What Is an Intragastric Balloon?

An intragastric balloon is a temporary, non-surgical weight loss treatment that involves placing a soft silicone balloon inside the stomach. Once in position, the balloon is filled with saline solution to occupy space and reduce the stomach's capacity. This creates a feeling of fullness, increases satiety, and helps reduce hunger, promoting gradual and controlled weight loss. A medically supervised nutrition plan should be followed throughout the time the balloon remains in the stomach. Once the treatment period is complete, the balloon is removed.

The intragastric balloon may be recommended for patients who:

• Have obesity with a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 35.

• Have severe obesity and require weight loss before undergoing bariatric surgery.

• Are not candidates for bariatric surgery and have been unable to achieve adequate weight loss through dietary changes, physical activity, and medication.

• Have weight-related conditions such as high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, stroke, or heart disease.

Advantages

• This treatment is completely reversible, as the balloon remains in the stomach for approximately 6 months to 1 year.

• It is an outpatient, non-surgical procedure.

• Placement takes approximately 30 minutes and is performed in an endoscopy suite under sedation. Balloon removal is performed using the same technique.

• Recovery typically takes less than 3 hours, allowing most patients to return home the same day without requiring hospitalization.

• While the balloon is in place, patients can continue their normal daily activities while feeling full sooner and consuming smaller portions of food.

• When combined with an appropriate nutrition plan, the intragastric balloon can help patients lose an average of 15 to 20 kg (33 to 44 lbs).

• Like other weight loss treatments, the intragastric balloon may help improve or resolve health conditions commonly associated with excess weight, including:

1. Heart disease

2. High blood pressure

3. High cholesterol

4. Obstructive sleep apnea

5. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

6. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

7. Joint pain

8. Skin conditions such as psoriasis and acanthosis nigricans

Possible Disadvantages

• Fewer than 0.5% of patients may be unable to tolerate the balloon due to persistent nausea or vomiting, making early removal necessary.

• Because the stomach's anatomy is not permanently altered, patients who return to unhealthy eating habits after the balloon is removed may regain weight.

Follow-Up After Intragastric Balloon Placement

Following the procedure, patients meet regularly with members of the multidisciplinary care team, including a registered dietitian and a psychologist. These follow-up visits provide ongoing guidance, support, and motivation to help patients maintain healthy eating habits, stay physically active, and achieve long-term success.

The primary goal is to help patients develop lasting lifestyle changes in both nutrition and exercise, making weight loss sustainable even after the balloon has been removed.

Remember: It's Not Just About Losing Weight—It's About Gaining a Better Life.