Intragastric balloon: a good method to lose weight

The intragastric balloon is an inflatable device that is placed into the stomach under Endoscopic Control and filled with physiological saline mixed with a small amount of dye ( methylene blue). Prior to the placement of balloon endoscopy is necessary for lesions that contraindicate the placement of the device. It is a very safe procedure for treat obesity. Its use is intended to result in early satiety, so that the patient eats less and the desired effect is achieved, lose weight.

Patient Profile

You can choose this method as a general rule, anyone who has a BMI ( Body Mass Index ) greater than 30 and not suffering from psychiatric problems, active peptic ulcer, alcoholism, hiatal hernia important, gastroesophageal varices, esophageal or gastric neoplasms, drug addiction, use of anticoagulants, pregnancy or patients previously operated stomach. Furthermore, this method is best when all previous attempts have failed to lose weight through diet or other methods.

In this regard, it should be remembered that the introduction of an intragastric balloon is a temporary aid that requires the efforts and active participation by both the patient and the medical team that will attend.

Risk intragastric balloon

There are risks in any Endoscopy and associated with deep sedation in patients with obesity. In addition, they may have nausea and vomiting during the first days after the placement, which decrease progressively in subsequent weeks.

The risks inherent in the placement and removal of the balloon are scarce intragastico not exceed 3-4% and usually resolve by endoscopy. Among them should be mentioned problems filling device, the aspiration pneumonia or uncontrollable vomiting that may require early removal of the balloon. Other risks associated with the ball itself are rare, and consist of gastric ulcer, gastrointestinal bleeding or deflated balloon.

Recovery after placement of intragastric balloon

After placement there is a 2-10 day period in which the patient may have nausea, Vomiting and abdominal pain, symptomatology going gradually decreasing in subsequent weeks. What remains as usual, is the early satiety with sporadic vomiting to subside when the patient is able to educate their dietary habit to a point where only eat that tolerates and does not make you inconvenience.