Intragastric balloon

The intragastric balloon is placed in the stomach by introducing it through the mouth, without incising the abdomen, unlike obesity surgery (gastric band, gastrectomy sleeve, gastric bypass).
The intra gastric balloon is a good indication if you need to lose 10 to 25 kg.
If your body mass index is above 27 and below 40, you may consider placing a gastric balloon.
The placement of a gastric balloon is not a surgical procedure. It is a method that simply involves inserting a balloon inflated with air or water into the stomach and then inflating it to help the patient lose weight.
The placement of a gastric balloon is for patients:
• Suffering from moderate or severe obesity
• Who are not candidates for gastric band placement or gastric bypass.
• The balloon is installed in the stomach for a period of six months.

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The patient will generally be treated by a multidisciplinary team that includes a gastroenterologist, a nutritionist and a psychiatrist.

The operation is performed under local anaesthesia. The gastric balloon is placed and removed during an endoscopic procedure that lasts from 20 to 30 minutes.
The deflated balloon is attached to a flexible tube, then inserted through the mouth with an endoscope into the stomach. Once the balloon is in place, a sterile saline solution coloured blue (salt water) is injected through a catheter attached to the balloon. Thus, in the rare event that the balloon leaks, the patient immediately notices the change in colour of his/her urine. If this happens, he or she should immediately contact the doctor so that the balloon can be safely removed.
When the tube is removed, the balloon is automatically sealed. The filling volume varies from 400 to 700 ml to suit a large number of people.
The balloon is placed in the stomach for a period of 6 to 12 months maximum.

The patient rests for one to two hours for observation before leaving the hospital.
During the first few days, as the stomach adapts to the balloon, the patient feels uncomfortable. Nausea, bloating, diarrhea and cramps may occur. These side effects are temporary and normal. If necessary, the doctor prescribes an appropriate drug treatment to better control them.
It is advisable to rest and not to fly again for 24 hours.
A nutritional follow-up is essential for six months. At first the patient should: drink cold liquids in small amounts, starting with a teaspoon, then slowly increase the amount of liquid.

About Intragastric balloon

Potential risks:
• abdominal pains
• stomach and esophageal burns
• unusual abdominal bloating
• fever
• vomiting.
Contraindications:
• Pregnancy, lack of contraception.
• Hiatal hernia of height greater than 3 cm.
• Coagulation disorder, anticoagulant treatment.
• Long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs or aspirin.
• Psychiatric disorders, addictions (drug addiction, alcoholism).
MEDICAIM takes care of the follow-up on a case-by-case basis. www.medicaim.com
MEDICAIM is looking for the best specialists for you and we will offer you several renowned doctors.
MEDICAIM organizes your entire stay for you: post-operative nursing care, biological follow-up, therapeutic, nutritional and psychological support.
Any additional questions? Ask your MEDICAIM doctor about it: careteam@medicaim.com