Gastric Balloon

What’s involved in getting a gastric balloon?

During your procedure, the gastric balloon is placed into your stomach via an endoscopic tube through the mouth. It’s then inflated with 500-700ml of sterile saline solution through an external catheter. You’ll be given a mild sedative to help you relax beforehand, and a local anaesthetic to numb the throat.

The gastric balloon remains in place for about 6-12 months. When it is removed, it is removed endoscopically. The procedure (both implantation and removal) takes approximately 15 minutes and you can return home within a couple of hours after the procedure. There are no incisions made to any part of the body, so you won’t be left with any scars.

How does the gastric balloon work?

As soon as the gastric balloon is in place, it’s filled with saline which partially fills the stomach. This makes you feel full even after eating only a small amount of food. The balloon helps control hunger, which allows you to get used to a new eating pattern. Patients also report feeling fuller for longer, as a result of what we call “delayed gastric emptying”.

Once your procedure has been completed, you’ll then work with our expert aftercare team of Dieticians, exercise physiologists, psychologists and nutritionists.

What are the health benefits of a gastric balloon?

The gastric balloon typically can help you to lose 2-3 stone over the first 6 months, though some patients have lost up to 4 or 5 stone. Patients typically lose most of the weight in the first 3 months.

After the first 3 months, their weight loss tends to slow down and the balloon’s main function becomes maintaining your new weight.

The balloon’s main health benefits are to help you develop healthy habits that you’ll continue to follow for the rest of your life. Keep to the prescribed diet and exercise plan and you’ll be able to maintain your weight loss after the balloon has been removed.

Are there any side effects of a gastric balloon?

Fitting a gastric balloon is a very safe procedure, but with any procedure there are certain risks and side effects involved.

These include:

• Nausea, abdominal discomfort, stomach cramps and occasional retching during the recovery period.
• In some patients, nausea, abdominal discomfort and other side effects are so bad that the balloon has to be removed, but its rare.
• There can be a heaviness in the stomach and some patients experience back or abdominal discomfort as the body adjusts to the balloon.
• Reflux (heartburn) often occurs
• It is incredibly uncommon but the balloon could spontaneously rupture and pass into the bowels.

The first three to five days can be difficult. Cramping, nausea and vomiting are normal and should be expected. It is very important that you follow the nutritional instructions and drink plenty of fluids. You may be prescribed medications to ease the discomfort. After this period, your body will adapt to the gastric balloon and you will be capable of eating small portions of food comfortably.

How do I know if I’m eligible for a gastric balloon?

Eligibility is based on a variety of factors which our doctors will run through with you in your initial consultation.

As a guide, a gastric balloon could be suitable for you if:

• Your BMI is over 27 and below
• You want to lose about 2-3 stone
• No significant history of gastric reflux / heartburn
• No previous bariatric surgery

A lot of patients who are considering weight loss surgery will opt for the gastric balloon first with the option of trying out other surgical procedures later.

Have more questions? View our brochure.

If you would like to download our brochure on weight loss treatments at Auralia, simply click here. You can print it our save it to read at your convenience. Alternately, you can call any our team on 01 612 0551 and we would be happy to post more information to you.

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