The gastric balloon gives the person a feeling of fullness and makes it possible to portion the meal. The stomach 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 succesfull 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 more succesfull weight loss outcome if the person follows a weekly exercise regime, focusing on strength training to replace the wasted muscle fibers. The effect of stomach 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 stomach 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. We have many weight loss sucess stories that are the results of both the stomach balloon and life style changes.

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 stomach 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 weight loss success.