Gastric Balloon

What Is a Gastric Balloon?

A gastric balloon is a temporary, silicone or polyurethane balloon placed inside the stomach. Its mechanism of action centers on occupying space within the stomach, providing a sense of fullness and satiety, while also slowing down the digestion of solid foods. In terms of facilitating weight loss without surgery, gastric balloon placement is considered one of the most effective approaches. With a gastric balloon in place, patients can more easily shed unwanted pounds and, in the process, adopt healthy eating habits that will help them maintain their weight over the long term.

How Is a Gastric Balloon Inserted?

A gastric balloon can be inserted in one of two ways:

1. Endoscopic Balloon Application
   • Under sedation or light anesthesia, a silicone balloon is placed into the stomach endoscopically. It is then inflated to a set volume (often filled with about 500 ml of specially tinted fluid).
2. Swallowable Balloon (e.g., Allurion Balloon)
   • Here, the balloon is swallowed in the form of a capsule and later inflated once it’s in the stomach—no endoscopy or anesthesia required.

In both instances, the balloon’s presence within the stomach helps reduce appetite. By occupying space, it induces earlier satiety and curbs the desire to overeat.

Types of Gastric Balloon

Gastric balloons differ in insertion technique, dwell time in the stomach, and the materials used. Below are brief overviews of frequently used balloon options:

1. Six-Month Endoscopic Balloon
   • A silicone balloon placed endoscopically and inflated with ~500 ml of tinted fluid.
   • It can remain in place for 6 months. Beyond that, it should be removed endoscopically.
   • While it stays in the stomach for 6 months, its effectiveness starts to wane after about 4 months.
2. Adjustable Balloon for 12 Months
   • Also placed endoscopically, this silicone balloon is initially inflated with ~450–500 ml of tinted fluid.
   • Unlike the six-month option, it can remain in the stomach for 12 months and can be adjusted later (up to ~750–800 ml) if its effect diminishes.
   • This adjustability provides a more dynamic, year-long intervention and can yield better weight-loss results.
3. Allurion Swallowable Balloon
   • The biggest advantage: no endoscopy or anesthesia is required for placement.
   • Made of soft polyurethane, it causes less gastric irritation and fewer side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and cramping.
   • It stays in the stomach for about 16 weeks, during which it helps maintain satiety.
   • After ~16 weeks, the balloon self-deflates and naturally passes out of the body. Patients benefit from a six-month follow-up program via a smart scale, watch, and the Allurion phone application, providing an online weight-loss roadmap and a comprehensive lifestyle-change plan.

Pros and Cons of Gastric Balloon

Cons:

• After balloon placement, the “adaptation period” (first 3–4 days) may bring nausea, vomiting, and cramping. These side effects can be minimized with appropriate measures (e.g., special medication protocols started about a week before the procedure and continued after placement).
• Once the balloon’s active window ends (usually 6 or 12 months, or 16 weeks for Allurion), the effect can be temporary if the patient fails to establish long-term healthy eating habits. Weight regain is possible for individuals who revert to previous habits.

Pros:

• Unlike surgical weight-loss options, a gastric balloon procedure does not create permanent anatomical changes.
• The patient can potentially achieve target weight ranges without surgery.
• Re-application is feasible if needed, providing an option for those who regain weight or miss their weight-loss goals.

Post-Procedure Diet and Lifestyle

A controlled diet under the guidance of a dietitian is critical. The balloon—inflated with tinted saline—partially fills the stomach, leaving less space for food. This leads to faster satiety and helps reduce portion sizes. Combining this reduced intake with exercise can boost weight loss while adopting healthier dietary habits.

Guidelines after balloon placement might include:

• Starting with liquids and smoothly transitioning to soft or normal foods over time.
• Being mindful of protein intake and overall balanced nutrition.
• Drinking enough water but avoiding consumption with meals to optimize satiety.

Weight-Loss Expectations

Results depend on the type of balloon chosen, the balloon’s dwell time, and patient adherence to lifestyle modifications. Typically, 10–15% of one’s starting weight can be lost during the program. Achieving these results long-term requires adopting new, healthier eating habits and routine follow-ups with dietitians or medical professionals.

Candidate Eligibility for Gastric Balloon

• A body mass index (BMI) of at least 27 is commonly recommended.
• Individuals with acid reflux, gastritis, or ulcers may still qualify after endoscopic evaluation.
• The procedure is not suitable for those with certain prior stomach surgeries.
• Each balloon type has particular benefits, limitations, and ideal use cases. The best choice for you should be determined after thorough consultation.

Yutulabilir (Swallowable) Balloon: Pre-Procedure Needs

If undergoing a swallowable balloon application, follow these guidelines:

• Cease all food and drink 12 hours before placement.
• Discontinue any blood-thinning medications 1 week before.
• Align any other instructions with your doctor’s advice.

How Much Weight Can One Lose?

Patients can lose an average of 10 kilograms or more, although actual results vary widely based on individual metabolism and adherence to lifestyle changes. The balloon acts primarily as a tool to curb appetite. Once the balloon is removed or passes, the patient must rely on long-lasting dietary and exercise habits to maintain or continue weight loss.

Costs (Mide Balonu Fiyatları 2024)

Pricing depends on:

• The type of balloon (6-month, 12-month adjustable, or Allurion).
• The healthcare facility, physician expertise, medications, follow-up protocols.

For exact treatment and cost details, contact your medical provider directly.

Overall: Gastric balloon placement represents a non-surgical weight-loss approach that can be repeated if necessary. Properly managed, it can yield significant weight loss and help individuals adopt healthy, long-term dietary habits to maintain results after the balloon’s removal.