If you’d like to lose weight, you might have heard about the procedure of placing a balloon in your stomach. You’re probably wondering about the procedure, the potential side effects, and how safe the procedure is. Fortunately, there are several benefits to this procedure. These include: Weight loss, portion control, and reduced appetite.

Procedures to place a balloon in the stomach

Procedures to place a balloon in the digestive system are not without risk. If the procedure is performed incorrectly, there can be severe side effects. Patients may experience blockages in their intestines or even experience nausea and vomiting. In some cases, the blockage could be so severe that a person could die. The risk of the balloon deflating can also be substantial. If left untreated, a deflated balloon can cause bowel blockage. This has not yet been reported to cause death, however.

The balloon procedure is performed under mild sedation, and the balloon is placed into the stomach through the mouth. The balloon is filled with a saline solution and a blue dye. This dye can be detected in the urine if the balloon breaks. The balloon is typically left in the stomach for six months before it is removed by a physician. Although the procedure is temporary, it is known to help people lose weight and reduce their hunger.

After the procedure, patients must follow a 12-month health program. The first month involves the placement of a temporary balloon. The second month involves following an exercise and diet plan. Adhering to these guidelines is essential to achieving significant weight loss. During the 12-month health program, patients should maintain a BMI of 30 to 40, which is considered a healthy weight range.

Side effects of the procedure

One of the most common side effects associated with a balloon in the stomach is gastric perforation, which can be life-threatening. This complication can occur due to excessive constant pressure or continuous contact between the balloon and the gastric wall. Other complications include erosion or ulcer formation. While the exact causes of gastric perforation are unknown, the presence of diabetes or failure to take PPIs may be contributing factors.

The balloon may also leak. If this occurs, it can lead to severe discomfort and bleeding. The affected area may also experience abdominal cramps. The procedure is also associated with a decreased appetite. Patients who have difficulty digesting food should avoid consuming certain types of foods. The procedure can also lead to heartburn and reflux, so limiting the amount of food consumed can reduce the severity of the condition. In addition, foul-smelling burping can occur due to food trapped in the mucus lining the balloon. To avoid this condition, patients should drink water after meals and move around.

After the procedure, patients can leave the hospital after a couple of hours. However, one-third of patients will experience some pain for the first few days. This can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medications. Patients may not feel hungry for several weeks after the procedure. In addition, the weight loss that occurs after a balloon procedure will slow. Nevertheless, patients must continue to follow their diet to maintain a lower body weight. Patients will meet with their dietitian at least once a month to monitor their progress.

Weight loss after placement of a balloon in the stomach

A balloon is placed in the stomach under mild sedation and filled with a saline solution and blue dye. It is too large to pass into the bowel and stays in the stomach. The balloon remains in place for about six months before it is removed by a physician. This temporary procedure helps with portion control and appetite suppression.

After the procedure, patients are typically discharged the same day. Nutritional guidelines will vary depending on the type of procedure performed. Typically, patients begin on a clear liquid diet, and then progress to a soft, pureed diet or regular diet. However, they should allow enough time to adjust to the new diet.

In general, patients experience a 15 to 25-percent weight loss following a balloon procedure. The procedure can also help people lose blood pressure. The average weight loss after the placement of a balloon lasts between six and 12 months. However, the results depend on the patient’s diet and physical activity.

Safety of the procedure

Gastric balloon placement is a common procedure, but there are risks associated with this procedure. If done incorrectly, the device can rupture, causing complications like bleeding or perforation. In some cases, the balloon can even damage the lining of the stomach and esophagus. While these risks are relatively minor, some patients may experience a prolonged period of stomach discomfort after the procedure. The procedure should only be used by healthy individuals and is not appropriate for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

The balloons used in the procedure are made of plastic polymer. The balloons were inflated and deflated. Their contents were collected and sent for analysis. The researchers also exercised pairs of balloons in bench-top apparatuses filled with six-N hydrochloric acid, simulating the stomach’s environment. The balloons were tested for burst strength and tensile and tear strength. They were also analyzed using infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography with mass spectroscopy.

While the Orbera balloon is highly effective in helping patients lose weight, it has risks associated with it. Some patients have experienced vomiting and nausea after the procedure. This can be an indicator of an underlying stomach problem. In severe cases, stomach pain may be life-threatening. In addition, prolonged placement of the balloon can increase the risk of deflating and causing bowel blockage, but this has not been documented in fatal cases.