The Gastric Balloon insertion is a non-surgical weight loss treatment that involves placing a balloon in
the stomach to help reduce hunger and promote weight loss. The Gastric Balloon procedure is a viable option for individuals who have struggled with weight loss and are looking for a non-surgical solution. However, it’s essential to carefully consider the risks and benefits and discuss candidacy with a Bariatric surgeon and a Registered Dietitian.
Gastric Balloon procedure available in Grandville Medical and Laser is the Spartz 3 flexible balloon that can last a period of 6 to 12 months. It is inserted endoscopically under general anesthesia. Please note that this is not the swallowable balloon!!!.
The balloon is inserted into the stomach through the mouth using an endoscope and filled with normal saline, which takes up space in the stomach. The patient is admitted for 24 hours post-op for observation and discharged on some medications. The balloon helps reduce hunger and promote weight loss by limiting the amount of food the stomach can hold. Diet and lifestyle modification is key for effective weight loss and follow up with the Dietitian is adequate to ensure compliance to lifestyle regimen.
Numerous benefits of the Gastric Balloon procedure is that it is non-surgical and reversible (it can be removed once patient achieves his/her desired weight loss goal within 12 months). Secondly, it is minimally invasive – relatively quick and painless and is completed under 30 to 45 minutes. It can lead to significant weight loss of about 25 to 30kg and improved health outcomes.
Certain risks associated with the balloon procedure includes nausea and vomiting for the first few days post-op, abdominal pain or discomfort which subsides within a few days, very rare risk of deflation and relatively rare gastrointestinal obstruction.
Before you go for a balloon procedure, kindly speak with your doctor (Bariatric surgeon) and your Dietitian. You will be required to carry out series of tests and investigations to ensure that you are fit for the procedure.