Gastric Balloon
Gastric Balloon
Gastric balloon is one of the most popular non-surgical weight loss methods. This procedure is carried out through endoscopy and only takes around twenty minutes. No hospitalisation is required. Gastric balloon procedures are often a cost-effective option for people who want to lose significant weight.
Gastric Balloon Procedure
The insertion of a gastric balloon, or intragastric balloon, reduces feelings of hunger and helps a person to feel full for longer after eating. This helps them to lose weight without invasive surgery.
During the procedure a soft balloon is inserted into the stomach through the mouth using an endoscope (a thin, flexible telescopic tube). The balloon is then filled with saline solution to partially fill the stomach, leaving less room for large amounts of food or liquid. A gastric balloon is designed to be a temporary weight loss solution, and will usually be removed after six months. Gastric balloons are sometimes used to help a person lose sufficient weight to undergo gastric banding or gastric bypass surgery.
Who is the gastric balloon procedure suitable for?
The intragastric balloon is designed to assist with weight loss in people who have been obese for at least 5 years and have a BMI of 30-40. Gastric balloon procedures are also used for people who are unsuitable for other forms of weight loss surgery. The use of a gastric balloon can assist in reducing weight in preparation for surgery. This can reduce the potential risks associated with surgical weight loss procedures.
How is the gastric balloon procedure performed?
The gastric balloon is introduced into the stomach through the mouth mouth using an endoscopic tube. The doctor inserts an endoscopic camera into the stomach. If no abnormalities are observed, the balloon is into the mouth and down the oesophagus into the stomach. Once inside the stomach, it is filled with a sterile saline solution through a small tube attached to the balloon. The doctor then removes the tube, leaving the balloon inside the stomach.
This procedure is performed by qualified specialist gastroenterologists alongside anaesthetists and trained nursing staffs at several of our day surgeries and private hospitals. The procedure takes around 20 minutes. The patient is then monitored by nursing staff in the recovery bay. This procedure is usually conducted on an out-patient basis, so the patient can usually return home within two hours of the procedure.
Gastric balloons are generally inserted for 6 or 12-month periods before being removed in a procedure that takes around 10 minutes.
Why use THST Hospitals?
All of our Obesity Clinics are staffed by leading doctors, associate professors, specialists, nutritionists and dedicated nursing staffs. Our expert teams work together to guarantee comfortable and successful treatment for our patients. We use the most advanced equipment and facilities. We have the most experienced medical weight-loss teams in the industry guiding patients through their treatment. We also provide Aftercare support for a year after treatment.
What is the preparation process? How long does the procedure take?
Our medical staff will conduct a thorough consultation and comprehensive medical assessment before the procedure. This will include a full blood count and ultrasonography to ensure that the patient is a suitable candidate. The procedure itself only takes around 30 minutes. It is performed endoscopically and under deep sedation, so the patient will experience no pain or discomfort at any point during the procedure.
What is the post-operative process? How long do I need to stay in hospital?
Gastric balloon procedures are conducted on an outpatient basis so patients can usually leave hospital within two hours of the operation. Clients are monitored by our nursing staff immediately after the procedure. They then meet with a nutrition specialist and dietary expert who help them to form a nutrition plan to help them achieve a healthy weight.
Clients are monitored throughout the gastric balloon process. After a period, usually 6 or 12 months, the balloon is removed in a procedure that takes around 10 minutes.
How much weight will I lose?
This depends entirely on metabolism and adaptation to a new lifestyle and nutritional plan. Clients can lose from 6 to 20kgs. However, weight loss is not as certain or predictable as in alternatives such as gastric sleeve surgery.
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