How Gastric Balloon Works?

The Gastric Balloon Explained.

What is the Gastric Balloon?

The Gastric Balloon consists of a soft, expandable, high-quality silicone balloon, a placement tube and a filling system. Once inserted in the stomach, the empty (deflated) balloon is filled with sterile salt water, and then the filling system and placement tube are detached and removed. When inflated, the balloon is too large to pass into the bowel and will stay within the upper part of the stomach.

placement tube

inflated balloon

deflated balloon

How does the Gastric Balloon work?

The Gastric Balloon is designed to act as a mechanical aid to providing early satiety or fullness, which makes compliance with a supervised diet and behaviour modification program more effective. The balloon partially fills the stomach and patients report a feeling of fullness after eating a much smaller portion of food than normal. The emptying of food from the stomach is delayed, which in turn, acts to prolong the feeling of fullness between meals. There is no change to the digestion or absorption of nutrients and no need for special nutritional supplements.

How is the Gastric Balloon placed in the stomach?

The balloon is introduced into the stomach through the mouth without the need for surgery. The physician conducts an initial examination of the stomach using an endoscopic camera. If no abnormalities are found, the physician proceeds with placement of the balloon through the mouth, down the esophagus and 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 passage of the deflated balloon is made easier with the help of anesthetic applied topically to numb the throat area. Patients may receive medication to enhance sedation and reduce anxiety during the procedure. Patients do not require general anesthesia or overnight hospitalization.

Once the balloon is inside the stomach, it is immediately filled with sterile saline through a small filling tube (catheter) attached to the balloon. The device can be filled with between 500 cc and 700 cc of saline to accommodate varying anatomy. Once filled, the physician 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 upper part of the stomach.

Placement times vary, but it will usually take between 20 and 30 minutes, after which you will be monitored for one to two hours in the clinic before returning home. You may experience some discomfort during the procedure but pain is not expected and therefore analgesic medication is not needed.

How long is the Gastric Balloon implanted?

The Gastric Balloon can be left in the stomach for up to six months before it must be removed. Our program includes six months of post-removal support. Longer periods of use are not recommended because over time the acidic content of the stomach may weaken the balloon material and cause the balloon to deflate. Should the physician recommend use of the balloon for longer than six months, it is necessary that the balloon be replaced with a new one when the six-month interval has been met. While the balloon is in the stomach, your surgeon will prescribe a course of oral medication to reduce stomach acid. This will reduce the possibility of stomach irritation and damage to the balloon.

After the procedure

During the first few days, it is critical that you drink plenty of water and avoid eating any solid foods. Your surgeon will provide strict instructions for your hydration regimen during this period.

For the first three days, you will be restricted to a liquid diet that might include the following:

• Juices
• Milk
• Thin soups or broths
• Gelatins

The following items should be avoided:

• Coffee
• Carbonated drinks
• Fatty foods
• Chocolate
• Ice cream

It is also important to drink cold liquids in small amounts, beginning with a teaspoon, and then slowly increasing the amount of the liquid as you are able. Taking larger amounts of liquids too quickly increases your risk of nausea and vomiting.

Transitioning to solid foods

After a few days on a liquid diet, you will be ready to begin the transition to solid foods, by graduating to semi-solids at first. How quickly you make this transition will depend on how well your body is tolerating the liquids. It’s important to make the transition slowly and not try to rush the adjustment process.

Some of the foods the dietitian may prescribe at this point are:

• Porridge/Oatmeal
• Thicker soups
• Fruit purées

How is the Gastric Balloon removed?

The balloon is normally removed in the same way it was placed, using a standard gastroscopy procedure. Prior to removal, you are given sedation and a topical anesthetic is applied to numb the throat. Using an endoscopic camera, the balloon will be punctured and deflated. Once the balloon is deflated it can be grasped and removed.

This procedure usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes and should be painless. You will likely feel some discomfort or pressure as the balloon is withdrawn. Painkillers or analgesics are not required. Once the withdrawal is completed, patients will be monitored for a short time in the clinic and can then be discharged home.