Gastric Balloon Surgery
What is the Gastric Balloon?
The gastric balloon is a soft, silicone sack that is inserted into the stomach and filled with sterile saline. With the gastric balloon you will have a feeling of satiety, or lack of hunger.
The gastric balloon programme combines a clinically proven way to reduce hunger with your own team of experts.
The balloon is inserted, inflated and then filled with saline.
Key Points to Gastric Ballooning
• Feeling of fullness.
• No need for General Anaesthetic so less risk of complication
• No hospital stay.
• 6 month aftercare.
• Reversible procedure.
• Learn the principals of long term success.
Beginning your Gastric Ballooning programme
As an eligible candidate, you will begin your programme by meeting with a physician and nurse to discuss the programme in detail. Following your procedure, you will begin meeting with your support team and learning the principles that will become the basis of your long-term success.
The out patient procedure generally takes 20-30 minutes, after which you will be cared for in your room until you are able to go home the same day.
The first week you will be on a liquid diet with instructions to drink lots of water. After the first week, the dietician will recommend solids. You will receive instructions on your initial solid-foods nutrition regime with calorie restrictions. During the six months that the gastric balloon is in place, there will be meetings with your team to measure your weight loss progress and for education and training. This period is important to prepare you for maintaining weight loss after the gastric balloon is removed. The gastric balloon gives you a window of opportunity to adapt to the lifestyle changes you must make in order to maintain your ideal body weight.
Education and training
During the regularly scheduled meetings with your team, you will learn the principles you need to manage your weight, and to promote long-term health. Some of these will include nutrition, exercise, eating behaviours and psychological issues related to food. While learning, you will be motivated by your success and turn these principles into habits that will serve you for the rest of your life.
The Gastric Balloon advantage
The balloon programme, by comparison, offers many distinct advantages over conventional diets and weight loss programmes. With the balloon you will:
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Have a feeling of fullness.
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Lose more weight than with other programmes.
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Be supported by a team of medical experts.
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Learn principles for long-term success.
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No need for General Anaesthetic so less risk of complication.
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A start to a healthier life.
The gastric balloon is not a magic pill, but a tool to change your lifestyle. Taking part in the programme will give you the education and support to change your lifestyle habits and have a better chance for long-term success.
Pregnancy or planned pregnancy
As with all medical procedures, there are potential risks of unforeseen, unknown or adverse reactions to medications and the procedure itself. Please discuss your questions and expectations about the programme with your physician and evaluate the benefits against the possible risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have listed here some of the more commonly asked questions from our patients about the Gastric Balloon Programme.
Q: How much weight will I lose?
You can experience significant weight loss averaging between 15-20 kilos, however your results will depend on how well you follow the programme and adjust your eating habits.
Q: Will I be able to feel the gastric balloon in my stomach?
There will be discomfort during the first few days. After that, the primary sensation of the gastric balloon is a feeling of satiety.
Q: Are there side effects or complications with the gastric balloon?
The first 10 - 21 days will be very difficult. Cramping, nausea and vomiting are normal and should be expected. It is very important that you follow your doctor’s instructions and drink plenty of fluids. Medication will be available to help ease the discomfort.
Q: How is the gastric balloon inserted in the stomach?
The gastric balloon is a soft, silicone sack that is inserted into the stomach through the oesophagus and filled with a sterile saline.
