There are several types of gastric balloon available. At Healthier Weight, we use the most thoroughly researched and tested form of the device - the BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon (BIB™). In what follows, we use the terms gastric balloon and BIB™ interchangeably.
What is the gastric balloon?
The gastric balloon is a soft, silicone balloon that is inserted into the stomach and filled with sterile saline (salt water). When the balloon is filled it stretches the stomach wall producing a feeling of satiety – or fullness. In addition, because the balloon fills a significant portion of the stomach, it means that you have to stick to much smaller portion sizes, which means fewer calories!
How is the balloon implanted?
Placing the BIB™ in the stomach is a simple procedure which will take approximately 20-30 minutes and which will be carried out under light sedation by a Consultant Gastroenterologist.
The doctor passes a special endoscope (camera) through the mouth, down the oesophagus (gullet) and into the stomach. A preliminary examination of the stomach is carried out and, assuming there are no abnormalities, the BIB™ will then be passed into the stomach. The balloon is made of a soft and pliable silicone elastomer material and is inserted while in its smallest, deflated form. The swallowing process is made easier with the help of some local anaesthetics to help numb the throat area. Muscle relaxing medications are also used.
Once the gastric balloon is inside the stomach, it is immediately filled with sterile saline through a small filling tube (catheter) attached to the balloon. Once filled, the doctor removes the catheter by gently pulling on the external end. The balloon has a self-sealing valve, and at this point the balloon is floating freely in the stomach. At the same time, a special dye is introduced into the balloon which will cause your urine to change colour (usually green) in the very unlikely event that the balloon ruptured or developed a leak.
Because there is no general anaesthesia involved, you will normally be able to leave hospital after a few hours of observation.
Adjusting to the gastric balloon
For the first few days you will feel uncomfortable as your stomach adjusts to the presence of the BIB™. During this time you may experience nausea, vomiting, bloating and some cramping until your body adjusts. Thereafter your symptoms should decrease, allowing you to settle into your concentrated weight loss period of around 6 months.
How long does the balloon stay in?
The gastric balloon can stay in place for a maximum of 6 months, though most of the weight loss occurs in the first 4 months. At the end of the 6-month period, the balloon will be removed in a 20-minute procedure similar to that of the placement.
How much weight will I lose?
Patients who have the gastric balloon implanted can expect to lose around 35-40% of excess weight, which in most cases equates to around 30-50lbs (15-20kg)2,3 Heavier patients may lose substantially more than this.
