Gastric Balloon is the insertion of a fluid-filled balloon into the stomach to reduce weight. The balloon reduces the stomach’s capacity, making you eat less and feel full longer. The body then uses excess fat as energy instead, resulting in weight loss. Gastric Balloon is suitable for those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 27 who have not succeeded with other weight loss methods and have excess weight that begins to affect their health.
Besides improving confidence in appearance and personality, proper weight loss also helps slow down the risk of diseases caused by obesity, such as diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol, heart disease, and stroke, which everyone should pay attention to.
Gastric Balloon Procedure
The balloon is inserted into the stomach through the mouth using endoscopic techniques, so there are no surgical scars on the body. The balloon is made of silicone, a medical-grade material safe for the stomach. The balloon is filled with about 400-500 cc of fluid. Once the desired weight loss is achieved, the fluid inside the balloon can be removed. Most people keep the balloon in place for about 6-12 months.
After the balloon is inserted, the patient may need to stay in the hospital overnight for monitoring. The doctor will schedule regular follow-ups, including advice on self-care, exercise, and proper diet to help improve weight loss results.
During the first 2-5 days after balloon insertion, patients may experience nausea, discomfort, cramping abdominal pain, or stomach pain as the body adjusts, which can cause fatigue. It is advisable to plan for time off work and prepare to manage these symptoms. If discomfort persists after 1-2 weeks, patients can consult the doctor to reduce the balloon’s fluid volume.
After 3-4 weeks of balloon insertion, patients can gradually return to normal eating but should chew thoroughly and eat slowly in small amounts each time. It is important to start exercising and resume daily activities normally. It is recommended to exercise 150-200 minutes per week, divided into 3-4 sessions of 45-50 minutes each.
Additionally, the balloon may cause stomach ulcers, bleeding, gastrointestinal obstruction, or perforation, but these complications are very rare, occurring in less than 1% of cases.
Advantages of Gastric Balloon
- It is a low-risk weight loss method with fewer side effects compared to other weight loss surgeries.
- No surgery is required, so there are no scars on the body.
- The balloon size can be adjusted as needed.
- It can be repeated if weight increases after balloon removal.
- On average, it results in about 24 kilograms of weight loss per year.
Post-Balloon Insertion Care
- Initially, avoid drinking too many fluids; you can drink half a glass every 1-2 hours after balloon insertion.
- Cooperate with regular follow-up appointments as scheduled by the doctor.
- Take stomach ulcer medication (PPI) daily for one year even if there are no symptoms to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers and prolong the balloon’s lifespan.
- Avoid using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and alcohol, as alcohol increases the risk of stomach ulcers. Burping is normal and often caused by swallowing air due to swallowing saliva to relieve stomach discomfort, which may indicate overeating and/or intolerance to the balloon.
- Some patients may sleep better lying on their left side.
- If you feel any abnormalities, see a doctor immediately.
- After the balloon is removed, adjust your behavior and try to maintain a stable weight without gaining it back.
Dietary Principles After Balloon Insertion
- Do not eat heavy meals within the first two weeks; choose easily digestible foods.
- Eat appropriately according to the guidelines recommended by dietitians or nutritionists.
- Gradually introduce new foods daily, but if you feel discomfort (pain, bloating, etc.), stop and try again after several days.
- Start with 2 tablespoons of new food at a time but frequently throughout the day, increasing the amount based on personal tolerance.
- Eat small meals every 2-4 hours; do not wait until hungry to avoid eating too fast or too much.
- Chew food slowly; each meal should take at least 20-30 minutes.
- Eat sitting at a table without doing other activities (e.g., watching TV). Do not eat to relieve stress or boredom. If nausea or vomiting occurs, try changing the food.
- Avoid sugary drinks, fruit juices, high-fat, high-sugar, and high-calorie foods as they make weight loss more difficult.
- Prepare balanced, varied menus with complete nutrients.
- Drink 8-10 glasses of water or fluids throughout the day to prevent constipation.
- Include protein supplements in every meal.
- Take a multivitamin once daily.
- Avoid eating any food 3-4 hours before bedtime.
- Feeling pressure or regurgitation in the chest often indicates eating too much or too fast. In this case, stop eating and take a walk; symptoms should improve within 10-15 minutes. Next time, eat less and slower.
