What is Intragastric Balloon? Purpose, Procedure & Results

An intragastric balloon is a temporary weight loss device that's placed in your stomach to help you feel full sooner and eat less. It's a soft, silicone balloon that gets filled with saline solution once it's positioned in your stomach, taking up space so you naturally consume smaller portions. This non-surgical option can be a helpful bridge toward healthier eating habits when diet and exercise alone haven't provided the results you're looking for.

What is intragastric balloon?

An intragastric balloon is a medical device designed to help with weight loss by reducing the amount of food your stomach can hold. The balloon is made of soft, durable silicone and comes in different types depending on the specific brand and your doctor's recommendation.

Once placed in your stomach, the balloon gets filled with sterile saline solution, typically holding about 400-700 milliliters of fluid. This creates a feeling of fullness that helps you eat smaller portions naturally. Think of it as a temporary helper that trains your body to recognize appropriate portion sizes.

The balloon stays in place for about six months in most cases, though some newer types can remain for up to 12 months. During this time, you'll work closely with your healthcare team to develop sustainable eating habits and lifestyle changes that will serve you well after the balloon is removed.

Why is intragastric balloon done?

Doctors recommend intragastric balloons for people who need to lose weight but haven't found success with traditional diet and exercise programs alone. This procedure is typically considered when your body mass index (BMI) is between 30-40, which falls into the obesity category.

You might be a good candidate if you've tried multiple weight loss approaches without lasting results, or if you have weight-related health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or sleep apnea. The balloon can also be helpful if you're not ready for or don't qualify for weight loss surgery but need medical support to jumpstart your weight loss journey.

Your doctor will evaluate several factors before recommending this option, including your overall health, commitment to lifestyle changes, and realistic weight loss goals. It's important to understand that the balloon works best when combined with nutritional counseling and regular follow-up care.

What is the procedure for intragastric balloon?

The intragastric balloon procedure is performed as an outpatient treatment, meaning you can go home the same day. Your doctor will use an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube with a camera, to guide the deflated balloon into your stomach through your mouth.

Here's what typically happens during the procedure:

1. You'll receive light sedation to help you relax and minimize discomfort
2. The doctor inserts the endoscope through your mouth and down your throat
3. The deflated balloon is guided into your stomach using the endoscope
4. Once positioned correctly, the balloon is filled with sterile saline solution
5. The endoscope is removed, leaving the balloon in place

The entire process usually takes about 20-30 minutes. You'll be monitored for a short time afterward to ensure you're feeling well before going home. Most people experience some nausea or discomfort for the first few days as their body adjusts to the balloon.

How to prepare for your intragastric balloon procedure?

Preparing for your intragastric balloon procedure involves both physical and mental preparation to ensure the best possible outcome. Your healthcare team will provide specific instructions, but here are the general steps you'll need to follow.

Before the procedure, you'll need to fast for at least 12 hours, which means no food or drink after midnight the night before. This ensures your stomach is empty and reduces the risk of complications during the procedure.

Your preparation timeline typically includes:

• Complete medical evaluation including blood tests and possibly an EKG
• Meet with a nutritionist to discuss post-procedure eating plans
• Stop certain medications as directed by your doctor
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure
• Follow any specific dietary restrictions in the days leading up to the procedure

Mental preparation is equally important. Take time to understand what changes you'll need to make in your eating habits and lifestyle. Having realistic expectations and a strong support system will help you succeed with this weight loss tool.

How to read your intragastric balloon results?

Success with an intragastric balloon is measured in several ways, and your healthcare team will track your progress regularly throughout the treatment period. Weight loss is the primary measure, but it's not the only indicator of success.

Most people lose about 10-15% of their total body weight during the balloon period, though individual results vary significantly. For someone weighing 200 pounds, this typically means losing 20-30 pounds over the six-month period.

