Intragastric Balloon or Gastric Ballon

Gastric balloon is a non-surgical procedure in which a balloon is inserted in the stomach. The balloon is filled with sterile saline water which occupies 60% part of the stomach and gives you feeling of fullness after having a small amount of food.

Advantages

Non-surgical day care procedure

Weight loss is more as compare to diet and exercise programme

Feeling of fullness most of the time

Cost effective

Disadvantages

Nausea and vomiting at early stage

Temporary procedure (removal of balloon after one year)

Not effective for treatment of diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol level

Minimal weight loss as compare to sleeve, band or bypass surgery

Not good for patients with eating disorders

FAQs

How is the balloon inserted into the stomach?

An unfilled gastric balloon is placed into the stomach with the help of endoscope and then filled with saline water. This procedure will be done under general. Patient needs day care admission for the procedure and it will be done between 20-30 minutes.

How long will the gastric balloon remain in the stomach?

The gastric balloon should be taken out after one year. The removal will also require day care admission.

What happens if the balloon leaks?

If a leak happens the color of urine turns in blue.