Gastric Balloons for Weight Loss: 6 things you should know about it

A sedentary lifestyle is a major factor that affects your metabolism. A slower metabolism equates to fewer calories being burnt by the body and, hence, contributing to food being stored in the form of fat. Obesity happens over time when you eat more calories than the body requires. Obesity adds up to various diseases, including high risk of diabetes, heart diseases or strokes, arthritis, and certain cancers.

Even losing a small percentage of fat helps to relieve major risks of such diseases.
With the aid of a gastric balloon, a minimally invasive medical device, an individual can achieve significant

weight loss

. A person with a body-mass index (BMI) ranging from 30 to 40 and those who are not able to lose weight by means of diet, lifestyle modifications, and medications for them can find it beneficial.

6 insights about gastric balloons for weight loss:

1. What is the procedure for installing a gastric balloon?
The gastric balloon is made out of soft silicone. It is inserted with a tube down the throat under general anaesthesia. By taking up space in the stomach, the balloon induces a feeling of a full stomach and hence motivates less food intake in the body.
2. How much weight loss is possible?
According to Dr. Mriganka Sekhar Sharma, Chief Consultant, Dept. of General Minimal Access &

Bariatric Surgery

, Manipal Hospital Gurugram, “The average weight loss after using a gastric balloon rounds up to 10–22 kg, depending on the initial weight of the patient before the process begins. The gastric balloon can aid the patient to reduce up to three times the amount that weight dieting or exercising burns. The patients will gain maximum benefit when they make the required dietary and lifestyle changes even after the process.

3. Duration of using the gastric balloon
The balloon can remain inside the body for 6–12 months. Although longer durations are not recommended as the stomach acid weakens the balloon’s layer and lead to deflation of the balloon.

4. What diets are required for the installation and removal of a gastric balloon?
Before the installation of the balloon, the patient requires a halt on eating for at least 6 hours for food and 4 hours for liquid intake. The stomach needs to be completely empty preceding the procedure. When going for a removal, it is essential to follow a 3-day only liquids diet. Liquids like tea and coffee without sugar, squash, broth, and vegetable juice (without pulp) are some options.
5. Are there any risks involved?
It is common for individuals to experience nausea or vomiting in the individual days due to the gastric balloon being a foreign object to the body. Some may feel gastric discomfort like heaviness in the stomach due to the balloon.

6. What lifestyle changes are necessary for maintaining a healthy weight?
Lifestyle changes are necessary after carrying out the gastric balloon method to maintain a healthy weight in the future. Changes like dietary modifications and adopting a well-rounded diet according to consultation by a healthcare professional. There is a need to exercise on a regular basis to maintain the lost weight and further avoid putting on weight.
A gastric balloon (which is also part of bariatric treatment) is a procedure, which makes it a convenient option for weight loss. While the procedure is safe, it is essential to move forward with careful consultation and advice from a healthcare professional.