Why would I have a gastric balloon treatment?
Gastric balloon treatment is a type of weight-loss procedure that involves placing a silicone balloon into the stomach to reduce its size. The procedure helps you lose weight by limiting the amount of food you can eat, which will make you feel fuller faster. The procedure can be an option if your body mass index (BMI) is around 30 to 40, and your attempts to diet and exercise have not worked for you.
What are the benefits of having a gastric balloon treatment?
The benefit of gastric balloon treatment is that it is non-surgical and reversible. The balloon will not have to stay in your stomach forever. It is a tool that helps you develop long term healthier lifestyle. It can also improve weight-related problems, such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and other health-related problem.
What is the recovery time?
You may experience pain, nausea, and vomiting for several days following the procedure. You should be able to go back to most of your daily activities within the next day. Your doctor will give you a detailed recovery timeline, including your diet and exercise
How long will I need to stay in the hospital after my procedure?
Gastric balloon treatment is an outpatient procedure. You are allowed to leave the hospital on the same day after the mild anesthesia wears off. The treatment takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete.
How long should I expect to stay overseas after my procedure?
You should not travel home immediately after the procedure and allow at least 7 to 10 days for regular check-ups. You will be kept under the review of your doctor to make sure the balloon is not causing any issues. If everything goes fine, you will be allowed to fly home.
What aftercare should I take into consideration?
After gastric balloon placement, you need to commit to a healthy lifestyle to maximize and maintain your weight loss. Make sure to exercise regularly with the aid of expert supervision. Talk to your doctor and a nutritionist regarding your diet plan as you need to fulfill your nutritional requirements with less food. You may also need to get regular check-ups with your doctor to monitor your weight, but you can choose to do it with your local doctor. In addition, you may need to take vitamins, minerals, and other supplements regularly. Remember to maintain your healthy lifestyle even after the gastric balloon is removed.
What’s the success rate like?
About 30% to 47% loss in excess weight has been reported through a gastric balloon procedure. Most people are able to lose 10% to 15% of their excess weight within the first six months following the procedure. However, the results may vary from one person to another. Although gastric balloon treatment is generally safe, make sure you are well-informed with the side effects and risks that the procedure carries. These may include pain, nausea, deflated balloon, ulcers, and a hole in the stomach wall.
Are there alternatives?
If you don’t want to undergo gastric balloon treatment or you are not a good candidate for the procedure, you can consider gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and gastric banding. Talk to your doctor about the best option for your specific case.