The gastric balloon gives the person a feeling of fullness and makes it possible to portion the meal. The balloon works by delaying gastric emptying, leading to the rate of stomach movement to slow down. It will take longer than normal for the digestion stage of the solid food and its ultimate delivery to the duodenum. This effect is especially obvious during the first three to four months when the gastric emptying is slower, and the sense of satiety is higher. After this period, gastric emptying starts to return to normal and the stomach adapts to the gastric balloon, losing most of its effect. Another mechanism of action that also contributes to weight loss is by restricting the space available for food and liquids. Most people would be able to achieve satiety with significantly smaller meals. This normally leads to weight loss and long-lasting healthier eating habits, especially when complemented with physical activity focusing on building more muscle mass. About 30% of weight loss involves depreciation of the muscle mass which contributes to slowing down of the metabolic rate and ultimately to a meager weight loss results. That’s why it would be conducive to a better weight loss outcome if the person follows a weekly exercise regime, focusing on strength training to replace the wasted muscle fibers. The effect of gastric balloon varies from one person to another, mostly due to the difference in people’s rate of gastric emptying. Those with an average rate tend to have more of a feeling of fullness than those with slower than average rate of gastric emptying.

The gastric balloon is designed to help with weight loss for people who ideally have 10-50 kg weight to lose. The patient must have a BMI of 27 or above in order for the gastric balloon to be offered.

It is also used for people who are not suitable for other types of weight loss surgery. The use of gastric balloon may help reduce weight before surgery, reducing risks in surgical prodecures on obese patients.

For the consultation the doctor will guide you through 3 different gastric balloons and which type is best for you.

The doctor will place a dye in the balloon called Methlyene blue. This will help you identify an early deflation or leak as it will change the color of your urine to green. If this happens, you must notify the clinic immediately so that the balloon can be removed.

It is important to understand that the gastric balloon is a tool to help support weight loss and should be used with a diet, exercise and a follow-up program. The amount of weight you lose and maintain will depend on how closely you follow your diet and long-term lifestyle changes.

There will be discomfort the first few days after the procedure. Afterwards, the gastric balloon will give you a sense of satiety.

The follow-up program is crucial for the success of the balloon’s effect. You will be contacted by our trained staff for the first 6-12 months while you have the balloon, and then every other month. When the balloon is removed, there will be a follow-up for another 6 months. During this period you will be evaluated on your progress and you will be thoroughly put into the principles of health, nutrition and training that will provide you with a foundation for long-term success.

Alcohol in moderation is fine.

The balloon is inserted in the stomach through the mouth without the need for surgery. The doctor puts an endoscope into the stomach. If there are no abnormalities observed, the balloon will be inserted down the esophagus and into the stomach. The balloon will be filled in the stomach with a sterile saline solution through a small filling tube attached to the balloon. When it is filled, the doctor remove the tube by gently pulling the outer end after which the balloon is free in the stomach.

This procedure is performed by a qualified specialist gastroenterologist and trained care staff.

The placement of the balloon takes approx. 20 minutes after which the patient is monitored for approx. 1 hour and thereafter the patient will be discharged.

The gastric balloon can be placed in the stomach for a period of 6 months (12 months for the Spatz balloon). If your doctor recommends using the balloon for more than 6 months, it is necessary that the balloon gets replaced with a new one.

The gastric balloon is removed in the same way it was placed; through the esophagus and mouth. With the use of an endoscopic camera, the doctor will insert a catheter through the mouth and into the stomach. The balloon will then be punctured and emptied. When the balloon is emptied, it can be removed.

It is very likely that the presence of the balloon in the stomach may cause abdominal cramps, nausea or vomiting that usually last for a few days after insertion. Our clinic will prescribe medicine to help minimize these potential side effects.

There is a slight possibility that you will only lose a small part of your excess weight. This, of course, depends on your commitment to the diet and lifestyle modification instructions.

You should plan at least three days of rest after the insertion of gastric balloon. Afterwards, you will be able to resume normal acitivity, but it also depends on how fast your body gets used to the balloon.

In the first week of the procedure you should not plan any heavy activities. Once your body has adapted to the balloon, you can continue your normal activities. It is highly recommended to start a regular training program for best results.

There are no food restrictions besides pasta that can stick to the balloon. In addition, if you eat fatty foods or candies, you may feel uncomfortable. Excessive overeating while the balloon is in the stomach may cause vomiting and may be dangerous.