The gastric balloon stays in the body for a minimum of 6 months and a maximum of 12 months. If the balloon is to be continued after the 12th month, the old balloon is removed. A new one is inserted. Gastric balloon insertion can be done in two ways. It is not surgery. No incision is made.
How is Gastric Balloon Placement Procedure Performed?
Gastric balloon placement is done in two ways:
1. Swallowable gastric balloon: The person swallows the pill-sized balloon. Drink plenty of water while swallowing and after swallowing. There is a small apparatus at the end of the balloon. The balloon inflates thanks to this apparatus. The water in the balloon contains potassium sorbate. The balloon is inflated with about 500 ml of water. This application takes about 20 minutes.
2. Endoscopic Gastric Balloon: With the help of endoscopy, a balloon is placed from the mouth to the stomach. Anesthesia is applied during this procedure. The inflated balloon is shaped to cover half of the stomach. The inflation size of the balloon varies depending on the size and structure of the patient's stomach.
Who Can Have a Gastric Balloon?
Gastric balloon application is used by people who cannot lose weight with their own efforts. This procedure can be used if the person needs to lose weight in a short time due to heart disease or diabetes. It can be worn if the person's body mass index is over 25. It is also a safer way for people who do not want surgical intervention. People who are morbidly obese can have a gastric balloon until they reach their surgical weight.
Does a Gastric Balloon Burst?
The gastric balloon does not burst but can be punctured. The gastric balloon is not really a balloon in terms of structure. It is named as a gastric balloon because it is an inflating object in the stomach. If it is punctured, it will be a situation noticed by patients because the urine will be blue in color. Blue water is injected into the balloons. For this reason, when it is punctured, it turns the urine blue while the water is excreted from the body. Afterwards, a doctor is consulted to remove the deflated balloon remaining in the stomach. However, it is very unlikely that the balloon will be punctured. There is no harm to the person if the balloon is punctured.
Can You Lose Weight with a Gastric Balloon?
There are many people who lose weight with a gastric balloon. Since the gastric balloon covers half of the stomach, it gives a feeling of satiety and makes it easier to lose weight. However, there are things that need to be done for this weight loss to be at the maximum level. First of all, fast food is an example. Although sometimes a person rewards himself with this type of food, he should eat as little as possible. It is necessary to avoid foods that are too fatty and have additives. In addition to a balanced diet, it is also important to do sports. Even daily walks of 30-45 minutes will help the person's slimming adventure.
How to Remove a Gastric Balloon?
Before removing the gastric balloon, the filled balloon is emptied. The emptied balloon is removed from the patient's mouth with the help of endoscopy. The patient does not feel any pain or pain during this time. The swallowable gastric balloon has a timed valve. This valve opens at the end of 16 weeks. Thus, the fluid is emptied. The balloon is excreted as feces through the digestive system. No procedure is required for the swallowable gastric balloon.
Is Weight Gain Possible After Gastric Balloon Removal?
It is possible to gain weight after removal of the gastric balloon. After removing the balloon, the person's stomach will return to its former state and the feeling of hunger will return to its former state. The person can stop this feeling of hunger by following his diet. The person whose eating habits have become healthy while the balloon is attached should continue in this way after the balloon is removed. If the person shows a healthy diet, his/her stomach will gradually shrink. Thus, the feeling of hunger will be the same as it was when the balloon was inserted. It is important to continue doing sports during this period.
