Gastric Balloon
How is Gastric Balloon Surgery Performed?
Gastric balloon surgery, also known as intragastric balloon surgery, is a minimally invasive weight loss procedure. It involves placing a balloon in the stomach to limit the amount of food a person can consume and help them feel fuller faster. Here are the steps involved in performing gastric balloon surgery:
1. Preoperative Evaluation: Before the surgery, the patient undergoes a thorough medical evaluation to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure. The evaluation may include blood tests, a physical exam, and imaging studies.
2. Anesthesia: The patient is given general anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable and asleep during the procedure.
3. Placement of the Balloon: A deflated balloon is inserted into the stomach through the mouth and esophagus using an endoscope, a flexible tube with a camera and light attached. Once the balloon is in place in the stomach, it is inflated with saline solution. This process takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
4. Confirmation of Balloon Placement: To ensure that the balloon is correctly positioned, a contrast X-ray or endoscopy may be performed.
5. Recovery: After the procedure, the patient is monitored for a few hours to ensure there are no complications. If everything looks good, the patient is usually discharged the same day or the following day.
6. Postoperative Care: After the surgery, the patient will need to follow a strict diet and exercise plan to maximize weight loss and minimize complications. The balloon is typically removed after 6-12 months, and the patient will continue to receive support and follow-up care from their healthcare team to ensure long-term success.
What are benefits of gastric balloon surgery?
Some of the main benefits include:
1. Non-surgical and minimally invasive: Gastric balloon surgery is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure that does not involve incisions or major surgery. This means that the recovery time is typically shorter and there is less risk of complications compared to more invasive weight loss surgeries.
2. Effective weight loss: Clinical studies have shown that gastric balloon surgery can lead to significant weight loss, with patients losing an average of 20-30% of their excess body weight within the first six months. This can have a significant impact on overall health, reducing the risk of conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and sleep apnea.
3. Improved satiety and appetite control: The balloon takes up space in the stomach, leading to a feeling of fullness and reducing the amount of food a person can eat in one sitting. This can help patients feel more satisfied with smaller portions and make healthier food choices.
4. Shorter recovery time: Because gastric balloon surgery is minimally invasive, patients typically experience a shorter recovery time and can return to normal activities within a few days.