ENDOSCOPIC GASTRIC BALLOON
What is Endoscopic Balloon?
An Endoscopic Balloon, also known as an intragastric balloon, is a non-surgical, minimally invasive weight loss device. The procedure involves inserting a deflated balloon into the stomach through the mouth using an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera). Once inside the stomach, the balloon is filled with a sterile saline solution, expanding and taking up space. The inflated balloon induces a feeling of fullness, restricting food intake and promoting weight loss. This temporary intervention serves as a tool to assist individuals in adopting healthier eating habits and achieving significant weight loss without the need for surgery. The balloon is typically left in the stomach for a few months and is then removed during another endoscopic procedure.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
An Endoscopic Balloon, also known as an intragastric balloon, is a weight loss device that doesn't require surgery and is not very invasive. Here's how it works: a deflated balloon is put into your stomach through your mouth using a thin tube with a light and camera. Once in your stomach, the balloon is filled with a sterile saline solution, making it expand. This makes you feel full, so you eat less and lose weight. It's a temporary solution to help you develop healthier eating habits and lose a significant amount of weight without having surgery. The balloon stays in your stomach for a few months and is removed later with another endoscopic procedure.
A 15-20 minutes procedure
Initiate your weight loss journey by experiencing a sense of fullness
The Procedure
The balloon is placed in your stomach during a brief 20-minute consultation with your doctor.
I. Insertion
A Thin flexible tube with a tiny camera at one end (Endoscope) is passed down your mouth while you’re sedated. The folded up balloon is guided down from your mouth using the endoscope down to your stomach.
II. Inflation
Once in the stomach, the folded balloon is inflated using a small tube which comes down with it from the mouth. Inflated with 500 mls of water in the correct position, the filling tube together with the endoscope is removed from the mouth – leaving behind only the balloon in the stomach.
III. Residence
It reduces the stomachs capacity, reducing food intake giving a feeling of fullness and early satiety. Burning of fat by the body for energy then leads to further weight loss
IV. Extraction
It will stay in the stomach for 6 months after which it is removed during an endoscopy, where the balloon is punctured, and the deflated balloon removed through the mouth.
Pre Placement
We will take a detailed medical history to see if you are eligible. Your doctor may advise you on some medication, lab & imaging tests prior to the procedure
Balloon Placement
Endoscopic positioning of the folded balloon, attached to a thin tube. Once in the stomach, the balloon is filled via the thin tube with 500mls of water & the tube together with the endoscope is removed gently, leaving the filled balloon in the stomach.
Post Balloon Placement
Start your weight loss journey once the balloon is placed and beyond, keeping in mind lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to help maintain the weight long term.
BalloonRemoval
The balloon is removed via an endoscope in 6 months, where it is punctured and the deflated balloon is removed from the mouth.
What are the risks of an Endoscopic Balloon?
While the Endoscopic Balloon procedure is generally considered safe, like any medical intervention, it carries some risks and potential complications. Here are some possible risks associated with the procedure:
Some people may experience nausea and vomiting, especially in the initial days after the balloon placement.
Abdominal pain is common as the stomach adapts to the balloon, causing discomfort, a frequent side effect.
SRarely, the balloon may deflate or rupture, posing a risk that demands extra intervention or removal.
Digestive tract blockage may arise from the balloon, causing symptoms like cramping, bloating, or swallowing difficulty.
Balloon presence can irritate stomach lining, possibly leading to ulcers or erosions as potential complications may arise
Procedure-associated infection risk increases with poor hygiene; following proper sterile techniques mitigates this small but potential danger.
Materials in the balloon or saline may trigger allergies, impacting individuals in rare cases during this procedure.
Some individuals may experience worsened acid reflux symptoms due to the balloon, contributing to discomfort or exacerbation.
ENDOSCOPIC BALLOON
6 MONTHS
The Balloon Procedure
The Connected Scale, Health Tracker & App
All Specialist Consultation ~ 50 Visits
All Lab ~ 25 full body tests & Imaging ~ 3 tests
All Pre & Post Procedure Medication
Skin Contouring
Colon Hydrotherapy
FREE Support Beyond 6 Months
FAQs
On average, patients lose up to 15% of their total body weight.
The saline filled silicon balloon is put inside the stomach using an endoscope under sedation in 20 minutes. The balloon is connected to a long,thin tube. Once the capsule has entered your stomach you will have a first X-ray to confirm the correct positionof the capsule.Your doctor will then use the tube to fill the balloon with water and then a second X-ray will confirm the balloon iscorrectly filled. Once the balloon is filled, your doctor willgently remove the tube and you’ll be on your way.
It is filled with 450-500 mls of normal saline(sterile water)
Most people can return to normal activity within a day or two. However, some people do experience nausea, abdominal cramping, and, occasionally, vomiting after balloon placement. In most cases, your doctor can prescribe commonly used medication to help manage these symptoms.
There are some specific dietary recommendations before placement and during the 1st week after placement as you adapt to the balloon. Your nutritionist will guide you during the Program. You do not need to make huge changes to eat healthier all at once, it’s best to set small goals and change your habits gradually. Over time, small changes will make a big difference in your health and will help you maintain your weight loss.
No, the balloon is made using Silicon which is very durable. In fact, we advocate for physical fitness. However extreme sports such as bungee jumping are contraindicated.
After 6 months, it is deflated and removed through the mouth via an endoscope under anesthesia. It is important not to keep the balloon any longer as it may lead to gastric obstruction.
After your balloon is removed, the Program and the support from your healthcare team continue. This is to help you continue your new lifestyle habits and focus on keeping the weight off.