Gastric Balloon Surgery
Written by: Dr Kristie McNealy
Gastric balloons are a short term solution for weight loss. Unlike gastric bypass and banding, placement of the gastric balloon doesn't require any incisions. The gastric balloon procedure has the advantage of being available to people with a BMI of 27 or more, while bypass and banding require a BMI of 40. Because placing a gastric balloon is safer than other weight loss procedures, gastric balloons can also be used to decrease weight in extremely over weight people to prepare them to undergo other weight loss surgery.
A gastric balloon is a soft silicone balloon which is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach. The procedure is not currently available in the U.S outside of clinical trials, but is available in some parts of Europe, as well as Canada, Australia, Mexico and South America.
What to Expect As a Gastric Balloon Patient
Before Gastric Balloon Surgery
Your initial consultation for a gastric balloon will assess your weight and health. Your surgeon will discuss any alternative procedures or weight loss techniques, and explain the risks and benefits of having a gastric balloon inserted.
Because most doctors use mild sedation when inserting a gastric balloon, you'll need to find someone to drive you home after the procedure.
The Gastric Balloon Procedure
The procedure takes about 20 minutes, and is usually performed under mild sedation. A numbing solution will be applied to your throat, and then the balloon will be inserted through your mouth and into your stomach through a long tube. The balloon will then be inflated with saline.
After Gastric Balloon Surgery
Since most procedures use only mild sedation, you'll probably be able to return home a few hours after the gastric balloon is inserted. You may experience some discomfort, including nausea, vomiting cramps and heart burn as your stomach gets used to the balloon. These symptoms are temporary, and medication can help with your symptoms.
After getting a gastric balloon, you'll need to start off with a liquid diet, and progress to small meals of well chewed solids as your stomach adjusts.
You can expect to lose as much as 35% of your excess weight with a gastric balloon. The gastric balloon can be left in place for up to 6 months. When it needs to be removed your doctor will deflate it and then pull it out the same way it was inserted. After the balloon is removed, your stomach will go back to normal, but you can maintain your weight loss if you continue with the new eating habits you learned with the gastric balloon in place.
Risks of the Gastric Balloon
Because gastric balloons are placed without general anesthesia or incisions, they are safer than weight loss surgery. Possibly risks of having a gastric balloon inserted include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- cramping
- heart burn from acid reflux
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