What Is a Gastric Balloon?
The gastric balloon is a medical device placed inside the stomach for weight loss purposes. It’s a non-invasive procedure, usually for very overweight people who have failed to ensure their obesity disappears with medications, exercise, or eating plan: the inflated balloon takes up space into the stomach, causing a person to feel full quickly and take less food.
How does it work?
1. The balloon gets placed inside the stomach in a deflated state through the mouth using an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera at the end).
2. Once it is inside, the balloon is inflated with saline (saltwater) or gas so that it occupies space in the stomach.
3. The procedure takes about 20-30 minutes and does not require a surgical operation.
4. Usually kept in place for about 6 months before being taken out.
Benefits of a Gastric Balloon:
Non-invasive: Uses no incisions or stitches.
Short recovery time: Most patients return quickly to their normal activities in days.
Very effective in terms of shedding weight: Patients shed about 10-15% of their preparation weight after 6 months.
Teaches better dining habits: The procedure induces portion control and makes them choose healthy alternatives.
Risks and Side Effects
Largely, a gastric balloon is said to be safe. Nevertheless, some should know that others may experience:
Nausea and vomiting (most common in the 1st days)
Stomach discomfort
Acid reflux or indigestion
Yet rarer complications call for balloon deflation or stomach ulcers.
Who Is Eligible?
A gastric balloon is applicable for all those people:
Who have hit a BMI of around 30-40
Should not lose weight through diet and exercise
Must not be ranged among those deemed fit or unwilling to undergo bariatric surgery.
Conclusion
Anyone interested in gastric balloon surgery should take the advice of a medical professional before making their choice. The gastric balloon is one of the myriad options for offering temporary non-surgerical help to weight-loss patients by using the same principle as that of restrictive procedures to assist them in eating less and stuffing in new healthy lifestyles. However, keeping these changes on through one’s life requires a commitment.