Your doctor will evaluate your progress through:

• Regular weigh-ins and body measurements
• Improvements in weight-related health conditions
• Changes in eating habits and portion control
• Overall quality of life improvements
• Ability to maintain physical activity

Remember that the balloon is a tool to help you develop healthier habits. The real measure of success is whether you can maintain these positive changes after the balloon is removed.

How to maintain your weight after intragastric balloon?

Maintaining your weight loss after balloon removal requires continuing the healthy habits you developed during the treatment period. The balloon serves as a training tool, and the real work begins with implementing lasting lifestyle changes.

Focus on portion control, which is the most important skill you'll learn with the balloon. Your stomach will have adjusted to smaller portions, and maintaining this practice is crucial for long-term success. Continue eating slowly and paying attention to hunger and fullness cues.

Key strategies for maintaining your results include:

• Continue regular meals with controlled portions
• Stay hydrated but avoid drinking with meals
• Maintain regular physical activity
• Keep regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare team
• Join support groups or work with a counselor if needed

Studies show that people who maintain regular contact with their healthcare team and continue following nutritional guidelines have better long-term weight maintenance. The habits you build during the balloon period become the foundation for your continued success.

What are the risk factors for intragastric balloon complications?

While intragastric balloons are generally safe, certain factors can increase your risk of complications. Understanding these risk factors helps you and your doctor make an informed decision about whether this treatment is right for you.

People with certain medical conditions may face higher risks during or after the procedure. These include a history of stomach surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, or severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Your doctor will carefully evaluate your medical history before recommending the balloon.

Common risk factors that may increase complications include:

• Previous stomach or intestinal surgery
• Active stomach ulcers or severe acid reflux
• Bleeding disorders or use of blood-thinning medications
• Severe heart or lung conditions
• Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant
• Inability to follow post-procedure dietary guidelines

Age and overall health status also play a role in determining your suitability for the procedure. Your healthcare team will conduct a thorough evaluation to minimize any potential risks and ensure you're a good candidate for this treatment option.

What are the possible complications of intragastric balloon?

Most people tolerate intragastric balloons well, but like any medical procedure, complications can occur. Understanding these potential issues helps you recognize when to seek medical attention and make an informed decision about treatment.

The most common side effects occur in the first few days after placement and typically resolve as your body adjusts to the balloon. These include nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramping, which affect most people to some degree initially.

Here are the potential complications, ranging from common to rare:

Common complications (affecting 10-30% of people):

• Nausea and vomiting, especially in the first week
• Stomach cramping and discomfort
• Acid reflux or heartburn
• Feeling of fullness or bloating

Less common complications (affecting 1-10% of people):

• Balloon deflation leading to passage through the intestines
• Stomach irritation or ulceration
• Persistent nausea requiring early balloon removal
• Dehydration from difficulty keeping fluids down

Rare but serious complications (affecting less than 1% of people):

• Balloon migration causing intestinal blockage
• Stomach perforation during placement or removal
• Severe allergic reactions to sedation
• Aspiration pneumonia during the procedure

Your healthcare team will monitor you closely and provide clear instructions about warning signs that require immediate medical attention. Most complications are manageable when caught early, which is why following up with your doctor as scheduled is so important.

When should I see a doctor for intragastric balloon concerns?

Knowing when to contact your healthcare provider is crucial for your safety and success with the intragastric balloon. While some discomfort is normal, especially in the first few days, certain symptoms require immediate medical attention.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe, persistent vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down for more than 24 hours. This could lead to dehydration and may require early balloon removal or other interventions.

Seek immediate medical care if you experience:

• Severe abdominal pain that doesn't improve with medication
• Persistent vomiting lasting more than 24 hours
• Signs of dehydration like dizziness, dry mouth, or dark urine
• Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
• Difficulty swallowing or chest pain
• Black or bloody stools
• Sudden, severe bloating or inability to pass gas

Schedule regular follow-up appointments as recommended, even if you're feeling well. These visits allow your healthcare team to monitor your progress, address any concerns, and provide ongoing support for your weight loss journey.