What to expect
from your
weight loss balloon
The consultation
During the first consultation, the Healthcare Physician will review your medical history and perform a short physical exam to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for the weight loss treatment. The discussion will include the balloon treatment with all of its benefits and risks as well as alternative options and their benefits and risks. Understanding how a balloon works and learning how to use it effectively to achieve your weight loss and health goals is of paramount importance. You will discuss your eating habits, health concerns, and weight loss goals with your doctor as well as your dietician.
Before the treatment
In order to ensure maximal success, your doctor will determine which pre-screening assessments will be required for you. Pre-screening assessment may include any or all of the following:
- Patient information profile
- Dietary evaluation
- General blood tests
- Chest X-Ray and ECG (Depending on your age)
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Insertion of the Gastric Balloon
The gastric balloon is inserted endoscopically while under conscious sedation. During the non-surgical procedure, the balloon is placed in the stomach and inflated with saline. You will be discharged within one hour.
The gastric balloon can easily be deflated and removed, if required, at any time.
Post Insertion
For the first 3-5 days following the gastric balloon procedure, you will feel uncomfortable and may experience any of the following: nausea, cramping, vomiting and heartburn. This will pass usually within one week (although in some cases it may last longer) and every effort will be made to reduce these possible side effects. You will be offered medication to settle your stomach and relieve the nausea and vomiting. It is important to take the medication prior to the onset of nausea.
For the first three days after insertion, you will begin a liquid-only diet, slowly progressing to a semi-solid diet. Within about two weeks, many patients will be able to resume eating a solid diet.
Adjustment Procedure
If you experience excessive or prolonged nausea, vomiting or pain, the gastric balloon volume can be decreased with an adjustment procedure.
If your balloon effect diminishes and you reach a weight loss plateau, the gastric balloon volume can be increased with an adjustment procedure.
The gastric balloon volume can be changed with a 15-minute endoscopy procedure. The preparation requires a liquid diet for three full days prior to the adjustment followed by fasting from midnight the night before the procedure. Adjustments will be made while you are under conscious sedation. As with the insertion procedure, the adjustment is non-surgical, and you’ll be discharged within one hour.
Volume Adjust-Down
Volume Adjust-Up
Weight Maintenance
Removal Technique
At the end of the treatment period, the gastric balloon will be removed with endoscopy. Preparation requires a liquid diet for 3 full days prior to the procedure followed by fasting from midnight the night before. Following the removal, you will be discharged within an hour.
