An overview of Intragastric Balloon
An intragastric balloon is a weight-loss procedure that involves placing a saline-filled silicone balloon in the stomach. This procedure helps individuals lose weight by limiting the amount of food they can consume and making them feel fuller faster. It is typically done for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40, who have tried to lose weight through diet and exercise but have not been successful. Potential risks and side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, balloon deflation, and acute pancreatitis.
What is Intragastric Balloon used for?
An intragastric balloon is a weight-loss procedure used to help people lose weight by limiting how much they can eat and making them feel fuller faster. The balloon, filled with saline, is placed in the stomach during an outpatient endoscopy procedure. This procedure is typically considered for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40 who have tried to lose weight through diet and exercise but have not been successful. While it may provide benefits, there are potential risks and side effects associated with the procedure, and a screening process is necessary to ensure it's appropriate for each individual.
How to prepare for Intragastric Balloon?
The preparation for the intragastric balloon procedure includes receiving specific instructions from your healthcare team, having various lab tests and exams, and potentially making changes to your diet and medications in the lead-up to the procedure.
How is Intragastric Balloon conducted?
The intragastric balloon procedure involves placing a saline-filled silicone balloon in your stomach to help with weight loss. The procedure is performed in the endoscopy unit while the patient is sedated, and it usually takes around 30 minutes. The balloon is placed through a thin tube (catheter) and an endoscope, and the patient can typically go home one to two hours after the procedure.
Understanding the report
Intragastric balloon results are interpreted based on the amount of weight loss and changes in lifestyle habits, including diet and exercise. Typically, loss of about 7% to 15% of body weight is expected during the six months after the procedure, with total excess weight loss ranging from 30% to 47%. The success of the procedure is also assessed by how well the patient adheres to the necessary dietary and physical activity changes. Improvement or resolution of conditions related to being overweight, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), heart disease, high blood pressure, and obstructive sleep apnea, may also be considered in interpreting the results.
Limitations and Considerations
The intragastric balloon procedure has several limitations:
- Potential side effects: The procedure carries a risk of side effects, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, balloon deflation, overinflation, pancreatitis, ulcers, and perforation of the stomach wall. These complications may require additional procedures or surgery.
- Short-term weight loss: While an intragastric balloon can help with weight loss in the short term, it doesn't address the underlying causes of obesity. To ensure long-term success, it's essential to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, including a balanced diet and regular exercise.
- Not suitable for everyone: Intragastric balloons are typically reserved for individuals with a BMI between 30 and 40. People with a lower BMI or other medical conditions may not be good candidates for the procedure.
- Limited long-term data: The long-term effectiveness and safety of intragastric balloons are not yet well-established due to the relatively recent introduction of the procedure. Ongoing research will provide more information on the long-term outcomes of intragastric balloon placement.
- Not a substitute for other weight-loss procedures: Intragastric balloon placement is typically considered after other weight-loss methods, such as diet and exercise, have been attempted. It's not a standalone treatment but rather a supplement to lifestyle changes.