Thread: Gastric Balloon For Weight Loss

Most of us know what Gastric Balloon is but for those who don't, it is a non surgical procedure where a soft, expandable balloon filled with sterile water, is inserted into the stomach and will be removed after 6 months. The balloon will take up at least half of your stomach space, thus, you will feel full after small meals.

The procedure takes about 20-30 minutes and a patient is expected to be discharged after 1-2 hours. The patient is advised not to drive, be inactive for 48-72 hours and is restricted to a liquid diet for the first 3 days. The patient can then expect weight loss of 1.5 - 2.5 stones after 6 months.

Side Effects

Common side effects for the first 3-5 days are cramping nausea, vomiting and stomach discomfort. They may also feel abdominal pain or experience indigestion or acid reflux.


Would you consider this procedure?

I saw this on TV before.. The doctor will insert the balloon and then filled it with water once it's inside your stomach.. That would feel heavy won't it? Heavy and uncomfortable

The balloon is soft so I guess you'll get used to it in no time.. This is so much safer compared to the surgical option.

That's true.. I think this is cheaper too.. I already read that you should not overeat since it might damage the balloon..So for those who want to try this.. Be sure to read more info on how to take care of your gastric balloon..

I'm curious though.. Are there any reports that the balloon leaked inside the stomach? I mean how can that be prevented?

If only I had the money, I would go for this. Too bad.. I have no choice but to torture myself in diet and exercise.

Hi Mikaela, my short answer is this -- I did consider it, but it has lots of risks. You can check on pubmed.com for articles about these. Emerging technologies provide some alternatives while keeping the same principle. I have tried Appesat, for example, and am not impressed. Then tried PREE, which was slightly better, but nothing dramatic. Now I am determined to try Zalak B, although it seems to me that in North America it is still not very popular and I have hard time harvesting opinions about it.

Best regards,

Barb

Yeah we cannot set the risks aside. It should be the last option if all else fail and your weight is a risk to your overall health.

Definitely! Lap band surgery isn't for everyone and should only be considered if you really must take that option to live. It is most appropriate for people who are suffering from health problems that are caused by morbid obesity as nearly 80 percent of patients with hypertension no longer need to take their medication after the surgery. Over 90 percent of people with medical problems caused by there weight such as type II non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus no longer need their medication. Obese people who suffer from asthma, joint pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, arthritis, and sleep apnea also see an improvement in their health after Lap Band procedure so it really saves the life of those seriously ill.

Great info mikaela. Do you know any advantages of the lap band surgery? I have done some research and found these risks so it's still kinda scary. And it doesn't ensure weight loss unless you one eats a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

Lap Band Surgery Risks

• Anytime you have anesthesia or surgery, there is a risk of blood clots, other complications or death.
• You cannot smoke anymore as it would put you at high risk for infection, blood clots, slow healing and other life-threatening complications.
• Extremely rare but possible that your body could reject or react to the LAP-BAND as a foreign object.
• The band may slip or erode into the stomach.
• The smaller portion of the stomach may stretch.
• You may not feel satisfied that you have had enough to eat.
• Some foods may cause nausea and vomiting.
• Some types of food can block the outlet from the top to the bottom of the stomach.
• An infection can form around the band or at the port.
• Problems with the band or port may require another operation.
• The stomach can lose its blood supply if the band slips.
• Bleeding or blood clots can form after surgery.
• Gastric surgery puts you at higher than normal risk of developing gallstones and gallbladder disease.
• You will not lose weight or maintain your weight loss unless you eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. This is the reason why experts stress long-term follow-up with the doctor