Rewell Clinic Logo
Gastric Balloon Surgery

 

Gastric balloon surgery is a non-surgical weight loss procedure that involves inserting a soft, silicone balloon into the stomach through the mouth using an endoscope. The balloon is then filled with a sterile saline solution to take up space in the stomach and create a feeling of fullness, which helps patients eat less and lose weight.

 

What is Gastric Balloon Surgery?

 

Gastric balloon operation is a type of minimally invasive weight loss procedure that involves placing a silicone balloon inside the stomach. The balloon takes up space in the stomach, making the patient feel full and reducing the amount of food they can eat.

The operation is performed under conscious sedation and typically takes less than 30 minutes. The balloon is left in place for 6 months, after which it is removed and the patient can expect to continue losing weight through diet and exercise.

The surgery is considered a safe and effective way to achieve weight loss for individuals who are mild to moderately obese and have not been able to lose weight through traditional means. However, like any procedure, it has risks and potential complications, and it is important to discuss all aspects of the procedure with a qualified healthcare provider. Additionally, gastric balloon surgery is not a long-term solution to obesity, and patients who have the procedure must be prepared to make lifestyle changes and adopt a healthy diet and exercise regimen to achieve and maintain weight loss.

 

Who is the Right Candidate for Gastric Balloon Surgery?

 

Gastric balloon surgery is recommended for individuals who struggle with obesity and cannot lose weight with methods such as diet or exercise. There are some criteria that the ideal candidate for gastric balloon surgery should have.

Have a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40 and be motivated to make lifestyle changes to lose weight. Be in good general health and have no medical conditions that would make the procedure unsafe. The patient must be committed to following the recommended diet and exercise plan. He/she must be willing to regularly attend scheduled follow-up appointments with the doctor.

Gastric balloon surgery is not a long-term solution for obesity, and patients undergoing this procedure need to be prepared to make lifestyle changes and adopt a healthy diet and exercise regime to achieve and maintain weight loss.

Gastric balloon surgery is not recommended for individuals who have had previous abdominal surgery or who have medical problems such as stomach ulcers or certain types of hernias. It is important to discuss all aspects of the procedure with a qualified healthcare professional to determine if gastric balloon surgery is the right option.

 

How is Gastric Balloon Surgery Performed?

 

Gastric balloon surgery is a minimally invasive procedure performed to help patients with obesity lose weight. The procedure is performed under general anesthetic and usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete. There are some points to be followed for gastric balloon surgery to be performed.

 

  • Preparing for the Procedure: Before the procedure, the patient is given an intravenous (IV) line for sedation and the abdomen is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
  • Inserting the Balloon: A thin, flexible tube (catheter) is passed through the patient's mouth and into the stomach. The gastric balloon is then inflated with sterile saline solution through the catheter until it reaches its desired size.
  • Securing the Balloon: The balloon is then secured in place by being filled with air or gas. This helps keep the balloon in position within the stomach and prevents it from moving around.
  • Removing the Catheter: Once the balloon is in place, the catheter is removed, and the patient is awakened from the sedation.
  • Monitoring the Patient: After the procedure, the patient is monitored for any adverse reactions or complications. They are also given instructions on how to care for themselves and what to expect during their recovery.

 

It's important to note that gastric balloon surgery is considered a temporary weight loss solution and is typically only recommended for patients who are overweight or obese and have not been able to lose weight through other means. Additionally, the balloon may need to be removed after 6 months to a year, and it is crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet to ensure sustained weight loss.

 

How is the Recovery Process of Gastric Balloon Surgery?

 

The recovery process after gastric balloon surgery is not complicated. Most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days after the procedure. However, the exact recovery timeline may vary from person to person and may depend on several factors, such as the patient's overall health, the type of gastric balloon used, and the individual's response to the procedure.

Some patients may experience mild discomfort or soreness in the throat and abdomen for a few days after the procedure. This is normal and can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medication. They may also experience nausea and vomiting a few hours to a day after the procedure. This is caused by the balloon being in the stomach and can be managed with medication prescribed by a doctor.

After the procedure, patients are typically placed on a clear liquid diet for the first few days. The diet is then gradually progressed to include solid foods as tolerated. It's important to follow the dietary guidelines provided by the doctor to prevent complications and to allow the body to adjust to the presence of the gastric balloon.

Patients are required to attend follow-up appointments with their doctor to monitor the progress of weight loss and to ensure that the gastric balloon is working properly.

Frequently Asked Questions