Gastric balloon procedure is a painless, incisionless, nonsurgical method of weight control that can be performed onseverely obese patients. No medication or injection needed and it is possible to lose 24kg of weight per year after simple insertion procedure. A saline bag, which is harmless to human body, is inserted into the stomach through an endoscope to suppress appetite and drastically reduce food intake.
Losing weight can also minimize problems with life-threatening related diseases, such as:
• Cardiovascular disease and stroke
• Sleep Apnea
•High blood pressure
• Diabetic Disorders
Usually, the gastric balloon procedure, like any other weight control procedure, can be performed on highly obese patients who have no longer responded todiet and exercise.The procedure is not possible for pregnant women, patients with gastric ulcers, severe gastroesophageal reflux disorders, patients who have had gastric band surgery, hemophilia, antithrombotics, severe congenital diseases, or ischemic heart disease. It is only possible for patients who are highly motivated to change their lifestyle and have aBMI over 30 under 50 and can come for periodic examinations and have had no previous surgery to the stomach or esophagus.
Before the gastric balloon
Take note about instructions before the surgery during the consultation. Doctors will be provided with various details of the patient’s health status, medications taken, and the patient’s photographs to determine whether they are suitable forthe procedure. If you the doctor has confirmed that you are suitable to undergo the procedure, you will be instructed to take antacids two weeks before your visit and you should not drink alcohol during this time.
Process of gastric balloon surgery
Your visit the hospital will include tests to determine the presence of abnormalities including electrocardiogram tests, and an internal examination through the endoscope.If there is no abnormality, a gastric balloon is inserted. The procedure takes less than 30 minutes.
After gastric balloon surgery
Immediately after the procedure, symptoms such as minor abdominal pain, bloating, dizziness, and nausea may appear. You will be taking antacids and anti-nausea medications and your doctor will be informed immediately if any abnormalities are noticed. As your condition improves, a dietitian will visit you to explain and guide you through the new diet.
The procedure includes a one night hospitalization, follow up check-up will be one week after the first visit. You will be informed when you need to visit the hospital again, usually the next visit is one month after the procedure. Till then you should never do pressure-based activities like scuba diving, hard sports like soccer or kickboxing.Traveling by air is allowed. After three months, about 10% of the original weight is reduced and you will get used to the new lifestyle and diet management in about 9 months.You will also have a follow up check-up after six months at which thedoctor will determine the size of the balloon and if there are any abnormal symptoms such as rapid weight loss that can cause hepatitis or myositis. The balloon will be removed after 1 year.
Risks of gastric balloon surgery
• Mild abdominal pain and dizziness in approximately 30% of patients immediately after the procedure
(It usually disappears after taking medication within a few days.)
• Atrophy of the balloon
• Movement of balloon
• Perforation of the stomach
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