Dt. Carol
Bariatric Dietician & Content Writer
Intragastric Balloon: What Does It Do?
An intragastric balloon is a new technique that offers minimally invasive obesity treatment. A doctor places the balloon in the stomach, often using an endoscopic procedure.
Gastric balloon weight loss is a short-term, reversible treatment. It combines a healthy long-term diet with regular physical exercise to achieve effective weight loss.
This non-surgical weight loss works by occupying space in the abdomen with a balloon. It helps you feel full and reduces hunger and appetite. It also reduces frequent snacking.
Types of Intragastric Balloons -
Based on the balloon insertion procedure, intragastric balloons in India can be classified as follows:
Orbera Intragastric Balloon: Orbera is an FDA approved intragastric balloon in compressed form. with a filler tube attached at one end. This is placed under endoscopic observation.
Heliospheric balloon: A spherical balloon made of polyurethane but with a silicone shell inside. The Heliospheric balloon is filled with air and inserted into the abdomen with an endoscope.
Spatz3 balloon: Technology that allows the size of the balloon to be adjusted as needed during balloon placement. It is placed when the deflated balloon is placed at the end of the endoscope, which forms a spherical saline-filled gastric balloon in the stomach.
ReShape Duo Integrated Duo Balloon System: This weight-reducing balloon system features two individually filled spherical balloons connected by a non-binding stem. This is another endoscopic procedure.
Obalon: The Obalon balloon system is in the form of swallowable gelatin capsules with a folded balloon inside. A fluoroscope is used to guide the capsule into the abdominal cavity. It consists of three balloons, each placed one month apart.
Elliptic Balloon or Allurion: Formerly called Ellipso, Allurion is India’s first swallowable weight loss balloon in capsule form. It follows non-endoscopic weight loss and is safe and non-invasive
The intragastric balloon procedure is an effective weight loss method for patients;
with a body mass index of 30-40
ready to follow the principles of a healthy lifestyle
for women and men
for patients with type 2 diabetics who cannot control their sugar level due to being overweight, who are prohibited from surgery due to obesity
insufficient financial resources for other weight loss operations
no history of stomach or esophageal surgery
An intragastric balloon helps patients reduce the feeling of fullness more quickly by reducing the size of portions. An intragastric balloon slows gastric emptying and can change the levels of hormones that regulate appetite.
Studies show that patients typically lose 7-15% of their weight within six months of having an intragastric balloon. Excess weight loss ranges from 30% to 47%.
What to Keep in Mind While Preparing for the Surgery?
After the consultation with the doctor, dietitian and conduct a preliminary assessment/blood test with the required investigation needed, patients are advised to prepare for the surgery by:
- inform the family about the planned operation so that assistance in food and travel can be arranged
- discuss the preparation for surgery with the surgeon 12 hours before its start time
- meet the dietitian to find out what foods need to be prepared for meals after being discharged from the hospital
