Gastric Balloon - Medlife Group

A gastric balloon is a non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical tool used in the treatment of obesity. In conjunction with a supervised diet it can help you achieve the health and aesthetic benefits associated with weight loss. It consists of a soft, expandable balloon which is filled with air and this makes you feel fuller faster with less food in your stomach. Overall, gastric balloon treatment can significantly reduce your portion sizes and help you reach your long-term weight loss goals.

Gastric balloon is mainly used when a patient's BMI does not justify having another weight loss surgery. Gastric balloon is the treatment you are looking for if your BMI is between 30 and 40, if you are willing to commit to healthy lifestyle changes and regular medical follow-up, and you have not had any previous stomach or oesophageal surgery.

The operation allows you to get used to having smaller food portions and adopting a healthier lifestyle. The procedure takes about 20 minutes. The balloon remains for 6 months or a year before being removed, during which you'll have a supervised gastric balloon diet from our dietician. Weight loss can be significant during the first week. Men may lose 8 to 15 pounds during their first week. Women typically lose about 4 to 8 pounds during the first week. When you stick to your newly acquired eating habits and lifestyle, you can also fix potentially serious weight-related health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea as well. When the gastric balloon is removed you should make permanent healthy changes to your diet and get regular exercise to help ensure the long-term success of the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Am I a suitable candidate for Gastric Balloon?

When a patient's BMI does not support another weight loss surgery, a gastric balloon is employed. If your BMI is between 30 and 40, you are prepared to commit to healthy lifestyle adjustments and regular medical follow-up, and you have never undergone stomach or esophageal surgery, a gastric balloon is the solution for you.

2. How does Gastric Balloon work?

A gastric balloon is a non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical instrument that helps people lose weight. When used in conjunction with a controlled diet, it can help you achieve the health and aesthetic benefits of weight loss. It is made up of a soft, expanding balloon that is filled with air and makes you feel fuller sooner with less food. Overall, gastric balloon treatment can help you achieve your long-term weight loss objectives by dramatically reducing your portion sizes.

3. How will I feel after placement of Gastric Balloon?

It can be difficult in the first week or two. Cramping, nausea, and vomiting are frequent symptoms, but they are not hazardous in most cases. If you're having trouble, follow your Dietitian's advice and drink at least 2 liters of water every day.

4. When will I start to lose weight?

During the first week, you may lose a large amount of weight. During the first week, men may drop 8 to 15 pounds. The majority of women lose 4 to 8 pounds in the first week. You can also address potentially major weight-related health problems like diabetes, hypertension, and sleep apnoea if you stick to your newly acquired eating habits and lifestyle. To ensure the procedure's long-term success, you should adopt permanent healthy dietary modifications and exercise regularly once the gastric balloon is removed.

5. How long this Bariatric Operation takes?

It takes roughly 20 minutes to complete the treatment. The balloon will be left in place for 6 months or a year before being removed, during which time you will follow our dietician's supervised gastric balloon diet.

How Does Process Work?

First Visit:

First Day: Our team will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel with a VIP vehicle.

Second Day: You will be taken to the hospital in the morning for the physical consultatin and pre-operative tests then you will get your treatment! This treatment generally takes about 30 minutes. Since it’s a non-surgical operation, you won’t have to stay at hospital for the night.

Third Day: Check-ups and controls will be done and our team will take you to the Airport with a VIP vehicle for your flight back to your country.

Second Visit:

First Day: Our team will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel with a VIP vehicle.

Second Day: You will be taken to the hospital in the morning for the physical consultatin and controls then you will get your Gastric Balloon removed!

Third Day: Check-ups and controls will be done and our team will take you to the Airport with a VIP vehicle for your flight back to your country.

Pre-Op Instructions

Do not smoke You must stop smoking and cannot start smoking after surgery. Smoking slows your healing process.

The pre-op diet is your food-consumption plan for the period leading up to your gastric balloon procedure. Your diet is critical to the operation’s success for three reasons: It makes the procedure safer and easier. The pre-op diet helps reduce fatty deposits around the liver, which improves surgical access to the stomach. It lowers the risk of complications. Obesity increases the risk of medical complications during and after surgery; weight loss can counteract that risk. It starts you on the habits you’ll need to make a lifelong commitment to weight control. You’ll gain the confidence that comes with settings goals and achieving them.

Two or three days before operation you’ll need to switch to an all-liquid diet. Restrict your food intake to water, broth, gelatines, and low-calorie sports drinks (no sodas). You’ll need to cut out consumption entirely starting at midnight on the day of your surgery – even water. Failure to follow these guidelines may jeopardize your eligibility for the gastric balloon procedure.

Certain medications must also be discontinued prior to operation.

Continue your excercise program. This will help you and your recovery after surgery.

Post-Op Instructions

The balloon should be removed after 6 months or 12 months under sedation same like insertion.

Gastric discomfort, nausea and vomiting are common for the first few days following balloon placement, but rarely continue in the longer term.

After the balloon is in place, we encourage you to take oral fluids. You will need to start with sips of water and then gradually increase the amount that you are drinking until you are able to manage good amounts of fluids. You should not take part in any physical activity.

You can start on a liquid diet on days one to three, including thin soups, fruit juices and milk. Do not eat solid foods. You will have met with the dietitian to ensure that your calorie intake is adequate and that you are receiving all the nutrients you need.

You should drink plenty of fluids (up to two litres per day), but do so slowly. You must avoid coffee, fizzy drinks, fatty foods, chocolate and ice cream.

The liquid diet generally continues until the start of the second week, when you can start eating soft foods.

You'll most likely be able to start eating regular food around three weeks after the insertion of the intragastric balloon.

You will already have received a date for the removal of the balloon. This will be six months or one year after the insertion.