Installation of an intragastric balloon

Intragastric balloon is a medical silicone balloon that is placed in the stomach area and filled with a special saline solution. The balloon filled with this solution takes up a certain amount of space in the stomach, thereby reducing the size of the food consumed and accelerating the feeling of fullness.
Installation of an intragastric balloon is performed by the endoscopic method.

We recommend installing an intragastric balloon in patients with a BMI (body mass index) of 27. Often, these are patients weighing 85 kg or more. To independently calculate BMI, you need to make the ratio of body weight in kilograms to the square of height in meters (kg / m2).
In addition, it is possible to install a balloon in the stomach when there is no effect from diets, physical activity and other methods of fighting excess weight.
Also, one of the significant indicators of the installation of a balloon inside the stomach is the need to reduce body weight before the upcoming surgical intervention.

Before installing an intragastric balloon, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will calculate the BMI at the moment, determine the reasons for excess weight and the possibility of installing a balloon.

Next, you need to undergo an examination, during which you need to pass a number of tests, visit a therapist and anesthesiologist for a consultation, as well as undergo FGDS and ultrasound. If the possibility of installing the cylinder is confirmed, the date of the operation is assigned.

During the operation, the patient is given anesthesia, the result of which is constantly monitored by the anesthesiologist. The next step will be the examination by the surgeon of the internal cavity of the stomach and esophagus through an endoscope. Further, the balloon is directly installed using the endoscopic method in a folded form. The balloon remaining there is filled with a special saline solution, after which it takes the form of a ball. The whole process takes about 20-30 minutes.

6 months after the operation, the balloon must be replaced or removed completely. This manipulation is performed due to the exhaustion and wear of its walls, which are constantly in the stomach acid. During this period of time, most patients will have already developed a diet and new eating habits.

The low cost intragastric balloon helps to reduce body weight quickly and effectively.

The advantages of this method are the following factors:

The balloon is placed through an endoscope without surgery;
The digestive tract is not opened;
The cylinder can be reinstalled;
Low risks of complications;
The digestive process is not disturbed;
The effectiveness of the method in the treatment of obesity is 80-90%.

The balloon installation process takes place through the endoscope. The balloon itself consists of thin silicone, a cover, a self-closing valve and a tube. The cylinder is filled through the filling tube and valve. There is a guide wire inside the tube, which increases the rigidity of the structure and facilitates the introduction of the balloon.

The balloon helps to achieve significant results.
On average, during the period when the cylinder is in use, the weight may decrease by 15-20 kg.
In percentage terms, about 40% of the original body weight is lost.
The maximum reduction in body weight is 1 kg per week.

You can not engage in vigorous physical activity in the first 24 hours. On the first night, severe nausea and repeated vomiting may occur. Unpleasant sensations in the stomach may remain for another 3-4 days.

The first 3 days should be avoided:

coffee
carbonated drinks
fatty meals
chocolate
ice cream

You should eat liquid food, which gradually needs to be replaced by semi-solid, and then, ordinary solid.

How is the balloon removed?

You need to come to the removal of the intragastric balloon on an empty stomach. The procedure is performed under complete anesthesia and lasts 15-20 minutes.

Can I have whatever I want? Are there any food restrictions?

You will not want to eat as much as you did before. In addition, when you eat fatty foods or sweets, your health will worsen.

What are the contraindications for installing a balloon inside the stomach?