If you’re overweight and want to lose weight without surgery, you may want to consider an intragastric balloon. This inflatable medical device will fill your stomach and helps you lose weight when diet and exercise are ineffective. However, this procedure may not be right for you if you’re averse to surgery.

Intragastric balloons

Intragastric balloons are an option for obesity treatment. By slowing the passage of food through the stomach, these balloons can help patients feel full sooner. The average stomach has 1.5L of volume. The balloon will reduce this by less than 50%. Because of this, patients should experience an immediate improvement in their weight.

Patients who choose this option should be willing to undergo some dietary restrictions and a full liquid diet plan following the procedure. In a few weeks, the patient can return to a regular diet. Some patients have reported improvements in their weight-related health conditions, such as sleep apnea and high blood pressure. Patients may also experience a reduction in their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and fatty liver.

Although intragastric balloons are considered a safe procedure, there are some risks associated with them. A patient with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or higher should not have the procedure. Additionally, patients should not have an active gastric ulcer, gastric varices, or a hiatal hernia longer than 5 cm. These contraindications do not necessarily preclude you from using an intragastric balloon, but you should be aware of these risks before you decide to undergo the procedure.

Recovery period

The recovery period for an intragastric balloon can take a few days. Patients are usually on a liquid diet for the first two weeks following the procedure. This is followed by a transition to a soft food diet. Patients can expect to resume their normal diet about three weeks after the procedure.

Some patients may experience nausea and vomiting after the procedure. This is a common reaction, but can be managed with anti-sickness medication. The nausea may last from a few days to a week, and can be controlled with oral medication. In severe cases, the balloon may need to be removed early. The most common reason for removal is the inability to tolerate the balloon.

The procedure can be a life-changing experience for patients who want to make long-lasting changes in their weight. Most patients lose ten to fifteen percent of their body weight following the procedure. After the procedure, patients will be on a liquid meal plan that involves protein shakes and soft foods. After two weeks, patients are usually able to resume eating their regular food. Some patients may also experience improved symptoms of high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea. Others may experience improved cholesterol levels, which is a common side effect of weight loss .

Complications

A patient presenting with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting was diagnosed as having acute pancreatitis. An endoscopy revealed that the intragastric balloon had become impacted in the second portion of the duodenum and was removed. In a subsequent case, a similar complication was noted.

There are various complications with gastric balloons, including spontaneous deflation and bowel obstruction. These side-effects are mild, and often resolve on their own after a few days. However, patients should remain alert for the discomfort of gastric balloon insertion and be aware that they may experience vomiting or nausea. This can lead to dehydration and further complications.

Complications from intragastric balloon placement can be avoided by following dietary guidelines. Patients should avoid eating a large amount of food or introducing new foods too rapidly. Patients should monitor their symptoms closely and consult their doctor if they experience vomiting or indigestion. Specific anti-reflux medications may help with indigestion and vomiting.

Cost

An intragastric balloon is an option for patients who are overweight and have failed to lose weight with other methods. These devices are placed inside the stomach through an endoscopic procedure and can be removed after 6 months. These devices should not be used by pregnant or nursing women. The costs listed here are based on the average cost of a balloon procedure in the US.

An intragastric balloon is filled with saline, a fluid that is better than air for distending. It can reduce the operative gastric volume by as much as 700 cc. Patients typically have a gastric volume of around 900 ml, and an inflated balloon may take up as much as 700 cc of space.

The procedure is quick and requires a short recovery period. After the procedure, patients can return to work immediately. Afterwards, they will need to consume smaller meals and avoid sugary and high-fat foods.