Gastric balloons are the least invasive weight loss procedure today. This method of treatment is applied to overweight or obese people dec a body mass index of 30 to 40 kg/m2.
How Long Does the Balloon Stay in the Stomach?
The gastric balloon can remain in place for 6 months. It is not recommended to use it for a longer time, as the acidic contents of the stomach will weaken the balloon material over time, causing the balloon to deflate.
If the surgeon recommends using the balloon for more than 6 months, the balloon should be replaced with a new one at the end of the 6-month period. While the balloon is in place, a medicine can be prescribed by the surgeon that can be used orally to help reduce stomach acid. This drug is intended to reduce irritation of the stomach and the likelihood of damage to the balloon.
The gastric balloon is removed as it is inserted through the mouth. As with the placement of the balloon, a catheter is inserted through the mouth into the stomach during its removal. In this operation, which is performed through endoscopy, the balloon inside is punctured and deflated. After the balloon is extinguished, it is carefully grasped and removed.
Why Is the Gastric Balloon Removed?
It is vital that a person consult a doctor again after 6 months to remove the stomach balloon. Because, if the balloon stays in the stomach for more than 6 months, it can be damaged and torn by stomach acid. In such a situation, the balloon can pass into the intestines.
This condition can cause intestinal blockages and require emergency surgery. In order to avoid such complications, it is very important that a person necessarily takes into account the 6-month period and consult a doctor in no time to remove it.
During the 6 months that the balloon is in the stomach, the person needs to take acid-reducing drugs. Thus, the rupture and deflation of the balloon can be prevented. In addition, taking this medication also helps prevent stomach ulcers.
Because the gastric balloon is inserted into the stomach through the mouth without surgery, there are no incisions and therefore no scars left. It is possible to go home within 24 hours after the procedure.
After installing a gastric balloon, which is a fairly easy and painless method of treatment, a person can return to normal activities and work life. at the end of 6 months, people who have had a gastric balloon removed can lose close to a third of their weight compared to before surgery. Thus, they can easily gain healthier weight.