting and placement of a saline-filled silicone balloon into the stomach. This aids weight loss by restricting the amount of food you can consume and making you feel filled sooner. If diet and exercise haven’t worked for you and you’re concerned about your weight, the intragastric balloon treatment may be an alternative.

Since the balloon lasts for only six months in the stomach, it is a necessity to change lifestyle and adopt healthier life. An intragastric balloon, like other weight-loss operations, necessitates a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. To ensure the procedure’s long-term success, you must adopt permanent healthy dietary modifications and exercise on a regular basis.

Why Is Intragastric Balloon Placement Done?

The insertion of an intragastric balloon aids weight loss. Losing weight can reduce your chance of developing potentially significant weight-related health issues, such as:

  • Heart attacks or strokes
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
  • Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)

Many weight-loss treatments and operations, as well as intragastric balloon implantation, are usually done only after you’ve tried to reduce weight by modifying your diet and exercise habits.

Pros And Cons Of Gastric Balloons

Gastric balloons, like weight reduction surgeries, have advantages and downsides. Under this topic, we will be discussing these advantages and downsides.

Pros

  • Gastric balloon placement doesn’t require a surgical procedure
  • It is quick and easy to place the balloon (some types require light anesthesia)
  • You may feel full faster and be less hungry while the balloon is in your stomach
  • It can be said that it is almost certain that you will lose weight after the placement
  • It may result in long-term weight loss under certain conditions

Cons

  • It is likely that you will experience stomach cramps.
  • Difficulty in sleeping is a known side effect of gastric balloon.
  • It is a temporary procedure and it requires commitment and effort to keep your weight stable after the balloon dissolves.
  • Acid reflux is a common side effect of the procedure. Anti-reflux medications are usually prescribed by your doctor after the procedure.
  • Vomiting after eating is very common the following few weeks after the placement.
  •  Acute pancreatitis can rarely occur if the balloon is overfilled.

How Can You Lose With Gastric Balloon

You should expect to lose 20 to 50 pounds (9 to 22 kg) on average. The amount of weight you lose is determined by your beginning weight and your ability to stick to a new diet and exercise routine. If you don’t stick to your new workout routine once the gastric balloon is removed, you’ll gain weight. During the FDA studies, patients lost an average of ten per cent of their baseline weight. Many regimens, on the other hand, claim that their patients lose between 15% and 20% of their body weight.

Two Types Of Gastric Balloons

Obalon

The Obalon is the most recent gastric balloon to be authorized by the FDA. There are two significant distinctions between Obalon and other gastric balloons:

  • The balloon is introduced through a tablet that is taken with a glass of water and swallowed.
  • It is inflated with gas. The gas may reduce the risk of acute pancreatitis that can occur with saline-filled balloons.

Three balloons are inserted in total. The second balloon is taken a month after the first, and the third is taken during the second month.

Orbera Managed Weight Loss System

Orbera has been around the longest, with over 220,000 balloons delivered internationally and a lengthy list of happy customers.

Recognizing the importance of patient support and lifestyle modifications, Orbera provides a set of tools to assist its patients.

Orbera or resembling gastric balloons are usually placed in a clinic under light anesthesia, with the help of endoscopy.

Who Can Be A Candidate For A Gastric Balloon?

An intragastric balloon may be a good option for you:

  • If your BMI (Body Mass Index) is higher than 30
  • If you haven’t had any previous stomach or oesophagal surgery
  • If you are willing to commit to a healthier lifestyle after the surgery and get medical and psychological help to improve your eating habits

For everyone who is overweight, intragastric balloons are not the best option. A screening process will assist your doctor to determine whether the surgery is right for you. Most times, insurance does not cover the cost of inserting and removing the intragastric balloon, therefore it would be an out-of-pocket charge.

What Are The Costs Of Gastric Balloons In Turkey

Gastric balloons are currently not subject to coverage of insurance worldwide. The costs range between £1900 and £2500 in general. There are no significant differences in costs in different brands.

Before The Procedure

You will be instructed not to drink anything for six hours and not to eat for twelve hours before to the treatment. You must adhere to these instructions or you may get nauseated once the balloon has been inflated. It takes roughly 20 minutes to complete the treatment. You may be given a moderate sedative or light anesthesia, depending on the type of balloon you pick. After the treatment, it is advised that you plan for a transportation home. Your surgeon may prescribe anti-nausea and acid-reflux medication. When you go home, make sure you pick them up or have them ready.

Recovery Process

You’ll feel some pain right after the balloon is implanted, which can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Some discomfort is typical, but make sure to tell your bariatric surgeon if you experience anything unusual or severe. Most people aren’t hungry during the first week following the operation. Some individuals do suffer nausea, which grows worse as they eat more food. During the first week, you may lose a large amount of weight. During the first week, men may drop 8 to 15 pounds. During the first week, most women lose between 4 and 8 pounds. During week two, your appetite may gradually return. You should, however, feel satisfied after only a small amount of food.

Gastric Balloon Removal

The balloon is removed by endoscopy after six months. You’ll probably be given a slight sedative or a ‘light’ anesthesia. With a grasper that is passed down a tube implanted into your lips, the balloon is deflated, gripped, and removed.

Risks Of Gastric Balloon

Approximately one-third of patients experience pain and nausea shortly after an intragastric balloon is inserted. These symptoms, however, generally only persist a few days after the balloon is placed. These symptoms are commonly treated at home with oral drugs. Serious adverse effects are possible following intragastric balloon insertion, however, they are uncommon. If you have nausea, vomiting, or stomach discomfort following surgery, call your doctor right once. Deflation of the balloon is a possible problem. There’s a chance that if the balloon deflates, it’ll pass through your digestive system. This might result in a blockage, necessitating a second treatment or surgery to remove the device. Overinflation, acute pancreatitis, ulcers, or a hole (perforation) in the stomach wall, which may require surgery, are all possible dangers.