What is an Intragastric Balloon?

Intragastric Balloon is an inflatable medical device that is temporarily placed into the stomach for a maximum of 6 months to reduce weight. It is marketed to provide a weight loss option in selected patients when diet and exercise have failed and surgery is not wanted or not recommended. Procedure is carried out as Daycase under General Anesthesia.

The key to success with Intragastric Balloon is the follow up that is part of the Intragastric balloon programme. This program is designed to change eating behaviour that works even after the balloon is removed in 6 months.

Is Intragastric Balloon for me?

You may be a candidate for Intragastric Balloon if you are:

1. 1. • At last 18 years old
      • At least 15 to 30 kgs overweight
      • Be willing to follow a supervised behaviour modification program

How to prepare prior to Intragastric Balloon procedure?     

1. 1. • Set of Blood tests are required to evaluate fitness for a procedure
      • Protein shakes 40grams and Multivitamins are advised to be taken 2 weeks prior to procedure date to build up a reserve of nutrients.
      • Fasting for at least 6 hours prior to procedure time
      • Be at the Hospital at least 1 hour prior to procedure time

How is Intragastric Balloon Insertion performed?

Intragastric Balloon is a Silicone Balloon that is endoscopically inserted into the stomach through the Mouth.

An Initial Endoscopy of the Esophagus, stomach and the first part of the Duodenum is carried out to ensure there is no abnormality. Afterwards, the Intragastric Balloon is placed in the stomach and filled with a blue solution (Methylene Blue.) If there is any leak, the patient will notice a greenish blue coloured urine approximately 60 mins after the leak. The Intragastric Balloon can be blown up to a volume between 400 to 700 cubic centimetres.

This is decided during insertion depending on how overweight the patient is and the size of the stomach.

The Intragastric Balloon can be used for 6 months and not recommendable to use it for longer as the stomach’s gastric juices can weaken the balloon and cause leakage.

What is the dietary guideline following Intragastric Balloon?

A well structured dietary guideline is designed to be strictly followed after the Procedure.

1. 1. • Day 1 to Day 4            –           Clear Liquids
      • Day 4 to Day 7            –           All Liquids including acceptable food like Soups, Porridge, Semolina and Protein shakes
      • Day 7 to Day 14          –           Soft Foods
      • Day 14 and Beyond   –           You will now be able to eat solid foods and can tolerate a normal, varied and healthy diet but only on small portions.

’’Please remember:”

What are the possible side Effects of Intragastric Balloon?

Just like any invasive procedures, Insertion of Intragastric Balloon might also be accompanied by some side effects. However, the side effects are usually resolved in a few days and are temporary. You body and your stomach needs some time to adjust with the Balloon.

Some patients may experience nausea , vomiting , bloating, diarrhea and abdominal pain for the first 2 to 4 days after the Balloon Insertion but medication is given to rectify this promptly. Some discomfort and limited mobility is also to be expected but prescribed medication is available to control this. You can be assured of immediate care and attention at all times.

How is Intragastric Balloon removed?

After 6 months, it’s time to have the balloon removed. The extraction process is similar to the insertion process, except the content of the balloon is sucked up and the wrinkled balloon is taken out through the mouth.