The gastric balloon is an increasingly popular procedure, mainly because it is minimally invasive. It involves a balloon being placed into the stomach through an endoscopic procedure, after which it is filled with a saline solution. This stops people from being able to eat as much, leading to weight loss. As a pretty novel procedure, it is important to learn about what it actually is and how it works.

Gastric Balloon Installation

• The balloon is inserted through the mouth into the stomach.
• The stomach will first be examined for problems through an endoscopy.
• If no issues are present, the balloon will be placed by passing it through the mouth, down the esophagus, into the stomach.
• The balloon is made from a silicone elastomer material and is inserted in a deflated form.
• A throat spray will be applied to make the swallowing process easier, as well as medication to relax the muscles.
• Once in place, the surgeon will fill the balloon with a saline solution through a catheter.
• The catheter will be gently removed from your stomach.
• The balloon seals itself and will float in your stomach.
• It takes around half an hour for the procedure to be completed.

Keeping the Balloon in Place

• A gastric balloon is usually left for six months.
• The balloon’s material will weaken over time due to high acidity levels, deflating it over time.
• If the balloon has to be in place for longer than six months, it will have to be replaced.
• You may have to take medication to reduce the levels of stomach acid, thereby preventing damage to the balloon.

Removing the Balloon

• After six months, the balloon will be removed through an endoscopic procedure.
• A catheter will be inserted through the mouth, into the stomach.
• The balloon will be punctured and deflated.
• The balloon is grasped through special tools and removed through the catheter.

Possible Complications

A number of complications are possible with the gastric balloon. These include:

• Minor bleeding.
• Back or abdominal pain.
• Vomiting and nausea for a few days after the procedure.
• Feeling sea sick.
• Having a heavy feeling in the stomach.
• Indigestion and gastroesophageal reflux.
• The balloon rupturing, although this is only a theoretical complication that has not yet happened. Should it happen, however, the balloon would simply pass through the digestive system and out through the stools.

Recovery Period After a Gastric Balloon Procedure

• Usually, the gastric balloon is placed on an outpatient ward, meaning you will go home the same day. You will first be checked for a short period of time to make sure you don’t have an adverse reaction and, all being well, you will be able to simply go home.
• You will only be able to consume liquids for the first few weeks, moving on to soft pureed food and, finally, solid food.
• Recovery time after a gastric balloon is usually just one or two days, which means you won’t need too much time off work.
• Nausea and vomiting is common, but generally only lasts for a few days.