A gastric-balloon is a silicone balloon placed in your stomach through an endoscopic procedure. The balloon is filled with saline or air and takes up space, helping you feel full faster. This outpatient procedure does not require surgery and supports weight loss when diet and exercise alone aren’t enough. The balloon stays in your stomach for six months and is then removed.
Here you can learn more about the gastric balloon procedure and find specialists
A gastric balloon serves as a temporary weight-loss aid for people who are overweight. It is placed in the stomach by means of an endoscopy, filled with fluid, and remains in the body for about six months before it is removed. This reduces the stomach’s capacity, helping patients feel full more quickly and eat less.
In contrast to other treatments for overweight patients (gastric sleeve surgery or gastric bypass), the gastric balloon is a non-surgical method.
Important: The gastric balloon is a tool that is only effective in the long term when combined with dietary changes and increased physical activity.
The gastric balloon is particularly suitable for patients with a BMI between 35 and 40 @ natallia /AdobeStock
A gastric balloon is only used in cases of moderate overweight, which means it is not suitable for every patient.
The treatment with a gastric balloon is not possible in the following groups of patients:
Before a patient receives a gastric balloon, the doctor carries out several examinations.
This includes a gastroscopy. The balloon is placed during the procedure using an endoscope, which is guided through the mouth and esophagus into the stomach. The endoscope contains a light and camera, allowing the doctor to examine the esophagus and stomach for any abnormalities.
To place the balloon, the doctor first removes the endoscope and then advances the folded gastric balloon into the stomach. The doctor then checks its position using the endoscope.
The balloon is then filled with 400 to 700 milliliters of saline solution dyed blue. Air can also be used.
After filling, the tube is removed, and the doctor once again verifies the correct placement of the balloon endoscopically.
In total, the procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes and is performed under mild sedation. It can usually be done on an outpatient basis, with most patients going home the same day. However, patients should not drive themselves afterward.
The balloon permanently occupies part of the stomach @ Artemida-psy /AdobeStock
In rare cases, inserting a gastric balloon with the endoscope can cause injuries to the teeth, stomach, or esophagus.
Particularly in the first few days after placement, patients may experience significant side effects.
The body needs time to adjust to the foreign object. Possible reactions include:
Most patients adapt to the balloon within three to seven days. If symptoms persist, the balloon may need to be removed.
There is also a risk that the gastric balloon may burst or tear. In such cases, the balloon can cause a bowel obstruction, which requires immediate hospital treatment.
To reduce this risk, balloons are usually filled with saline solution dyed blue instead of air. If the balloon bursts, the solution leaks out and turns the urine blue, allowing patients to detect the problem quickly. Doctors can then remove the balloon before a bowel obstruction occurs.
With an air-filled balloon, there are no such warning signs, making the risk of bowel obstruction higher.
Doctors remove the gastric balloon after no more than six months to minimize the risk of rupture, which may occur due to stomach acid or stomach movements.
To remove the balloon, doctors perform another gastroscopy. They puncture the balloon inside the stomach so that the fluid or air can escape.
Once the balloon is empty, it is pulled out through the esophagus and removed. The procedure usually takes only a few minutes.
The amount of weight loss with a gastric balloon depends largely on the patient. Since it is only an aid, the patient must also make dietary and lifestyle changes.
No weight loss will occur if the patient continues to consume sugary sodas and fast food.
For this reason, accompanying nutritional counseling can be very helpful. Regular physical activity further increases the effectiveness of this method.
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Qualified nutritional counseling and physical activity are essential parts of treatment @ Kittiphan /AdobeStock
After the balloon is removed, it is entirely up to the patient to maintain the weight loss. To avoid regaining weight, the patient must continue to follow new eating habits. Returning to old eating patterns will quickly lead to weight regain.
The cost of a gastric balloon can vary greatly, depending on the treatment requirements and the physician. A gastric balloon is not part of the standard benefits covered by health insurance. Costs are only covered under certain conditions.
When choosing treatment, patients should not focus only on price, but also on quality of care. Speak with other patients or check physician rating platforms.
Please note that you will need to pay not only for the procedure itself, but also for any potential complications.
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