Intragastric Balloon

Intragastric Balloon is an effective, non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical weight loss programme for obesity with proven results. It is indicated for temporary use in mild to moderately obese patients who have significant health risks related to their obesity and have failed to lose weight with a supervised weight control programme alone.

Intragastric Balloon

Features of Intragastric Balloon :-

  1. It is saline-filled through Endoscopy with a self sealing valve.
  2. It is round and smooth
  3. It is designed for a treatment period of up to six months using a single balloon
  4. It is made of durable elastic and high quality silicon
  5. It is inflatable from 400cc to 700cc during initial placement
  6. It continuously undergoes extensive quality control

How does Intragastric Balloon Work?

  1. The system consists of a soft, expandable intragastric (inside the stomach) balloon that is temporarily inserted into the stomach through mouth and esophagus to create the feeling of early and prolonged fullness after meals which is a foundation for weight loss.
  2. The device is a soft, silicon intragastric balloon that is inserted without surgery in a deflated state into the stomach and then inflated with a sterile saline through a self sealing valve once it enters the stomach. The balloon remains in a place for maximum of six months.
  3. The Intragastric Balloon is a potential solution if you are looking to lose 9-18 kgs. but are scared of surgery or fed up of dieting and other weight loss programmes which have yielded no fruits.
  4. Along with your team of experts you will work to overcome the challenges of retraining your appetite, adopting new nutritional habits and exercise regularly to stay motivated and help yourself to succeed.

Risks Involved in Intragastric Balloon

  1. Nausea and vomiting
  2. The balloon may self deflate
  3. Bowel obstruction

Benefits of Intragastric Balloon :-

  1. It is non-surgical
  2. Helps people with lower BMI range
  3. Temporary use for weight loss in severely obese patient who are not candidates for obesity surgery.
  4. To reduce weight prior to gastric banding in super obese patients

Complications of Intragastric Balloon :-

Most of the people don’t experience any complications, but you should be aware of-
  1. Bleeding or perforation may occur as a result of injury during the balloon insertion or removal requiring surgical correction.
  2. Intestinal obstruction by the balloon (which could cause death) when a partly deflated balloon passes into the small bowel. In this case surgical or Endoscopic removal would be required
  3. Cases of feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, abdominal or back pain, gastro esophageal reflux or indigestion have also come into the light if the balloon is causing a blockage.

Removal of Intragastric Balloon :-

It is also carried out in an Endoscopy suite with the patient sedated.
  1. A special needle is inserted through the endoscope to deflate the Intragastric Balloon.
  2. Once it is fully deflated, it is grasped with fully designed forceps and removed via mouth.
  3. This procedure usually takes about 10 to 14 minutes.
  4. Patients are monitored during removal and recovery until full alert.

Like other weight loss surgeries, the balloon is a tool and works best when you use it properly following a low calorie diet. Surgeons usually prescribe medication to reduce your stomach acid production whilst the balloon is in place.