11 Things to Know About a Gastric Balloon

Obesity is a thriving issue affecting millions worldwide. To cut down on the cases of obesity, medical science has put forth a number of solutions. One of the effective solution is the gastric balloon surgery. This is a non-surgical method of short term weight loss aimed at creating a feeling of fullness faster than you would usually feel.

The procedure reduces your hunger by cutting down on the portion sizes of meal intake and an effective way to lose weight successfully. With the help of dietary changes, the patient undergoing this procedure will have changed eating habits, which are healthy, and those will help you keep the weight of for a long-term.

Many patients are curious about this procedure, so here are 10 common questions that are asked by people choosing gastric balloon Dubai.

1. WHAT IS A GASTRIC BALLOON?

It is a soft silicon balloon which is placed into your stomach through your mouth. The balloon is inserted in a non-inflated state, which is later filled with saline.

2. WHAT COMPRISES A GASTRIC BALLOON PROCEDURE?

In this procedure, a deflated gastric balloon is inserted into your stomach via mouth. This then travels down the oesophagus. The other end of the balloon is outside, and connected to a thin, flexible tube. Light anaesthesia may be given to reduce discomfort while swallowing the balloon. But the entire procedure is painless and takes around 15 minutes. The inflated balloon is removed after a span of 6 months (except Spatz balloon –which is for one year). Till then, the patient may lose around 30% of the excess weight.

3. WHAT IS A NEW TECHNIQUE TO INSERT THE GASTRIC BALLOON?

In the new procedure, the deflated balloon is in the form of a pill, which is swallowed. The capsule is attached to thin tube, and is used to inflate the balloon once it reaches the stomach. There is no need for endoscopy or sedation.

4. WHAT IS LATEST IN THE GASTRIC BALLOON?

There is new Balloon – ELIPSE which is the latest & doesn’t need endoscopy or sedation & doesn’t need removal as after 4 months it automatically deflates & goes out.

5.  IS USING GASTRIC BALLOON THE RIGHT OPTION?

A gastric balloon is recommended for those wish to lose weight without opting for the risk of surgery. Your BMI needs to be between 27 to 40 to opt for this procedure. It is ideal for those who are unable to lose weight despite diet attempts or don’t want surgery or exercise. You need to speak with the Bariatric surgeon (Dr Girish Juneja) before you decide to opt for this procedure.

6. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THIS PROCEDURE?

There are several benefits:

  • The procedure is non-invasive and carries no surgical risks.
  • The procedure takes only 15 minutes.
  • It is less expensive than other bariatric procedures.
  • It is reversible.
  • You lose 20 to 30% (or more) of excess weight in the treatment period.
7. WHAT ARE THE RISKS INVOLVED?

Very few people may suffer from gastric discomfort, nausea, or bleeding if there is injury while placing the balloon. Nausea is common for the first few days after placement. But that can be controlled with medications. In case of Elipse balloon t may fail to deflate completely in that case it has to be removed endoscopically of laparoscopically as the case is.

8. HOW TO GET PREPARED?

Consult the surgeon and go on a pre-operation diet. Before the procedure, you are not asked to eat food anything for at least 12 hours, only liquid diet. You should avoid drinking anything 6 hours before the procedure.

9. WHAT TO DO AFTER PROCEDURE?

After the surgery, you will need a healthy diet plan along with exercise.

10. HOW IS THE GASTRIC BALLOON REMOVED?

The gastric balloon is deflated before removal. It is then pulled out of the mouth using an endoscopic tube. On removing the balloon, your stomach returns back to normal size. & take active participation in this programme.

11. WILL I GAIN WEIGHT AFTER THE BALLOON IS REMOVED?

Yes, if you don’t control your diet. Best results comes when you follow instructions

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