DOES THE GASTRIC BALLOON WORK?

por | Dic 14, 2022 | My New Body Drs Blog

The intragastric balloon is an effective non-surgical weight loss method that has become very popular with thousands of successful cases around the world.

It is a 15-20 minute process that consists of placing a folded silicone balloon orally, which inside the stomach is filled with methylene blue between 500-600 milliliters.

Consequently, it stimulates the walls of the gastric mucosa sending signals of satiety to feel full quickly. Very similar to the function of Gastric Sleeve bariatric surgery.

The treatment lasts 6 months where, thanks to the help of the gastric balloon, the patient will be able to adapt to new eating habits easily, resuming a healthy life and at the ideal weight.

WHO RATES THE GASTRIC BALLOON?

People with a body mass index (BMI) between 29 to 33 can qualify for this procedure. It is important to know that a high body mass index increases the chances of suffering irreparable diseases related to obesity, so the patient can benefit from undergoing a procedure such as the gastric balloon.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY TIME AFTER THE GASTRIC BALLOON?
The patient should plan at least 3 days of inactivity to recover from the procedure depending on the speed at which his body adjusts to the intragastric balloon. In most cases, the first day is the hardest, but 100

% tolerable since it does not require hospitalization, only rest at home following the indications of the medical team, nutritionist and psychologist.

WHAT IS THE FOLLOW-UP AFTER THE PLACEMENT OF THE GASTRIC BALLOON?
The patient, hand in hand with the multidisciplinary team, must go through phases of food incorporation before returning to a normal diet, experiencing the benefits of the balloon. During the first days a liquid diet is required to avoid possible symptoms such as nausea. Going to the second week with a porridge-type diet and gradually incorporating a soft diet.
DOES THE PROCEDURE REQUIRE ANESTHESIA?
In most cases, the patient will only require sedation to perform the treatment. However, there are patients who, due to particular medical requirements, will have to resort to local anesthesia. The fact that it does not require anesthesia facilitates the procedure of the intervention and also allows the recovery to be more comfortable, safe and fast for the prompt incorporation to the activities of the day to day.
HOW IS THE GASTRIC BALLOON REMOVED?
The intragastric balloon is withdrawn through the mouth, in the same way it was inserted. The procedure lasts 20 minutes and is performed under sedation 6 months after initial placement.

You must remember that the Intragastric Balloon is not a miracle pill, but an item to help you change your lifestyle. Your participation in the program will give you the education and support you need to change your habits and have a better chance of lasting success.

Dr. Joel Ramos is an expert in weight loss procedures & bariatric surgery because his technique is a proven solution that permanently changes the patient’s lifestyle, achieving a healthy weight to obtain the ability to enjoy life without obesity.

Dr. Ramos, together with our multidisciplinary team made up of a Psychologist and Nutritionist, will help each patient to successfully achieve his goals.