A weight loss balloon is an inflatable medical device that can be implanted inside the stomach to help the patient lose excess weight. This procedure is most suitable for people who have tried and failed with diet and exercise. However, it is not a suitable option for people who do not want to undergo surgery. This procedure is also known as a gastric balloon or stomach balloon surgery.
The weight loss balloon procedure is an endoscopic procedure that involves passing the balloon through the mouth, esophagus, and stomach while the patient is under sedation. Once in place, the balloon is filled with a saline solution to expand it. This procedure can help the patient lose up to six pounds over the course of six months. This treatment is followed by an equal period of medical supervision.
Following the procedure, the patient may experience pain. Over-the-counter pain medication can be taken to alleviate this discomfort. Some patients may not feel hungry for several days after the procedure. Although the weight loss process slows down, patients must continue to follow a diet plan to maintain a lower body weight. A dietitian will work with the patient to ensure the patient achieves the desired weight.
During the procedure, the patient is under mild sedation. A flexible tube with a camera is passed down the throat. The balloon is then filled with a saline solution, which contains a blue dye that will be detected in the urine if the balloon breaks. The procedure will take about half an hour. The patient will stay in the hospital for a couple of hours. The patient will also receive antiemetic medication and IV fluids.
Even though there is a low risk of complications with this surgery, the possibility nonetheless exists. Following the operation, some individuals experience nausea as well as vomiting. A significant problem in the stomach has the potential to even cause death. Those individuals who have previously undergone surgery on the stomach should not go through with this procedure since the likelihood of a stomach perforation is increased. Patients who have already undergone surgery on their stomachs should discuss their options with their primary care doctor before undergoing this operation. These patients have a much increased likelihood of experiencing a stomach perforation following the implantation of a balloon.
Even while there is a low chance of complications and hazards associated with this surgery, it is still not the ideal treatment for weight loss. A weight loss balloon is not a suitable replacement for surgical weight loss procedures.
Even though there is a low risk of complications with this surgery, the possibility nonetheless exists. Following the operation, some individuals experience nausea as well as vomiting. A significant problem in the stomach has the potential to even cause death.
Those individuals who have previously undergone surgery on the stomach should not go through with this procedure since the likelihood of a stomach perforation is increased. Patients who have already undergone surgery on their stomachs should discuss their options with their primary care doctor before undergoing this operation. These patients have a much increased likelihood of experiencing a stomach perforation following the implantation of a balloon.
Even while there is a low chance of complications and hazards associated with this surgery, it is still not the ideal treatment for weight loss. A weight loss balloon is not a suitable replacement for surgical weight loss procedures.
