Obesity is one of the most prevalent health problems in modern times, affecting millions around the world. With increasing awareness of the dangers of excess weight, many people are looking for effective solutions to lose weight. Among these solutions comes the gastric balloon as one of the modern medical options that provides a non-surgical way to achieve effective weight loss. In this article, we will review everything you need to know about the gastric balloon, including its benefits, how the procedure is performed, and what your life will be like after it to help you make an informed decision about this procedure.

What is a gastric balloon?

A gastric balloon is a medical device used as a non-surgical procedure to treat obesity, where a flexible silicone balloon is inserted into the stomach through the mouth using an endoscopy. After being placed in the stomach, the balloon is filled with saline or air to fill part of the stomach, reducing the amount of food that can be eaten and promoting a feeling of fullness, thus helping to lose weight.

There are three types of gastric balloon:

1. Saline-filled gastric balloon: The balloon is filled with saline solution with blue dye added to monitor leakage.
2. Air-filled gastric balloon: This is lighter than the saline balloon and is filled with air.
3. Swallowable balloons: The capsule containing the balloon is swallowed and then filled after it reaches the stomach.

These types differ in the material used in filling and the method of use, but the main goal is to reduce the size of the stomach to stimulate weight loss.

How is the gastric balloon procedure performed?

The gastric balloon procedure is a non-surgical and relatively simple outpatient procedure, as the patient usually does not need to stay in the hospital. This is done through organized steps that include:

• Preparing for the procedure:

Before the operation, the patient undergoes comprehensive medical tests including tests and a physical examination to ensure his suitability for the procedure. The patient is also asked to fast for several hours before the operation to ensure that the stomach is empty.

• Steps of the process:
  Anesthesia: The procedure begins with the patient being given a mild sedative or local anesthesia of the throat to avoid discomfort during balloon insertion.
  Internal theorizing: The doctor uses an endoscope (a flexible tube with a tiny camera on the end) to insert the deflated balloon into the stomach through the mouth. This tube allows the doctor to see the stomach and guide the balloon into the proper place.
  Filling the balloon: After ensuring that the balloon is in the stomach, it is filled with saline or air using a thin catheter connected to the balloon. The balloon is filled according to the pre-determined amount to reduce the size of the stomach.
  Catheter removal: After fully inflating the balloon, the catheter and endoscope are gently removed, leaving the balloon inside the stomach.
• Duration of the procedure:
  The procedure usually takes about 20-30 minutes. After the procedure, the patient remains in the clinic for a few hours for monitoring to ensure his condition is stable.
• Recovery after surgery:
  The patient may experience some side effects such as nausea or vomiting in the first days after the procedure, which are normal symptoms and gradually subside. Strict dietary guidelines are provided in the first days that must be adhered to.

Life after gastric balloon:

After the gastric balloon procedure, the patient begins to adapt to new lifestyle changes to ensure the success of the procedure. These changes include:

• Diet: Initially, limited to liquids, then gradually transition to solid foods, with small, balanced meals.
• Physical activity: It is recommended to start with light exercise and then gradually increase the intensity of the exercise to support weight loss.
• Psychological support: It is recommended to benefit from psychological support and change the relationship with food to avoid overeating.
• Medical follow-up: It requires continuous follow-up with a doctor and nutritionist to evaluate progress and avoid complications.
• Balloon removal: After 6-12 months, the balloon is removed using the same endoscopic procedure, and the patient continues to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Overall, the gastric balloon procedure is a relatively simple and safe procedure, and is used to achieve weight loss as part of a comprehensive program that includes lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and exercise.

Who are the ideal candidates for gastric balloon?

1. People who are obese are those who have a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40.
2. People who have not been successful in losing weight through traditional methods: such as diet or exercise.
3. People who do not want to have surgery: Gastric balloon is a non-surgical option compared to other weight loss procedures.
4. People who have a commitment to lifestyle changes: The ideal candidate must be willing to commit to dietary changes and an exercise program to ensure success.
5. People who do not have health problems that prevent the procedure: such as stomach infections or diseases of the digestive tract.

What happens after the gastric balloon is removed?

After removing the gastric balloon, the patient faces an important stage to maintain the weight lost while the balloon was in place. The stomach returns to its normal size, so following a healthy diet becomes essential. It is recommended to continue eating small, balanced meals, focusing on healthy foods such as proteins and vegetables, and avoiding high-calorie foods. In addition, the patient should continue to exercise regularly to maintain physical fitness and prevent weight regain. Medical follow-up with a nutritionist and adherence to nutritional and exercise advice ensures achieving the best results after removing the balloon.

Health and therapeutic benefits of gastric balloon:

• Effective weight loss: The gastric balloon helps reduce the amount of food that can be eaten, which leads to feeling full quickly and consuming fewer calories, thus achieving weight loss.
• Effective weight loss: The gastric balloon helps reduce the amount of food that can be eaten, which leads to feeling full quickly and consuming fewer calories, thus achieving weight loss.
• Long-lasting results: With a healthy diet and exercise program after balloon removal, weight loss results can be long-lasting and continue for a period after balloon removal.
• Improved overall health: Weight loss resulting from the gastric balloon may improve health conditions associated with obesity such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels.
• Short recovery period: Since the procedure is performed using endoscopy and does not require major surgery, the recovery period is short, and the patient can return to daily activities quickly.
• Psychological and physical support: Many gastric balloon programs include nutritional support and training programs that help the patient change his lifestyle and achieve his weight loss goals.

In short, the gastric balloon offers significant benefits for people who want to lose weight in a safe and effective way without resorting to surgical solutions.

Finally:
Gastric balloon is an effective and safe option to help obese people lose weight non-surgically. By reducing the size of the stomach and increasing the feeling of fullness, the balloon helps modify eating habits and improve overall health. To achieve the best results, it is essential for the patient to commit to sustainable lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and regular exercise. Although the balloon is a temporary procedure, its effects can last for a long time if combined with new healthy habits. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional to ensure that this option is the best for each case.