Gastric Balloon
Lose weight without surgery
For people who wish to lose weight and who decide to resort to the medical way, it is possible to opt for the placement of a gastric balloon. The positioning of the gastric balloon in the stomach allows the patient to reach a feeling of satiety more quickly, which makes it possible to eat less and thus lose weight in the long term.
The principle of the gastric balloon
The gastric balloon (made of polyurethane) is a balloon in the literal sense, it will be placed inside the stomach and will occupy a certain space within this organ. The purpose of this manoeuvre is to achieve a feeling of satiety more quickly, to reduce appetite and to reduce the amount of food taken in at mealtimes.
Different types of models are available, the balloon that will be placed will be chosen considering different factors, including: the number of kilos to be lost, the patient's objectives and their general state of health.
One of the main advantages of this method is that it is less cumbersome than other bariatric surgeries: the (deflated) balloon is inserted into the stomach and is inflated once it is in place inside the stomach. The other advantage is that this procedure is temporary, there is no need to keep the balloon permanently. The balloon will be placed in the stomach for only 6 months (this period can be extended if necessary).
The patient who benefits from this procedure can expect to lose between ten and twenty kilos, and even up to 25 kilos if everything goes according to plan.
The Gastric Balloon Technique
This treatment is indicated for patients who are obese and who have not succeeded in losing weight with more conventional methods (diet, physical activity, etc.).
The technique is considered ideal for patients who wish to lose between 30 and 40% of their excess weight, and allows them to reach a more reasonable weight in a few months. If the patient suffers from more excessive obesity, then the surgeon may suggest an operation of obesity surgery: sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass or gastric band.
The patient wishing to undergo this procedure will also have to demonstrate that he or she does not have any pathologies that could contraindicate it. During the first consultation, the surgeon will assess the patient's health and obesity level.
The patient will have to undergo a complete health check-up and blood tests before the procedure. It is also necessary to be well prepared psychologically for the procedure, because after leaving the clinic, it will be necessary to follow a better lifestyle in a rigorous way.
The result will depend mainly on the patient's resolutions and discipline (healthy diet, regular physical activity, etc.)
The Procedure of The Gastric Balloon
The gastric balloon is placed under general anaesthesia. An endoscope is used to insert the balloon. The procedure lasts about twenty minutes to half an hour, and no more than one night's hospitalisation is required.
The surgeon inserts the balloon (which will be connected to a tube) inside the stomach; when this small device reaches the stomach, the specialist will use the tube to inflate the balloon by injecting saline. The amount of saline that fills the balloon will depend on the case and the patient's goals. After a few months, the balloon can be deflated and removed from the stomach.
What are the after-effects of the gastric balloon?
The gastric balloon procedure is simple and quick, there is usually no pain and complications are rare. On the other hand, the patient should expect to have some nausea and the desire to vomit, but these discomforts will disappear fairly quickly. Some episodes of indigestion and a feeling of heaviness in the stomach are also to be expected.
After discharge from the clinic, the patient should consult a dietician on a regular basis. The dietician will help the patient to establish a proper diet and will monitor the progress of weight loss over the months. The patient will also need to engage in regular physical activity to increase the chances of weight loss.
During the first 2-3 weeks, the patient will have to eat liquid or soft food. It is only from the 4th week onwards that it will be possible to eat normally. The patient will have to eat very slowly, take time to chew, and put small quantities on the plate. Food should preferably be cut into small pieces.
PRICE GASTRIC BALLOON
The price of the gastric balloon in Tunisia with Carthagomed is 1900 euro.
The Results of the Gastric Balloon
For the results to be truly satisfactory, the patient must adopt a completely new lifestyle, based on a healthier and more balanced diet and regular physical activity. The support of a specialist is also essential for proper nutritional management in the months following discharge from the clinic.
Studies of gastric balloon patients have already shown that the average weight loss after six months is estimated to be 15 to 20 kilos, with an excess weight loss of between 30 and 35%. It has also been shown that even after the removal of the balloon after 6 months, and if the patient maintains his motivation and his new lifestyle, the weight loss continues, and after one year, the patient can even expect to lose up to 40% of his excess weight.
In the long term, in addition to weight loss, the benefits of the gastric balloon are notable: the patient enjoys greater comfort and well-being in daily life, and certain problems linked to obesity (sleep apnoea, breathlessness, etc.) seem to be considerably reduced. The patient also benefits from a better motivation thanks to the initial weight loss initiated by the gastric balloon.