Gastric Balloon for Weight Loss
- Intra-gastric balloon placement is a weight-loss procedure that involves placing a saline-filled silicone balloon in your stomach which helps patients to lose weight by limiting how much they eat and help them feel fuller faster.
- The balloon is considered an option after the failure of diet and exercise.
- Like other weight-loss procedures, an intra-gastric balloon requires commitment to a healthier lifestyle as patients will need to make permanent healthy changes to their diet and get regular exercise to help ensure the long-term success of the procedure.
- Side effect: Pain and nausea affect about one-third of people soon after insertion of an intra-gastric balloon. However, these symptoms usually only last for a few days after balloon placement. These symptoms can usually be managed with oral medications at home.
Why is it important to lose weight?
Weight loss can lower your risk of potentially serious weight-related health problems, such as:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) Heart disease or stroke High blood pressure Obstructive sleep apnea Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) Type 2 diabetes