FAQs about gastric Intragastric Balloon?

FAQs about gastric Intragastric Balloon?

Given the recent high volume of inquiries about  Intragastric Balloon related issues, the editor will give a unified answer to the common questions here. 1. What is gastric  Intragastric Balloon? Gastric  Intragastric Balloon is a non-surgical weight loss method. A smooth, soft  Intragastric Balloon filled with saline (about the size of a small grapefruit) is placed in your stomach. Once in place, the gastric balloon partially fills the stomach, so you may eat a small amount of food but still feel full. Accompanied by professional health advice, gastric  Intragastric Balloon will allow you to develop good healthy eating habits and change your lifestyle so that you can lose weight quickly and keep it off for a long time.

2. How much weight can I lose through gastric  Intragastric Balloon?

The first thing to understand is that  Intragastric Balloon is a tool to help with weight loss and must be used in conjunction with a diet, exercise, and behavior modification program. The weight you lose will depend on how strictly you adhere to your diet and adopt long-term lifestyle changes.

Clinical studies have shown that weight loss varies from person to person.

On average, patients lose 3.1 times more weight than those who only diet and exercise*

In clinical studies in the United States, patients lost an average of 21.8 pounds.

4. What if the gastric balloon leaks or breaks in the stomach?

A review of more than 250 clinical papers published worldwide found that fewer than 1 in 200 patients experienced balloon leaks or deflation over a 6-month period. However, if the balloon leaks spontaneously, you may no longer feel full after eating. If you suspect this may be the case, notify your doctor immediately. A simple abdominal x-ray will determine if the balloon is leaking. If so, your doctor will arrange for the leaking balloon to be removed.

5. Will I gain weight again after the balloon is removed?

Clinical studies have shown that you will maintain your weight loss with dieting as long as you stick to your prescribed diet and exercise routine.

So if you stick to your new, healthy lifestyle, you will be well on your way to losing weight.

6. What are the side effects after the balloon is placed?

The balloon will most likely cause nausea or vomiting at first after it is placed in the stomach. This may last for one to two weeks in some patients. Your doctor may prescribe medications to help reduce these potential effects.

If any severe or unusual symptoms occur, such as severe pain or vomiting, patients need to contact their doctor immediately.

7. Can a gastric balloon be left in for an extended period of time?

The balloon should be removed at the prescribed time. Leaving the balloon in your stomach for an extended period of time increases certain risks, most notably the risk of the balloon leaking. If the balloon does leak, it could cause a blockage in your stomach or intestines.

Although this is rare, you should schedule a time to remove the balloon after it is placed so there are no delays.

How does it work?

The gastric balloon is inserted through the mouth, with no incision made outside the body. Afterwards, you have less room in your stomach, but more room to successfully achieve your weight loss goals.