Gastric balloon insertion: procedure, safety, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is gastric balloon insertion?

Gastric balloon insertion is a surgical procedure to aid in weight loss. This procedure uses a silicone balloon that is inserted into your stomach. The way gastric balloon insertion works is by making you feel full quickly, causing you to eat less. This option is usually considered if diet or changing exercise routines has not worked.

This procedure can help in changing your diet, reducing the amount of food you eat, and making you feel full quickly. The balloon is designed to last for a maximum of 6 months, after which it must be lifted.

When do I need to have gastric balloon insertion?

Your doctor will evaluate your medical history and condition. Usually, gastric balloon placement is done when:

your body mass index is above 40
your body mass index above 35 is accompanied by type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure
You need to lose weight before weight loss surgery

Obesity can lead to heart problems and other complications. Your doctor will consider this procedure if medications and lifestyle changes don't work.

Gastric balloons can only last up to 6 months, and only help with weight loss in the short term. This can help you prepare for weight loss surgeries, such as gastric bypass.

Precautions & warnings

What do I need to know before undergoing gastric balloon insertion?

Before undergoing a gastric balloon insertion procedure, you need to know the following:

This procedure is only temporary, the balloon will usually be removed after 6 months
You still need to maintain a healthy diet and exercise to avoid gaining weight
A gastric balloon has risks such as bleeding or irritation, the balloon may leak or block your intestines. These risks are rare, but it is recommended that you consult your doctor about possible risks
After the procedure, you may feel heaviness or pain in the abdomen or back. Inform the doctor for proper treatment
Side effects can include nausea, vomiting or stomach discomfort, acid reflux, and indigestion. Usually side effects only last 1 week after the procedure. Tell your doctor if side effects persist
It is very rare, but it is possible to develop an infection of the chest following the procedure. If you experience a cough after surgery, contact your doctor immediately

It is important that you understand the warning above before performing this operation. If you have any questions, consult your doctor for further information and instructions.

Process

What should I do before undergoing gastric balloon insertion?

Talk to your doctor about any medications you are currently taking, allergies, or other health conditions before having surgery. Prior to the installation of a gastric balloon, you must fast for 12 hours.

Prior to gastric balloon removal, you are only allowed to consume fluids for 48 hours before surgery. Consuming solid food is completely prohibited. Soft drinks can help clean balloons, making lifting easier. 12 hours before balloon lifting, you must fast completely without food and drink.

How is the gastric balloon insertion process?

Gastric balloon installation generally lasts 20 minutes to 1 hour.

Your doctor may give you a sedative to make you feel more relaxed.

The doctor will place a flexible telescope (endoscope) through your throat and into your stomach. An endoscope is used to carry the deflated balloon into the stomach. The balloon is attached to a tube which will fill the balloon with air or saline solution.

What should I do after undergoing gastric balloon insertion?

After the gastric balloon installation, you are allowed to go home the same day or the following day. It is recommended that you:

consume only fluids for 1 week, slowly consume refined foods, then after 1 or 2 weeks can only eat solid foods
take a break for some time before returning to work. You can return to work after 1 or 2 days, depending on recovery
exercising. This can help you get back to your normal activities. Consult your doctor first

The gastric balloon should be removed after 6 months. Schedule an appointment with a doctor.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor to understand more.

Complications

What complications can occur?

Gatroscopy is a safe procedure and the risk of complications is very small. Possible complications include:

sedative side effects
bleeding
perforation

The sedatives used are usually safe, but can lead to complications such as:

nausea
burning sensation at the injection site
small particles of food fall into the lungs causing infection (aspiration pneumonia)
heart beats abnormally
difficulty breathing

You can minimize the risk of complications by following your doctor's instructions, such as fasting and stopping certain medications. If you have any questions about possible complications, consult your doctor for more information.