How painful is a gastric balloon?

You may experience some pain which can be caused if your oesophagus or stomach is punctured whilst inserting the gastric balloon, although this is very rare. You may also feel pain from the inflation of the balloon, however most people refer to this as more of a discomfort.

What happens if a gastric balloon burst?

Bowel obstruction or perforation (rare)

If the gastric balloon does deflate it may slip into the lower stomach or bowel and cause obstruction. This will give serious symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, vomiting and progressive bloating.

Can you fly after gastric balloon?

How quickly can I travel after my gastric balloon procedure? There is no medical reason why you couldn’t fly immediately after your procedure but the reality is that we advise you wait for a few days until your feelings of nausea subside.

Which weight-loss surgery is the safest?

The Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy is the most widely used, and safest, in the bariatric world. As with any major surgery, gastric bypass and other weight-loss surgeries pose potential health risks, both in the short term and long term.

Can you drink alcohol with gastric balloon?

Can I drink alcohol? Although alcohol consumption in moderation will not affect your gastric balloon, it may cause heartburn. It is important to limit as the extra calories won’t help your weight-loss!

Can a gastric balloon be removed?

How is the gastric balloon removed? Like the gastric balloon insertion, you will be given a mild sedative prior to removing the gastric balloon. Using endoscopic equipment, your gastroenterologist will extract the saline solution from the gastric balloon and then remove the deflated gastric balloon through your mouth.

How much does it cost to put a balloon in your stomach?

The gastric balloon was approved by the FDA back in 2015. Your health insurance may not cover this procedure, but the good news is that there are options available to finance the gastric balloon procedure. The cost can range between $3,000 and $7,000.

Is the gastric balloon worth it?

Several research studies have suggested that more weight can be lost in 12 months with the gastric balloon than with dietary changes alone. One can achieve the greatest and most sustained success if the patient maintains the recommended eating habits and adheres to a regular exercise program.

What can I eat with a gastric balloon?

Shortly after insertion of the balloon you will be instructed to sip water. If that is tolerated you can progress onto free fluids such as milk, yoghurt, fruit juices (low sugar) and soups for the next three days. You should choose nutritious protein containing fluids; soups are ideal and allow good variety .

Which is better gastric sleeve or balloon?

Weight Loss Results

The gastric sleeve is more likely to lead to dramatic weight loss than the gastric balloon. People seeking to lose between 20 and 40 pounds should consider the gastric balloon, but those who are looking for more significant weight loss should consider the gastric sleeve.

Can you get the gastric balloon twice?

The short answer is yes, you can have a 2nd balloon placed if you have not reached your weight loss goals after the initial 6 month balloon treatment.

Who is not a candidate for gastric balloon?

You are NOT a Candidate for a Gastric Balloon if…

You are outside of the 30-40 BMI range. You are unwilling or unable to follow a 12-month program, beginning with the placement of the balloon and continuing for 6 months after, that includes a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Does your stomach shrink with gastric balloon?

The short answer is no, your stomach will not shrink. Even though you will be eating much less than before, your stomach does not really change in size. While the balloon is in place, it will occupy space, which makes you feel full after eating and between meals.

Can you play sports with a gastric balloon?

Placement of the Allurion weight loss balloon is a quick procedure and, unlike other gastric balloons, it doesn’t even require use of an endoscope or anaesthesia, but it’s recommended that you don’t do any strenuous physical activity, such as sports activities, for one to two weeks after it has been placed.

How long does it take to recover from gastric balloon?

How long will it take to recover after the procedure? You should plan at least three days of inactivity to recover from the procedure. You will be able to resume normal activity sooner or later than this depending on how quickly your body adjusts to the balloon.

How big is a gastric balloon?

The gastric balloon is a spherical device that is inserted into the stomach and then filled with saline (salt water). The average fill volume is between 450-600ml but this can vary from person to person. When filled it is about the size of a grapefruit and occupies about 60% of the space in your stomach.

What is gastric balloon pill?

The “balloon pill” is a controversial device called Obalon. The pill is attached to a catheter that allows doctors to inflate the balloon once the capsule is swallowed. It enters the stomach and quickly and doctors use nitrogen gas to inflate it into a small balloon, making the patient feel full immediately.