Why Is Gastric Balloon Procedure Performed?
It is carried out with the aim of gaining willpower and changing eating habits of obesity patients who can’t lose weight on their own. Thanks to the gastric balloon, the person reaches the feeling of fullness quickly and thus gets away from the feeling of impulsive eating. Besides, it is also used for candidates who want to undergo a different weight loss operation to reach the required weight before surgery.
In Which Situations Is Gastric Balloon Operation Performed?
Gastric balloon is not a suitable procedure for anyone who is overweight. Your body mass index must be above the specified measure and it must be proven that you do not have any health problems under the control of your doctor. In addition, people with the following disorders may be good candidates for gastric balloon procedure:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Heart disease or stroke
- High blood pressure
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- type 2 diabetes
Who Can Have a Gastric Balloon Procedure?
- Individuals with a body mass index of 27 and above
- Individuals aged 18 and 70
- People who have not had bariatric surgery before
They can have gastric balloon operation.
The Advantages of Gastric Balloon
The advantages of the gastric balloon are:
- The procedure can be performed in a very short time under hospital conditions.
- After the procedure, the person can return to their normal life.
- Easy and painless to apply.
- The balloon can be removed whenever the patient wants.
Disadvantages of Gastric Balloon
- Reflux can be seen after gastric balloon.
- Nausea and vomiting may occur in the first 3-7 days.
- Stomach cramps may occur in the early stages.
- The gastric balloon is temporary. After removal, you need to maintain the eating habits and lifestyle that your dietitian suggests for you. If you don’t follow your diet, you are likely to gain weight again.
- The amount of weight lost is less than surgical methods.
- In very rare cases, it can cause stomach ulcers.
Things to Do Before Intragastric Balloon Procedure
- Check Your Medications: Before the procedure, get confirmation from your doctor that your current medications will not adversely affect your stomach or digestive system. .
- Fill Your Refrigerator with Appropriate Food.
- Follow Doctor’s Recommendations: your doctor; may recommend that you stop eating 12 hours before the procedure. It is important to follow these guidelines properly to ensure a safe procedure and a smooth recovery.
- Make Sure of Your Attendant: It would be good for someone to come with you to the hospital before the procedure.
Things to Consider After Gastric Balloon Procedure
- Eat slowly, always chew your food well and stop when you are full.
- Avoid drinking during meals. Because this can cause you to feel full very quickly, feel bloated or vomit.
- Some food such as pasta and soft bread can stick to your gastric balloon.