Gastric Balloon

How do gastric balloons work?

Gastric balloons work in 2 ways to help you lose weight.

They reduce the available volume in your stomach for food. The average stomach is 1.5 L in volume, and the average gastric balloon takes up nearly half of that space. This leaves about 60% of your stomach available for food. Naturally, you won’t be able to eat as much at once as you could before the gastric balloon was placed.

The biggest benefit may be that the balloon restricts the free passage of food and water, essentially slowing its passage through your stomach, making you feel full faster and longer.

When is the gastric balloon removed?

Gastric balloons are designed to remain in the stomach for 6 months. After 6 months, they are removed via endoscopy.

What are the advantages & disadvantages of gastric balloons?

As with weight loss surgery, there are benefits and drawbacks to gastric balloons.

Advantages:

• Does not require surgery.
• Placement is quick and easy.
• Results in weight loss.
• Can lead to long-term weight loss when used in combination with a diet and exercise program.
• You can expect to lose between 20 and 50 pounds, depending on your starting weight and lifestyle changes. Most patients lose about 30% of their excess body weight or 10% to 30% of their total initial weight.
• You may feel full faster and be less hungry while the balloon is in place.

Disadvantages:

• Acid reflux is common, and medication for reflux is often prescribed.
• Nausea and vomiting are common in the first few days. Vomiting after meals during the first weeks is not unusual.
• Stomach cramps are common.
• Difficulty sleeping may occur, potentially related to indigestion or acid reflux when lying down.

What weight loss can I expect?

You can typically expect to lose between 20 and 50 pounds. How much you lose depends on your starting weight and your ability to implement and maintain a diet and exercise routine. It is essential to continue the new exercise after the gastric balloon is removed to avoid regaining weight.

Patients, according to studies, have shown an average weight loss of about 10% from their initial weight. However, many programs report that their patients have an average total weight loss of 15% to 20%.

If you return to your old lifestyle after the balloon is removed, you will regain the lost weight.

How much do they cost? Are the prices affordable?

Gastric balloons are currently not covered by insurance. The cost ranges from 2,000 euros and up. Financing options are available. Call us to ask about the cost and financing.

What do I need to know before the procedure?

You will be asked not to drink anything for 6 hours before your appointment and not to eat for 12 hours prior. It’s important to follow these guidelines, as you may experience nausea after the balloon is placed. The procedure lasts about 20 minutes, and depending on the type of balloon you choose, you may receive a mild sedative or light anesthesia.

Your doctor will prescribe medication for reflux and nausea. Make sure you have these available when you return home.

Living with the balloon

Immediately after the balloon placement, you may feel some discomfort that can last a few days to a few weeks. Some discomfort is normal, but you should report anything that feels abnormal or painful to your doctor.

During the first week after placement, most patients do not feel hungry. Some patients experience nausea that worsens with food intake. Weight loss can be significant during the first week. Men may lose 3 to 5 pounds during their first week, while women usually lose about 3 to 5 pounds.

Your appetite may slowly begin to return during week 2. However, you should still feel full after a very small amount of food.

During weeks 3 to 6, you will notice that your appetite continues to increase, and your ability to tolerate more food will improve. You should continue to eat slowly, monitor what you eat, and pay attention to signs of discomfort. Hiccups, acid reflux, and nausea indicate that you have eaten too much or too quickly.

During weeks 7 to 12, you should continue to lose weight, usually at a slower pace compared to the first 6 weeks. At this time, focus on maximizing weight loss by prioritizing healthy, nutritious foods. Implement a sustainable exercise routine. The routine should be something you can maintain for the rest of your life. If you cannot go to the gym 3 to 5 days a week, look for alternatives. You can do yoga or take a walk every morning.

During weeks 12 to 26, focus on maintaining weight loss. It’s important to learn how to sustain weight loss by concentrating on a healthy diet and a sustainable exercise program. A quality program will give you access to a dietitian, support groups, and other resources for a year after the balloon placement. Take advantage of these programs.

Make sure to take this time to transform your diet and make changes to your habits. While exercise is important, you can’t out-exercise a poor diet! Focus on dietary changes that you can maintain.

Is there a removal of the gastric balloon?

After 6 months, the balloon is removed via endoscopy. You will likely receive a mild sedative or a “light” anesthetic. The balloon is deflated and removed with forceps that pass through the endoscope inserted through the mouth.

Life after the gastric balloon

You have lost the tool that helps you feel full quickly. But you have gained a better understanding of your body. You have acquired knowledge about healthy eating and established a sustainable exercise routine. You look better and feel better. Now it’s time to apply that knowledge and maintain your weight loss for life.

Successful patients focus on the following after the balloon removal:

• Eat slowly.
• Plan your meals.
  Some programs support 3 meals with a healthy snack in between (e.g., an apple, etc.). Other programs support 5 or 6 small meals throughout the day. Whatever option you choose, stick to it. Don’t eat just because you’re bored or watching a movie, or during holidays or parties. Pay attention to your plan.
• Choose nutritious foods with essential nutrients.
  Nutritious foods are the opposite of processed foods. These are typically vegetables, fruits, meat, and fish.
• Eliminate fast food and sodas.
• Continue a sustainable exercise routine.

If your exercise routine is so difficult that it leaves you in pain for days after the gastric balloon, it’s likely not something you can maintain. Find something you can do 5 or more days a week to stay active.

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