The use of the gastric balloon arises due to the need to lose weight, by a large number of people who require an effective treatment against obesity, especially in those cases where there were no surgical indications due to various risk factors. In addition, it is currently used as a preparative treatment for preoperative overweight patients. In this sense, the first device to treat cases of obesity for the first time was an intragastric balloon invented and used in 1985, although it was not widely marketed due to the various side effects presented by patients undergoing the intervention. For the year 1987, several international conferences were held in which various experts contributed their personal indications to treat the adverse effects and find a gastric balloon that could be put into practice without major complications. This is how, in the 1990s, the gastric balloon that we know today began to be used and marketed, and that does not imply dangers or serious side effects in those who decide to use it. Today, you can perform this intervention in different clinics or medical centers such as Las Clinicas Doctor Life, where you can request a free appointment for an assessment.
What is the gastric balloon or intragastric balloon?
Given the above, we will tell you what the gastric balloon consists of and how it has been in charge of improve the quality of life of a large part of the world population suffering from obesity. The gastric balloon or intragastric balloon is, as its word indicates, a silicone balloon, filled with saline solution, which is placed in your stomach through a surgical intervention and under general anesthesia. It is characterized by offering immediate results in weight loss for everyone who uses it, although it is still true that a healthy lifestyle must be maintained so as not to interfere with the functioning of the ball. The price of the gastric balloon ranges between €3,000 and €6,000, but there are financing options and payment in small installments, you should check with the clinic
How does the gastric balloon work?
While it is true that the gastric balloon can be a viable and affordable option if your body weight is a concern, it is also true that this intervention is equivalent to a commitment to a lifestyle that involves a healthy and good diet. physical condition. In that sense, the first thing you should know is that your doctor, in the company of his team, will apply general anesthesia so that you feel absolutely nothing during the procedure. After this, your doctor will proceed to insert the gastric balloon, which is inserted with a thin tube containing the balloon: all the way from your throat to the stomach. After being correctly positioned in your stomach, the doctor will proceed to insert an endoscope (flexible tube accompanied by a camera) in order to see while the balloon is filled with saline solution, to ensure that it is done correctly and in proportion to your body. and need. The procedure is rather considered as a simple one, so its duration does not exceed half an hour, as long as there are no complications. Then, during the first few hours, you will be recommended to follow a liquid diet, which will evolve little by little according to your progress. If everything is in order, you can go home that same day. Through this procedure, the amount of food you can eat is limited, making you feel satisfied after eating the amount of food necessary for your body and condition. This means that the gastric balloon will limit the amount of food you eat, which it will make you lose weight fast, as long as you maintain a balanced diet. In addition, after undergoing this surgery, experts recommend a follow-up not only with the doctor who performed the surgery, but also with a nutritionist, as well as a lot of physical activity to provide resistance to your body and due to the shock that involves for the body to lose body fat so abruptly.
After 6 months, you can remove the balloon and replace it for a new one, or decide not to place it again.
Who can undergo gastric balloon surgery?
Although you can undergo this surgical intervention without it being clinically indicated, you should bear in mind that the gastric balloon is an option for you automatically if you meet the following conditions:
High body mass index.You have never undergone surgery on the stomach or esophagus. You are willing to make the commitment to a healthy life with good physical maintenance. As a general rule, this option is placed on the table after having tried to lose weight using different and traditional methods, since, like any other surgery, it involves risks. However, it has been scientifically proven that the gastric balloon reduces the risk of suffering from the following diseasessuch as: Gastroesophageal reflux disease. Heart disease. High blood pressure. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Type 2 diabetes. According to what we have explained, this surgery is not exclusive of other cases that may arise, reason for which, your specialist doctor is the one indicated to carry out an evaluation and decide if the gastric balloon is the best alternative for you, since not in all cases of overweight, the insertion of the intragastric balloon is indicated.
How do I prepare for the gastric balloon surgery?
The steps to follow before undergoing the gastric balloon procedure may vary due to various factors, however, what will surely be asked of you a couple of months before undergoing it, is rperform a certain physical activity. In that order of ideas, they may also require you to do the following: Medical and pre-operative exams. Laboratories. Restrict certain foods. Restrict certain drinks. Restrict certain medications.
Possible risks after gastric balloon surgery
At present, due to the evolution and the studies carried out on the gastric balloon, the risks of complications after insertion are minimalHowever, as in all surgery, there are some. The most common risks are: Excessive swelling. Acute pancreatitis. Ulcers or appearance of a hole in the stomach wall. Also, you should contact your doctor if you experience a lot of nausea and vomiting after surgery. Although it is true that these two symptoms, accompanied by pain, are very common in the first 6 hours after the intervention.
Results after gastric balloon intervention
The gastric balloon can make you feel full faster than normal when eating, which means you will eat less. Seen this way, this happens for various reasons, among which are: The ball slows down the time it takes for the stomach to empty.The ball changes the levels of hormones that control appetite. However, the amount of weight you lose will always be linked to the amount of physical activity you do and the diet you eat, since the effects of the gastric balloon can be lost if these two fundamental recommendations are not followed. Based on the results of the studies carried out, from 7% to 15% of body weight is lost during the first 6 months of balloon use and the total loss ranges between 30 and 40% of body mass. As explained above, the gastric balloon can help reduce the risk of various diseasesfrom high blood pressure, through heart disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, to more serious ones such as type 2 diabetes. However, although this alternative has provided wonderful results in up to 99% of those who undergo the intervention, If a rigorous diet and physical activity plan is not followed, there have been cases of patients who lose this operation and, therefore, do not lose weight, but it increases significantly.
