- Placement: The balloon is inserted through the mouth and gullet (oesophagus) while you’re under sedation. It’s then filled with liquid, partially filling the stomach and creating a feeling of fullness. This helps change your eating pattern and reduces the volume of food you consume, making you feel full quicker.
- Duration: The maximum time an intragastric balloon can remain in place is 6 months, after which it must be removed.
- Commitment: It’s essential to follow the dietary and lifestyle advice provided during this period. The intragastric balloon works best when used properly, alongside a low-calorie diet and close contact with your health professional team.
- Dietary Changes: Initially, your meals will consist of 2-3 tablespoons of pureed foods. You’ll gradually progress to a soft, mushy, and crispy diet, eventually returning to a normal textured diet. Avoid fizzy drinks, eat slowly, cut food into small pieces, and chew well. Snacking between meals should be avoided, and you should stop eating as soon as you feel full.
- Benefits: The procedure helps achieve short-term weight loss and reduces health-related problems such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, hypertension (high blood pressure), and coronary heart disease.
- Less invasive than surgical procedures like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy
- Temporary and reversible option
- Promotes significant weight loss with lifestyle modifications
- Temporary nature of weight loss; balloon removal may lead to weight regain
- Potential for side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and reflux
- Requires lifestyle changes for sustained results
Common Side Effects
- Nausea and vomiting (30-50%)
- Abdominal discomfort or pain (20-30%)
- Gastroesophageal reflux (10-20%)
- Gastric ulcers (5-10%)
Rare Side Effects
- Balloon migration or deflation (<1%)
- Gastric perforation (<1%)
- Bowel obstruction (<1%)
- Pancreatitis (<1%)
Book for a Teleconsult on (+254)-111-051-530 or free Physical consultation with our team of Bariatric Specialist, Dietitian, Trainer and Counsellor