gastric balloon

A Gastric Balloon is a soft silicone balloon that is inserted into the stomach via the patient’s mouth, usually using an endoscope( except Allurion gastric balloon which is a swallowable capsule balloon ) , although new products on the market mean that this is not always necessary. The balloon partially fills the stomach, giving the patient a constant feeling of satiety, which helps to reduce their food intake & keeps you full for a longer period and thereby promote weight loss. On average, expected weight loss is 10 -15% of your body weight.

Treatment using a Non-Surgical Gastric Balloon includes a 4-6-12 months( as per type of gastric balloon) healthy eating and exercise plan to ensure the best possible results. By the end of the program, the patient should have reprogrammed their brain and body to lead a healthy, active lifestyle, making it more likely for them to keep the weight off for the long term.

THE PROCEDURE

A fairly straightforward non-surgical outpatient procedure, inserting the balloon takes approximately 15- 20 minutes to perform

If Allurion balloon , you can go immediately after procedure but with endoscopic gastric balloon you have to stay about 2-3 hours in endoscopy room as it is done under IV sedation.

GASTRIC BALLOON OPTIONS

There are three types of gastric balloon to choose from, as follows:

• Allurion Gastric Balloon: A new and innovative solution, it consists of a capsule with a thin thread like connector attached that the patient simply swallows with water: no need for an endoscopy, no need for surgery and no downtime.
  Once the capsule is in  the stomach, your dr  can inflate the balloon with sterile water using connector 550 ml amount which is fixed. . It can remain in the stomach for up to four months then automatically deflates & passes out without any need for endoscopy .
• Orbera Gastric Balloon: Inserted into the patient’s stomach using an endoscope, the Orbera can remain in place for up to six months to 12 months as per type of balloon, after which point it is removed using a similar process
• Spatz Gastric Balloon: Only balloon which can be adjusted means size can be increased or decreased as needed , it inserted into the patient’s stomach by endoscope, the it can remain in the stomach for up to 1 year , after which point it is removed using a similar process.

Who is a good candidate for a non-surgical gastric balloon?
The procedure is suitable for overweight and obese people with a body mass index (bmi) of >27kg/m2. It is not suitable however for people with a gastric ulcer or kidney failure, and it cannot be used during pregnancy.

How much weight can be lost with a non-surgical gastric balloon?
The amount of weight lost varies between patient to patient, being dependent upon a number of factors such as how well the patient adapts to the balloon and how it affects their eating behaviour. On average, weight loss of around 10 to 15 % of body weight is expected provided you eat healthy & eat slow along with some regular activity of your choice.