What is the Intragastric Balloon?
This is an innovative and non-surgical approach to weight loss. A soft silicone intragastric balloon is placed in the stomach for six months. The balloon creates a feeling of fullness and encourages healthy portion control. The procedure is combined with a personalized support program of nutrition and exercise.
The intragastric balloon is the kick-start to weight loss goals that many people have been looking for.
Who is a candidate?
- To qualify for this procedure you must be overweight with a BMI of at least 30. Use our BMI calculator.
How much weight will I lose?
- The amount of weight lost depends entirely on how well you adapt to the system, alter eating behaviors, and adopt an exercise regimen.
- Studies show an amount 3.1 times that of a regimented diet and exercise program alone
How is the balloon inserted?
- The balloon is inserted into the stomach through an endoscopic procedure (via the mouth). Placement procedure times can vary between 20-30 minutes.
- Light sedation is required. Not a general anesthetic.
- Once inside the stomach, the balloon is filled with saline water through a small filling tube.
- You are free to go home after a couple of hours.
How is the balloon removed?
- The balloon is removed in the same way it was inserted.
- It will be punctured and the saline water will be suctioned up through a tube.
- Once deflated, the balloon is removed endoscopically
Will I put the weight back on?
- The aim of the balloon is to assist you in making changes to your lifestyle that will enable you to lose weight and keep the weight off.
- Our team has a tailored a package, which includes close monitoring by and a dietitian and exercise physiologist pre and post procedure. Once the balloon is removed, we continue to support you in making necessary changes to your eating and exercise habits.
What are the side effects?
- Side effects such as nausea and vomiting will be experienced during the first few days as the stomach gets used to the presence of the balloon.
- These side effects can often be managed with regular medication and we will make sure that you are sent home with adequate anti-nausea medication.
What can I eat afterwards?
- Once the balloon is in place, it can take some time for the stomach to adjust to its presence.
- For the first week patients will be on a fluid diet.
- After that, it should take about one week to make the transition from puree to soft and soft to normal food.
- This allows you to adjust to the balloon and also helps retrain your appetite for a healthier lifestyle.
Why does it have to be removed at 6 months?
- The balloon is a foreign body and cannot stay in your stomach forever.
- The studies show that after 6 months, the chance of infection increases substantially.
- The cost of the whole program includes balloon removal and the anesthesia associated with the second procedure.