How does a gastric balloon work?

A gastric balloon is a type of weight loss procedure that involves placing a silicone balloon inside the stomach to help individuals achieve their weight loss goals. This procedure is a non-surgical alternative to more invasive weight loss procedures, such as gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery, and is intended to be a temporary solution for weight loss.

Here’s a detailed explanation of how a gastric balloon works:

1. Placement of the Balloon: The gastric balloon is placed into the stomach through a non-surgical endoscopic procedure. During the procedure, the balloon is inflated with a saline solution to a specific size that is determined by the patient’s body weight, height, and the desired amount of weight loss.
2. Decreased Hunger and Increased Fullness: Once the gastric balloon is in place, it takes up space in the stomach, which makes individuals feel full after eating smaller amounts of food. This reduction in hunger can help individuals to stick to a healthy diet and reduce their overall caloric intake, leading to weight loss.
3. Weight Loss: By reducing hunger and increasing feelings of fullness, the gastric balloon can help individuals to lose weight. The amount of weight loss will depend on several factors, including the individual’s starting weight, diet, and level of physical activity. In clinical studies, patients who received a gastric balloon lost an average of 10 to 15% of their body weight over a period of 6 months.
4. Removal of the Balloon: The gastric balloon is intended to be a temporary solution for weight loss, and it is removed after 6 months. The removal of the balloon is performed in a similar manner to its placement, and typically takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
5. Maintenance: After the gastric balloon is removed, it is important for individuals to maintain their weight loss through healthy lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise. This will help to ensure that the weight loss is sustained in the long-term.

The gastric balloon is a safe and effective weight loss procedure that can help individuals to achieve their weight loss goals. However, as with any weight loss procedure, it is important to discuss the benefits and potential risks with a qualified healthcare provider to determine if the gastric balloon is the right choice for you.

In conclusion, the gastric balloon is a non-surgical weight loss procedure that involves placing a silicone balloon inside the stomach to help individuals achieve their weight loss goals. By reducing hunger and increasing feelings of fullness, the gastric balloon can help individuals to lose weight and maintain their weight loss in the long-term. If you are considering a gastric balloon, it is important to discuss the procedure with a qualified healthcare provider to determine if it is the right choice for you.