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Gastric Balloon - Non-Surgical Weight Loss
The gastric balloon is a temporary, non-surgical weight loss solution that helps you lose 10-15% of your body weight (20-40 lbs average) in 6-12 months. A soft silicone balloon is placed in your stomach endoscopically (through your mouth - no incisions), then filled with saline to occupy space, making you feel full faster and eat less.
This FDA-approved procedure is ideal for patients who need to lose weight before surgery, want to jumpstart a diet, or prefer non-surgical options. The balloon is temporary (removed after 6-12 months) but provides the motivation and results to establish long-term healthy eating habits.
How It Works
- Physical Restriction: Balloon takes up 500-700ml of stomach space, leaving less room for food
- Early Satiety: Feel full after eating small portions (1/2 to 1/3 normal amount)
- Slower Gastric Emptying: Food stays in stomach longer, prolonging fullness sensation
- Behavior Modification: Forces portion control, retrains eating habits
Types of Gastric Balloons
Orbera Balloon (Most Popular - 6 Months)
Duration: 6 months in stomach
Design: Single spherical balloon filled with 400-700ml blue saline
Weight Loss: Average 7-15% total body weight (20-30 lbs)
Most studied balloon with best safety record. Blue dye alerts you if balloon ruptures (urine turns green).
Reshape Dual Balloon (6 Months)
Design: TWO connected balloons for more stable positioning
Weight Loss: Similar to Orbera (25-35 lbs average)
Two smaller balloons instead of one large. Some patients report less nausea. Higher cost.
Obalon Balloon System (6 Months)
Placement: Swallow capsules (3 balloons over 12 weeks) - no endoscopy for insertion!
Filled with: Gas instead of saline (lighter weight)
Least invasive insertion but still requires endoscopy for removal. Lower weight loss (15-25 lbs).
Spatz3 Adjustable Balloon (12 Months)
Duration: Up to 12 months (longest duration)
Adjustable: Volume can be increased/decreased during treatment via endoscopy
Best for patients needing longer-term support. Higher success rates due to extended duration.
The Procedure
Insertion (20-30 minutes)
Anesthesia: IV sedation (twilight sleep) - you won't remember procedure
Method: Deflated balloon inserted through mouth using endoscope (flexible camera tube)
Placement: Balloon positioned in stomach, then filled with sterile saline through attached catheter
Confirmation: Endoscope confirms proper placement before removal
Removal (15-20 minutes)
After 6-12 months, balloon removed same way: endoscope inserted, balloon punctured and deflated, then withdrawn through mouth. Same sedation process.
Recovery & What to Expect
Adjustment Period (Hardest Week): Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping as body adjusts. Liquid-only diet. Anti-nausea meds prescribed. Most patients improve day 3-5.
Progress to soft foods (yogurt, mashed foods). Nausea resolved. Feeling full quickly becomes noticeable. Weight loss begins (3-5 lbs/week initially).
Normal foods tolerated (small portions). Continue losing 2-3 lbs/week. Follow nutrition plan provided. Exercise encouraged.
Most weight loss occurs first 6 months. Months 6-12 focus on maintaining loss and building habits for after removal.
Expected Weight Loss Results
Average Results (Clinical Studies):
- Total Body Weight Loss: 10-15% (e.g., 200 lbs → 170-180 lbs)
- Pounds Lost: 20-40 lbs on average (range 15-60 lbs)
- BMI Reduction: 4-8 points
- Success Factors: Following diet plan, avoiding liquid calories, exercising
Reality Check: Balloon is a TOOL, not magic. Weight loss requires commitment to dietary changes. Patients who drink sodas/juices or eat high-calorie soft foods see minimal results.
Potential Complications
- Nausea/Vomiting (80%): Very common first week. Resolves with meds and time. Rarely persists - if severe, balloon can be removed early.
- Acid Reflux (30%): Balloon irritates stomach. Treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
- Stomach Ulcers (10%): Balloon rubs stomach lining. Usually minor, heals after removal.
- Balloon Deflation (1-3%): Rare. Blue dye in urine alerts you. Requires urgent removal (deflated balloon can cause obstruction).
- Gastric Perforation (<0.1%): Extremely rare but serious. Requires surgery.
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Am I a Candidate?
Good candidates:
- BMI 30-40 (moderately obese - not morbidly obese)
- Failed traditional diet/exercise but motivated to try again with help
- Not ready for/don't qualify for bariatric surgery
- Need to lose weight before surgery (knee replacement, bariatric surgery, etc.)
- No history of stomach surgery or severe GERD
NOT suitable if: Pregnancy/breastfeeding, prior stomach surgery, severe reflux, inflammatory bowel disease, blood clotting disorders
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