GASTRIC BALLOON

Gastric balloon is a non-surgical procedure where a balloon-like silicon device is inserted inside the stomach endoscopically and then got inflated.  It is usually preferred by the overweight patients who did not get desired results from diet and exercise alone. The balloon makes the stomach smaller, so that you eat less food and get hungry in longer frequencies. The operation will be more successful if the patient can also support it with healthy eating habits and regular exercise.

The results of the operation will be seen around 6 months to a year if the patient sticks with the healthy lifestyle and responsible eating habits. Around 30% of the excess weight can be lost. The balloon can only make the stomach area smaller, but the effort needed to be put into wanting to lose weight is the patient’s own responsibility. Going back to old eating habits which made the patient gain excess weight will sabotage the gastric balloon operation, and the patient cannot get any benefits from it if that happens. 

Recovery Process

Since it is a non-surgical operation, recovery is very easy. The procedure is done under general anesthesia and fairly done in less than an hour. Since the stomach has a new foreign object inside, the patient can have symptoms such as nausea and mild stomach ache, which can be alleviated by oral medications. The stomach will get used to it soon. 

Removal of the Gastric Balloon

If the patient follows the recommendations of the doctor and practices a healthy lifestyle and exercising, around the time of a year after the operation they will lose up to 30% of excess weight and they may want to remove the balloon from the stomach since there is no need anymore. The removal can be done in 15 minutes in the hospital in Orenda Health.

GASTRIC BALLOON

GASTRIC BALLOON

  • Average length of stay3 Days
  • Length of stay in hospital0 Day
  • Operation duration1 Hour
  • AnesthesiaGeneral Sedation
  • Recovery Duration3 Days
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FAQ

When to start exercising?

2 weeks after the insertion of the balloon, the patient can start exercising. The first 2 weeks where the patient should stick to a liquid diet is a period when the stomach gets used to the gastric balloon, so any harsh and restricted movements around the stomach should be avoided. Exercise movements such as crunches can be done after 2 weeks. 

 

How to manage healthy eating?

After the insertion of the gastric balloon, the patient should mainly have a liquid diet rich in soups, fruit juices, veggie juices and soft foods such as mash and puree, pudding for 2 weeks. Since the stomach is smaller, the patient will not get hungry like before. After 2 weeks, regular food can be eaten, but balance should be taken into consideration. A healthy diet should consist of a balance between carbohydrates, proteins and fat. In order to promote a steady but healthy weight loss, fat should be reduced.

 

Can the gastric balloon be removed?

If the patient follows the recommendations of the doctor and practices a healthy lifestyle and exercising, around the time of a year after the operation they will lose up to 30% of excess weight and they may want to remove the balloon from the stomach since there is no need anymore. The removal can be done in 15 minutes in the hospital.

 

How much weight can be lost?

Depending on the diligence of the patient for following a healthy diet and exercising after having the gastric balloon operation, around the time of 6 months to a year, the patient can easily lose up to 30% of their excess weight. The effort here lies on the willpower of the patient. 

 

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