Who Qualifies For Endoscopic Intragastric Balloon?
An Intragastric Balloon may be an option for you if:
You are overweight and have weight gain despite multiple attempts and methods to lose weight
The aim is to lose about 10 to 15% of your weight willing to commit to healthy lifestyle changes and regular medical follow-ups
Medically fit for the procedure and sedation
What Are The Risks Of Undergoing Endoscopic Intragastric Balloon?
Endoscopic Intragastric Balloon is associated with a very low procedure risk for both insertion or removal. On rare occasions complications may occur.
Balloon Leak
There is a slight possibility that the fluid in the balloon might leak. Subsequently, there is a risk for the movement of the deflated balloon into the digestive system and causing a blockage. Dr Ganesh uses a balloon which is durable and well established. Furthermore, the uses a blue dye to fill the balloon. Therefore, if there is a leak it would be detected early with blue stools or green urine.
Perforation in Stomach or in the Oesophagus
Ulcers or a hole in the stomach or oesophagus during the procedure which might require a surgery to fix. However, the likelihood of perforation is extremely low.
Allergy or Reaction to the Anaesthesia
There will be an anaesthetist present closely monitoring and looking after you throughout the procedure and you will be monitored very closely.
What Are The Possible Side Effects Associated With Endoscopic Intragastric Balloon?
Nausea and vomiting, crampy pain
Some may experience pain, abdominal cramps and nausea after the insertion of the intragastric balloon. They are transient for a few days after the balloon placement. If the symptoms are severe, Dr Ganesh will treat these symptoms with oral medication and the patient may need admission, IV fluids and IV medication. It is important to prepare mentally for this period. Most patients have minimal issues after this first week as after this period, the stomach gets used to the balloon being there.
Gastric discomfort and Gastro-oesophageal Reflux
Some may experience reflux symptoms like “bumming” chest discomfort after eating, sour taste in the mouth. There may also be a low-grade upper stomach discomfort throughout the weeks after the balloon is inserted. If the pain, reflux or vomiting is very severe about 3-5% of people may request the balloon to be removed within the first dew days after insertion. A full list of risks and expected lifestyle changes will be explained to patient thoroughly by Dr Ganesh before undertaking the procedure.
Why Should You Consider Undergoing Endoscopic Intragastric Balloon?
Endoscopic Intragastric Ballooning helps patient lose weight safely. Weight loss lowers risk of weight-related health problems and some of them include, high blood pressure and Type 2 Diabetes with their related risks of stroke, heart disease, kidney disease. Back and joint aches and cancers like breast and colorectal cancers.
For those suffering from Obesity and its related health concerns, endoscopic intragastric ballooning is one of the options available to aid in weight loss if many previous attempts have failed. This procedure allows you to gain control your weight loss journey. At G & L Surgical, Dr Ganesh Ramalingam ensures individualised treatment, and that everyone’s specific needs are met. In addition, Dr Ganesh arranges regular consults to personally addresses any questions or concerns patient may have regarding the Gastric Balloon procedure and to guide you after the procedure is done.
How Does Endoscopic Intragastric Balloon Procedure Work?
After full sedation by the anaesthetist, Dr Ganesh performs a Gastroscopy. Once the Gastroscopy shows no significant pathology like ulcers or lumps, he then places a small silicon balloon through the mouth, down the oesophagus into the stomach. The balloon is inflated with a sterile saline solution with a blue dye via a tube. When the inflated balloon is in place, the tube is removed.
The balloon causes a feeling of fullness, thus connected the amount of food that can be consumed, resulting in weight loss controlling. As the gastric balloon remains for six months, it will allow you to learn the right amount of food to eat to maintain your new weight. This is also emphasised during regular visits to Dr Ganesh’s clinic. The main aim therefore is not only short-term weight loss, but long-term change in diet and lifestyle habits.
Will Patient Gain Weight Once The Balloon Is Removed?
After the balloon is removed in 6 months, there will be a change in diet and lifestyle habits. Dr Ganesh will also supervise this change in habits through regular clinic appointments.
Without gastric balloon taking up space in the stomach, you will be able to eat larger portions immediately once the balloon has been removed. The success of the procedure is therefore dependent on the changes in habits and the changes put in place in your lifestyle, home and family in these 6 months.
Dr. Ganesh Ramalingam
Specialist in General Surgery
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