Gastric balloon weight loss

The intragastric balloon for weight loss, also known as intra-bariatric balloon or endoscopic treatment of obesity, is a technique which consists of placing a balloon inside the stomach which occupies some space, causing the person to eat less and lose weight.

Placement of the gastric balloon is made is so rapid and so it is not necessary to be hospitalized. However, the intragastric balloon must be removed 6 months after implantation, can be again after 2 months.

The balloon placement is done via endoscopy and leads to loss about 13% by weight, is indicated for individuals with BMI greater than 27, and diseases associated with obesity such as hypertension or diabetes, for example.

Price gastric balloon weight loss

The value of surgery for placement of intragastric balloon costs on average 8,500 reais and can be done in private clinics. However, it can be added to the initial value, the price of removal of the gastric balloon.

Generally, surgery for placement of intra-bariatric balloon is not made in free of SUS, only in rare situations, when according to the judgment of the physician the patient at risk of developing serious health problems due to excess weight.

How is the surgery with gastric balloon

The placement of an intragastric balloon is a technique that helps to lose weight, it is introduced into the stomach of a silicone balloon, which partially occupy the stomach and, therefore, leads to a sense of satiety more quickly.

The procedure takes on average 30 minutes, and the person does not need to be hospitalized, should only stand two to three hours in the recovery room before being discharged and return home.

Intragastric balloon in the stomach

Inflate gastric balloon

This technique includes several steps:

1. Sedate the patient : the patient is given a drug such as Midazolam, which takes you to fall asleep, causing a very light sleeper and easily being awake when called. Sedation helps reduce anxiety and facilitate the entire procedure;
2. Make endoscopy : are introduced flexible tubes through the mouth of the patient who will pass through the esophagus and into the stomach and carrying a micro camera on the tip that allow viewing images of the digestive tract in television monitors and contribute to the balloon be placed in the correct location;
3. Enter flask : The flask is introduced into the still empty mouth and into the stomach is filled with serum and a blue liquid used to make urine blue or green if the balloon burst.

During the period in which they use the gastric balloon is important that the individual follow-oriented diet by a nutritionist, which indicate a reduced calorie diet and should be adapted in the first month after the procedure. Learn more about diet: Food after bariatric surgery.

In addition, the patient must start a program of regular physical exercise, to increase the success of treatment.

Removal of Gastric balloon

Removal of the gastric balloon is made, usually six months after it is placed and the procedure is similar to its placement, it is sucked the liquid and the balloon removed through endoscopy with sedation. The balloon must be removed because the balloon material is degraded.

After removal, you can place another balloon two months later, however, it is often not necessary, since the patient adopts a sufficient healthy lifestyle to continue to lose weight without balloon.

Risks of gastric balloon placement

The placement of intragastric balloon for weight loss, can cause nausea, vomiting and pain in the belly during the first week, while the body adapts to the balloon presence.

In cases more serious the balloon can break and go to the intestine and can cause clogging and causing symptoms such as swollen belly, constipation and greenish urine. In these cases the patient must go to the doctor to replace the balloon.

Advantages of gastric balloon weight loss

The placement of an intragastric balloon in addition to help you lose weight, has other advantages, such as:

• Does not cause change in the stomach or intestine, why not occur cuts;
• It has reduced risk because it is made ​​with sedation;
• It is a reversible process , it easily drains and removes the balloon;
• It can be placed in children over 12 years , compared to bariatric surgeries that are performed only on the age.

In addition, the balloon placement tricks the brain because of the presence in the stomach balloon sends information to the brain to be permanently filled, even if the patient has not eaten.