Overview
Intragastric balloon placement is a weight loss method where a saline-filled silicone balloon is inserted into the stomach. This helps reduce food intake and promotes a feeling of fullness more quickly.
Purpose
Gastric balloon surgery is considered when weight management through diet and exercise has not been successful.
Like all weight loss procedures, adopting a healthier lifestyle is crucial for the long-term effectiveness of gastric ballooning. This includes consistent dietary modifications and regular physical activity.
Benefits
The intragastric balloon aids in weight loss, which can reduce the risk of serious health issues related to obesity, including:
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
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Cardiovascular disease or stroke
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Hypertension
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Obstructive sleep apnea
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Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
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Type 2 diabetes
Weight-loss surgeries, including intragastric balloon placement, are generally considered only after other methods, like diet and exercise, have been tried without success.
Eligibility
You might be a candidate for an intragastric balloon if:
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Your body mass index (BMI) is between 30 and 40
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You are prepared to make and maintain healthy lifestyle changes, attend regular medical follow-ups, and participate in behavioral therapy
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You have not undergone prior stomach or esophageal surgery
Not all individuals who are overweight are suitable candidates for this procedure. A thorough screening process will determine if it's appropriate for you.
Currently, the cost of inserting and removing the intragastric balloon is often not covered by health insurance, making it an out-of-pocket expense.
Preparation
To prepare for an intragastric balloon placement, your medical team will provide specific instructions. This may include undergoing various lab tests and physical examinations. You might need to modify your diet, limit certain beverages, and adjust your medication intake before the procedure. Starting a physical activity regimen is also recommended.
Procedure Details
Gastric balloon placement is an outpatient procedure typically performed in an endoscopy room with sedation. During the procedure:
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A thin tube with the balloon is inserted through the throat into the stomach.
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An endoscope, a flexible tube with a camera, is then used to guide the placement and filling of the balloon with saline.
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The procedure takes about 30 minutes, and you can usually go home 1-2 hours afterward.
Post-Procedure
Approximately 6 hours after the procedure, you can start drinking small amounts of clear liquids. A liquid diet is usually maintained until the second week, when you can begin eating soft foods, transitioning to a regular diet by the third week. The balloon remains in place for up to 6 months before being removed endoscopically. Depending on your treatment plan, a new balloon may be inserted at this time.
After the procedure, you will have regular follow-ups with your healthcare team, including your dietitian and psychologist.
Results
The gastric balloon helps you feel full sooner and eat less. This may be due to the balloon slowing down stomach emptying and affecting appetite-regulating hormones.
The amount of weight loss achieved depends on your ability to implement lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise. On average, individuals can expect to lose about 7% to 15% of their body weight within 6 months of balloon placement, with an overall excess weight loss between 30% and 47%.
As with other significant weight loss procedures, intragastric balloons can help improve or resolve obesity-related conditions such as:
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GERD
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Heart disease
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Hypertension
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Obstructive sleep apnea
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Osteoarthritis
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Type 2 diabetes
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High cholesterol
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NAFLD or NASH
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