What is a gastric balloon?

A gastric balloon is a small silicone device that can be placed in your stomach by your doctor to occupy more space inside, making you feel full and reducing your appetite for food.

How much weight can I expect to lose with a gastric balloon?

You can expect to lose between 20 and 30% of your body weight within a few months of having a gastric balloon.

Are there any risks associated with gastric balloons?

While gastric balloons generally have positive effects, there are some risks and complications that can occur, such as damage to teeth, stomach perforation, breathing difficulties, abnormal heart rhythms, intestinal obstruction, increased stomach acidity, swelling, diarrhea or constipation, balloon failure, allergic reactions, and bleeding.

Who is eligible for a gastric balloon?

Gastric balloons are a good option for individuals aged 18 to 60 years with a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 39 who do not qualify for other obesity surgeries, have tried other alternative obesity treatments unsuccessfully, have good physical health, do not plan to become pregnant in the next year, and do not use drugs or are not alcohol dependent.

How long does the gastric balloon remain in the stomach?

The gastric balloon is typically left in the stomach for a few months, usually around 6 months, depending on the specific type of balloon used.

Gastric Balloon 2024

Introduction to Gastric Balloon Technology

Let us introduce you to the simplest way to lose weight: the gastric balloon! If you are looking for a non-surgical, non-drug method to help you reach your ideal weight, then the gastric balloon may be the solution you've been searching for. The gastric balloon is known as a small device made of silicone that your doctor can easily place in your stomach to occupy more space inside it, making you feel full and reducing your appetite for food. Doctors can use one of 6 different types of gastric balloons, including Orbera IGB, Heliosphere, Spatz3, ReShape, Obalon, and Elipse. Most of these balloons can be taken in the form of a capsule that can be swallowed directly and does not require anesthesia.

Benefits of Gastric Balloon

Lose between 20-30% of your body weight in just a few months.
Enjoy a temporary, non-surgical solution to obesity with less risk and smoother recovery.
Avoid health problems associated with obesity that can have harmful effects on your health.
Make it easier for yourself to follow a healthy lifestyle and new dietary habits.
Give your body full readiness to undergo obesity surgeries in the future, if necessary.
Feel safe and comfortable knowing that your doctor can remove the balloon at any time if things go wrong.
Enjoy an effective and less expensive solution for obesity compared to other more expensive surgical procedures.

Candidates for Gastric Balloon

Gastric balloons are known to be a good option for people aged 18 to 60 years old. Also, this option may be useful for you if:

You have a body mass index of 30 to 39 and other obesity surgeries do not suit you.
You have tried other alternative treatments for obesity, but to no avail.
You have good physical health and do not suffer from any problems in the digestive system; such as ulcers for example.
You do not expect to become pregnant in the next year or so (for women).
You do not take drugs or are addicted to alcohol.

Risks of Gastric Balloon

Gastric balloons usually have positive effects and rarely cause side effects. However, some people may experience certain problems, especially during balloon insertion, and the risks and complications include:

Damage to teeth or dental braces.
Perforation of the stomach or esophagus.
Difficulty breathing.
Abnormal heartbeats.
Intestinal obstruction.
Increased stomach acidity.
Bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.
Balloon malfunction.
Allergic reactions.
Bleeding.