Is the Gastric Balloon Effective?

What is a Gastric Balloon?

The gastric balloon is a non-surgical method for weight loss. The primary goal of a gastric balloon is to encourage lifestyle changes. It can yield excellent results when combined with a proper diet and regular physical activity. Depending on the type of balloon, patients lose approximately 10 to 25 kg on average, but individuals starting at a higher weight may lose more. A gastric balloon may be considered a weight-loss option if your Body Mass Index is 29 and above.

Gastric Balloon Placement

Gastric balloons are often considered a middle ground between medication and surgery. The capsule is made of either porcine-derived gelatin or a plant-based capsule. The balloon itself is made of plastic and, when folded inside the capsule, is slightly larger than a typical vitamin pill. You will simply swallow the capsule to deliver it to your stomach.

Once the balloon reaches your stomach, it will be filled and inflated with a gaseous mixture of nitrogen hexafluoride, using a flexible tube attached to an inflation system. The balloon will be inflated to a volume of 250 cm3, about the size of a small orange. Once the balloon is inflated, the flexible tube will be detached and gently removed from the mouth. Because the balloon floats freely, it moves around the stomach.

This first balloon can remain in your stomach for up to six months, during which your appetite decreases. The inflated balloon reduces the space available for food, and therefore you will feel fuller after eating less food. After about a month, you typically swallow a second balloon capsule, and two months later, the third. All balloons will be removed approximately 6 months after ingestion of the first capsule.

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Ideal Candidate for Gastric Balloon

You may be a good candidate for a gastric balloon weight loss procedure if you have unsuccessfully tried to lose weight through diet and exercise. You should also have a BMI between 30 and 40 (or sometimes as low as 27), meaning this procedure may be suitable for individuals with a lower BMI than required for bariatric surgery.

If you are considering undergoing this type of procedure, it is also recommended that you have one or more obesity-related health problems, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, fatty liver disease, or sleep apnea.

However, the procedure may be contraindicated if you have had previous bariatric or gastrointestinal surgery or suffer from inflammatory bowel disease. Other conditions such as a gastric mass, hiatal hernia, or liver failure may also disqualify you from undergoing gastric balloon placement.

Weight Loss Effectiveness with Gastric Balloon

Patients using a gastric balloon typically lose 10-15% of their total body weight within the first six months. One study showed patients lost around 29% of their excess weight when they also received behavioral therapy in addition to the procedure. Obesity-related diseases also show improvement, but generally not as much as with bariatric surgery because the weight loss is typically not as significant. As the balloon is removed after six months, long-term results from this procedure heavily depend on lifestyle changes.

Risks and Complications of Gastric Balloon

The gastric balloon weight-loss procedure is associated with minimal complications, most of which occur if the balloon is left in the stomach for longer than six months. Complications such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain may occur as your body adjusts to the balloon’s presence, and the balloon may also deflate, though this is rare.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Gastric Balloon

Advantages

• Minimally invasive procedure, as it is performed endoscopically and does not require anatomical modification;
• The device is temporary; the procedure can be reversed if desired;
• Can be performed on subjects with a BMI less than 40;
• The cost is generally lower when considering the prices of bariatric surgery procedures;
• Quick procedure;
• Faster recovery than bariatric surgery procedures;
• Lower risk of complications compared to true surgical procedures;

Disadvantages

• Relatively lower weight loss than other bariatric surgery procedures;
• Less impact on obesity-related conditions due to lower weight loss;

How to Decide Which Weight Loss Procedure is Right for You?

Essentially, some of the differences between weight-loss procedures boil down to the fact that gastric balloon placement is less invasive, carries a lower risk of complications, and has a faster recovery time compared to other bariatric surgery procedures. The trade-off, however, is that this procedure generally results in a lower percentage of weight loss and, consequently, has a reduced impact on obesity-related diseases compared to bariatric surgery.

Discuss the pros and cons of each weight-loss option with your doctor based on your particular situation. To help you make the right choice, your doctor will consider how much weight you need to lose, as well as the percentage of your total weight that needs to be lost. The efforts you have made to try and lose weight should be discussed, and your medical history as well as your current overall health should also be considered.

Armed with this specific information, your doctor can then advise you on the weight-loss procedure that would be suitable for you if any, and ensure that you understand what will be expected of you post-procedure. Specifically, you will need to commit to a healthier lifestyle, which involves modifying your diet and making time to exercise regularly to help you lose weight and improve your chances of keeping it off long-term.

Expected Results with Gastric Balloon

Gastric balloon treatment is often undertaken with specific expectations regarding results. Patients opting for this method generally hope to achieve significant and sustainable weight loss while improving their overall health. Expected results with gastric balloons vary from person to person, but overall, this treatment is designed to help overweight individuals lose weight gradually and in a controlled manner.

One of the main objectives of the gastric balloon is to create an early feeling of fullness, which leads to a reduction in daily caloric intake. As a result, patients can expect regular weight loss over the months. The amount of weight lost depends on various factors such as initial weight, metabolism, adherence to dietary advice, and regular physical activity.

In addition to weight loss, many patients report significant improvements in their overall health. Weight reduction can help control obesity-related medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep disorders. Benefits extend beyond the physical; many patients notice increased energy, improved mobility, and improved self-esteem and confidence.

Aftercare: How to Maintain Long-Term Results

Aftercare with gastric balloons is a crucial phase of the journey towards a healthier life. Once the balloon is removed, patients enter a consolidation period where newly acquired habits and successes must be maintained in the long term. One of the keys to maintaining long-term results lies in continuing the healthy eating habits adopted during treatment. This involves not only monitoring portions and choosing nutritious foods, but also maintaining an adequate balance between proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

In parallel, regular physical activity must remain a priority. Exercise not only helps maintain a healthy weight, but it also strengthens the cardiovascular system, improves endurance, and boosts mental health. Finding physical activities that one enjoys can make exercise more sustainable in the long term, whether it's dancing, swimming, brisk walking, or any other activity.

Social support plays a major role in maintaining long-term results. Joining support groups or surrounding oneself with friends and family who encourage healthy lifestyle choices can provide valuable emotional support. These support networks can share similar experiences, offer practical advice, and help stay motivated even in the face of challenges.

Regular medical follow-up remains essential in aftercare. Frequent consultations with healthcare professionals allow monitoring of progress, rapid detection of any signs of regression, and adjustments as needed. These appointments can also offer a forum to discuss challenges encountered and receive personalized advice, thus contributing to maintaining motivation and boosting self-confidence.

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