Gastric Balloon for Weight Loss: Everything You Need to Know

A gastric balloon is a non-surgical procedure for weight loss. It limits how much you can eat and helps you feel full longer.

In this blog post, we discuss what the gastric balloon procedure is, how it helps with weight loss, and its potential side effects.

What is a Gastric Balloon Procedure?

The gastric balloon procedure involves placing a balloon in your stomach. The balloon is made of medical-grade silicone and polyurethane. It is smooth, flexible, and resistant to stomach acids, making it durable.

Due to the balloon, your stomach’s capacity to hold food is reduced. You feel fuller after consuming small quantities of food. Further, the presence of the balloon slows down the movement of food from the stomach into the intestine, making you feel fuller for longer.

During the procedure:

• You will be given anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain and will remain asleep throughout the procedure.
• Using an endoscope (a thin tube with a light and camera) for guidance, a deflated balloon is inserted into your stomach through a small catheter.
• Once the endoscope confirms the balloon is in the correct position in the stomach, it is filled with sterile saline (salt water).
• After the balloon is filled to the size of a grapefruit, the doctor safely detaches the catheter from the balloon’s self-sealing valve.
• The endoscope and catheter are withdrawn.

The entire process typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. Once inflated, the balloon reduces the stomach’s capacity by about one-third. The reduced space limits the quantity of food you can eat and slows down the digestion process, helping with weight loss.

The balloon remains in the stomach for a period of between 6 to 12 months. After this period, it is removed in a similar outpatient procedure.

Based on your medical history and comfort with anesthesia, your doctor may suggest alternative balloon procedures like an allurion balloon.

The allurion Balloon is a “swallowable” weight-loss device that requires no surgery, endoscopy, or anesthesia. You swallow a small capsule containing the deflated balloon attached to a thin catheter. Once an X-ray confirms that the balloon is in the stomach, it is filled with saline. After 16 weeks, a timed-release valve opens, allowing the balloon to empty and pass naturally through the digestive tract. It is a quick, 15-minute outpatient procedure.

Who is Eligible for a Gastric Balloon?

You are eligible for gastric balloon, if you:

• Have a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40
• Have not been able to lose weight with diet and other lifestyle modifications
• Are not suitable for surgery or prefer a minimally invasive procedure

How Much Does a Gastric Balloon Cost in Kenya?

The total cost of a gastric balloon procedure varies based on multiple factors, such as consultation, procedure, medications, and laboratory tests.

At Nords, the cost of a gastric balloon procedure is Ksh 350,000. The cost includes:

• Balloon insertion (doctor’s fees, anesthesia, medication).
• Balloon removal.
• Post-procedure dietary guidance.
• Access to a supportive patient community.

Benefits of Gastric Balloon Procedure

The key benefits include:

• Minimally invasive and non-surgical procedure.
  The procedure does not leave you with incisions, stitches, or scars.
  
• Quick procedure and fast recovery.
  The procedure typically takes 15 – 30 minutes and is done on an outpatient basis. Most patients return home the same day and resume light activities within a day or two.
  
• Effective short-term weight loss.
  Patients can lose 10% to 15% of their total body weight over a period of six months. However, the results rely on the balloon type and how closely you follow your nutrition and lifestyle plan.

Side Effects of Gastric Balloon

The procedure is usually safe. However, some people may experience mild to moderate side effects like:

• Nausea
• Vomitiing
• Abdominal pain
• Acid reflux
• Constipation

Your doctor will prescribe medicines to treat these symptoms. After a few weeks, you will feel better as symptoms subside. Rarely, some patients experience severe complications such as perforation of the esophagus, hyperinflation, or balloon deflation after placement. In such cases, the balloon is removed immediately.

Recovery

Recovery from the gastric balloon is quick. You can go back home on the same day. Ensure a family member comes with you on the day of your procedure and stays to take you home.

After an allurion balloon procedure, ask your doctor about the follow-up treatment plan. When you consult other healthcare professionals for any medical care, inform them about your gastric or allurion balloon procedure.

How is the Gastric Balloon Removed?

Gastric balloon is removed after 6 months under medical supervision.

During the process

• You will be given general anaesthesia.
• The doctor inserts an endoscope through your mouth and down into your stomach. This allows the doctor to see the balloon and inspect the surrounding stomach lining.
• A suction catheter with a needle-tipped tool is used to puncture the silicone balloon and vacuum out the saline solution inside. Once all the liquid is removed, the balloon collapses into a small, flat sheet.
• The deflated balloon is firmly gripped and carefully pulled back up through the esophagus and out through your mouth.
• You can typically go home about an hour after the procedure once the sedation wears off.

While many patients achieve meaningful weight loss, results vary depending on individual commitment to diet, exercise, and follow-up care. The gastric balloon is not a “magic fix” and should always be accompanied by lifestyle changes.

Key takeaways

The gastric balloon is a minimally invasive and effective procedure for weight loss. It helps you lose 10-15% of your body weight. While on the balloon, you must commit to behavioural changes and nutritional plans. This is essential for achieving results during and after balloon use. For any questions about the procedure connect with our experts.