The intragastric balloon is a temporary method for weight loss, in which a balloon-shaped silicone device is inserted endoscopically into the stomach, partially occupying it, thus causing an early feeling of fullness when eating; the intragastric balloon can pass into the stomach for a maximum of 6 months.

The intragastric balloon weighs 500 to 600 g, is filled with physiological serum plus methylene blue, offering a true alternative to patients who do not want or cannot benefit from obesity surgery.

A gastric balloon is a non-surgical weight loss procedure that involves placing a balloon in the stomach to fill the cavity and limit the stomach’s capacity to carry food. After the balloon is placed, it makes you feel fuller with food faster and reduces stomach volume.

What Is Necessary Before Placıng The Balloon?

Before placing the gastric balloon, the patient will have been visited and evaluated by our medical, nutritional, psychological and sports team, to check that all the treatment is suitable and to carry out a first initial assessment. In it, the entire process will be explained in detail and all doubts will be resolved.

In addition, blood and other tests will have been performed to complete the initial study and minimize any potential risk.

Am I A Good Candıdate For The Gastrıc Balloon?

The gastric balloon is indicated in patients with type II overweight (BMI> 27), mild and moderate obesity (BMI between 30-39) and severe obesity (> 40) who do not want to undergo surgery, or this is contraindicated. Also, it can be seen as a bridge to bariatric surgery to lose weight before it, in the case of very severe obesity.

What Is Requıred To Insert The Balloon?

To ensure the absence of gastric content before the procedure, a liquid diet is necessary the day before and a complete fast (solid and liquid) 8 hours before the procedure.

You must be accompanied by a family member or friend. Later, you will not be able to drive or perform dangerous activities because the reflexes are diminished by anesthetic sedation, as occurs in the performance of a diagnostic colonoscopy or gastroscopy.

What Happens After Insertıng The Balloon?

It is normal for the patient to have nausea, vomiting and / or abdominal discomfort in the first days after gastric balloon placement, similar to those that can cause gastroenteritis.

It is important that the patient follow Obymed’s recommendations, who will prescribe a specific treatment and diet to reduce or eliminate said symptoms so that adaptation is as light as possible.

Its intensity will decrease as the days go by and the stomach will get used to the gastric balloon.