Gastric Balloon

Gastric balloon is known as one of the surgical solutions used by any person who is overweight or obese and none of the diets or sports activities have been successful in relieving their weight. It is often performed for people with a BMI of 27 to 35.

The gastric balloon procedure is done by placing a balloon (filled in certain liquid such as silicone) in the stomach to reduce the amount of food eaten and promotes a feeling of fullness faster, the patient can often lose approximately 26% to 46% of his weight in a short period.

It should be noted that the gastric balloon procedure as the rest of the other obesity surgeries, needs to adhere to the new lifestyle by following the instructions of the surgeon and reduce the amounts of food and maintain exercise regularly. It is safe for nearly six months.

A specialist in obesity surgery may use a gastric balloon to help people with weight problems. Some prefer to use this type of surgery instead of other weight-loss operations, some of which may be more serious and require deeper surgery.

Placing a balloon in the stomach can help reduce exposure to some weight-related health problems such as high blood pressure, heart diseases and stroke, joint problems, type 2 diabetes and sleep apnea.

• BMI between 30 and 40.
• If she is a woman, she should not be pregnant or breastfeeding.
• No addiction to any type of medication or alcohol.
• No medical problems: Bleeding from the gastrointestinal cavity, prior operation in the gastrointestinal cavity, a hernia in the diaphragm or problems in the oesophagus or gastric ulcer.
• The ability to adhere to a balanced diet and change some other lifestyle habits such as maintaining regular exercise.

Before confirming the patient's ability to have a gastric balloon, he must undergo a series of tests recommended by the specialist of obesity surgery, which is responsible for obesity cases, including:

• Know the medical history of the patient.
• Comprehensive blood tests.
• Radiology imaging such as X-rays.
• ECG.
• Perform a laparoscopy (gastroscopy) of the stomach and gastrointestinal cavity to verify the absence of ulcers or any other problems.

The doctor may ask for other tests depending on the patient's condition.

The patient has to fast for 12 hours prior to the procedure. 

Although the risks associated with the gastric balloon are very rare, they may occur, and may include one of the following:

• Intestine blockage due to balloon movement towards the digestive cavity, which requires medical intervention.
• Stomach ulcers.
• Acid reflux (Gastroesophageal reflux disease).
• Balloon rupture and solution leakage.
• Nausea for a few days.
• Constipation.
• Bloating.

Gastric balloon procedure which usually takes 30 minutes involves the following steps:

1. Local anaesthesia or sedative to facilitate insertion of the balloon by the endoscope.
2. Insert the deflated balloon by the endoscope through the mouth towards the stomach.
3. Placing the balloon in the stomach in the right place and then inflate it with a sterile saline solution.
4. Pulling out the endoscope through the mouth.

During the first few days, the patient may feel stomach discomfort, which often begins to diminish as soon as the stomach and digestive system are adjusted as a whole with the balloon within the first week.

Patients usually can return to their normal activities within 3 days or maybe less after gastric balloon procedure.

(To be added soon, God willing)

(To be added soon, God willing).

• Gastric banding (Lap band)
• Sleeve gastrectomy
• Mini gastric bypass

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Last update on 30 August, 2021

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