Hi there, an intragastric balloon is a short-term, non-surgical weight loss tool.
It's really a soft silicon balloon that's temporarily inserted into your stomach, typically over a period of 6 months, which partially fills ups your stomach and makes you feel more full after eating.
It's a popular option amongst patients whose BMI is not high enough to justify bariatric surgery.
After the gastric balloon is removed, you must be committed to continuing on with a supervised gastric balloon diet and modified lifestyle that will help you maintain the weight loss.
A gastric balloon is recommended for patients who:
- have a BMI of 27 to 35
- are prepared to make long term changes to your diet and lifestyle
- want a non-surgical treatment option for weight loss
What happens during the procedure?
The entire procedure takes just 15 minutes. In Singapore, it's performed under a mild sedative usually.
Your doctor will insert a deflated gastric balloon through your mouth and into your stomach using a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera.
The balloon is then filled with saline. After 6 months, the balloon is deflated and removed the same way it was inserted.
Recovery
You can go home the same day of your procedure and continue with your normal daily activities without any downtime.
After your gastric balloon insertion, you’ll have fluids only for a few days. You can then progress on to soft foods.
Side effects and risks
You may experience the following
- Abdominal discomfort for 2 - 5 days
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloating
As with any other procedure, there is also always a small risk of bleeding and infection, so do discuss this with your doctor!
