What is Gastric Balloon Surgery?
Gastric balloon surgery is a procedure for weight loss in which a saline-filled silicone balloon is placed inside your stomach. The balloon helps limit food intake by making the stomach fuller quickly, and thus, is helpful in weight reduction. Being a non-surgical technique, it is usually free from complications. The balloon is kept inside your stomach for around 6-12 months and then removed. This method is typically used when other methods, such as diet control, exercise, and other lifestyle changes, have failed.
Alternate Name of Gastric Balloon Surgery
Endoscopic intragastric balloon
Body Location
Stomach
How Gastric Balloon Surgery Performed?
The gastric balloon is a useful technique for weight reduction done under mild anaesthesia to block the pain and sensation. A deflated balloon is placed inside your stomach orally through a catheter or tube, and then the endoscope is advanced through your gastric canal to the stomach. The placement of the balloon is monitored by your doctor on the screen. The balloon is detached and filled with saline or air, and the endoscope and catheter are removed from your gastric tract. The size and type of the balloon depend upon the age, obesity level, and overall health of the patient.
Preparation
- Before undergoing gastric balloon placement, your doctor will recommend you to undergo a pre-anaesthesia check-up (PAC) that includes certain blood tests, chest X-rays, electrocardiogram (ECG), and physical examination.
- Then you will be required to undergo certain imaging tests, such as Doppler ultrasound, CT-scan, etc., to assess the internal organs and plan the placement of the balloon.
- You will be required to fast for at least 8-10 hours before the procedure as food can interfere with the procedure. You will be asked to quit smoking and alcohol use a few days before the procedure.
- Discuss with your doctor if you are taking any medications. Reach the hospital 4-6 hours in advance as you will be kept under observation for a few hours before the procedure.
Procedure Type
Non-invasive
Follow-up after Gastric Balloon Surgery
After the placement of the balloon, it is crucial to visit your doctor for all the scheduled follow-ups to assess the anticipated results. You will be recommended to take clear liquids after around 6 hours post-procedure. For around one week, you will be taking only a liquid diet, and then in week 2, you can start with a soft diet. After around three weeks, you can start taking your regular food. You need to take your medications as prescribed. Avoid strenuous activities, such as weight lifting, aerobics, etc., for a few weeks; rather start with light exercises and a slow walk. The balloon is usually removed after six weeks, and the progress is assessed.
Risks Associated with Gastric Balloon Surgery
Risks and side effects associated with gastric balloon placement include the following:
Complications related to the balloon
- Acid reflux
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal cramps
- Bowel obstruction
- Balloon failure
Complications related to endoscopy
- Infection
- Allergic reaction
- Heart attack
- Teeth damage
- Breathing difficulties
- Gastric perforation (hole in gastric cavity/canal)
- Bleeding episodes
Recovery From Gastric Balloon Surgery
Following the placement of the balloon, you might be discharged the same day or within a couple of days depending upon your overall health. For the first few days after the balloon placement, you will not feel hungry and feel nauseated all the time. It might take a few weeks to recover from stomach upset and discomfort. Your appetite will start returning to normal after a few days.
You can start returning to your normal activities within a few weeks. However, if you are involved in heavy work, discuss that beforehand with your doctor. Following up with your doctor as per the schedule is imperative for a speedy recovery.
