Understanding How the Gastric Balloon Works to Help You Lose Weight

If you’re overweight or obese and conventional dieting and exercise just haven’t worked for you, a gastric balloon may be an option. This balloon is placed in your stomach during a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure. The process of getting a balloon isn’t quite surgery, but it has the effect of shrinking your stomach temporarily so you eat less and lose weight.

At Trinity Bariatric Institute, we can help you determine whether this balloon procedure is the right step in your weight loss journey.

How the balloon works

The gastric balloon is swallowed in the office with a series of 3 balloons over a 6 week period. There is a thin tubing attached to the balloon and a hitch is used to inflate each balloon with a dense gas once it is swallowed. Once all three balloons are in place they fill up the stomach, giving you a sense of fullness and less hunger!

The balloon remains in your stomach for about six months, long enough to help you create healthier habits that continue to support weight loss after the balloon is removed. Because your stomach is smaller (the balloon takes up space), it holds less food. You get full faster with smaller portions, thus taking in fewer calories.

Dr. Dyslin does the procedure on an outpatient basis, so you go home the same day. Usually, you’re heavily sedated for the balloon placement, but not placed under general anesthesia.

Candidates for a gastric balloon

Dr. Dyslin may recommend a gastric balloon if you’re classified as obese, with a BMI (body mass index) of 30-40. In some cases, your BMI may be as low as 27 if you have chronic conditions aggravated by your weight. These include diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea.

To qualify for the balloon, you should also be able to commit to making healthy lifestyle changes in conjunction with the balloon procedure. Lifestyle changes include increased physical activity, dietary changes, and behavioral therapy.

You can’t have prior stomach surgery or esophageal surgery if you want to be a candidate for balloon placement.

Benefits of a gastric balloon

A gastric balloon is a less drastic procedure than bariatric surgery, such as bypass or sleeve surgery. It’s temporary and reversible. Even if you aren’t eligible for other weight loss surgeries, we may find that you’re the perfect candidate for a gastric balloon.

If you opt for the balloon, your appetite is automatically curbed because your smaller stomach size means you get full on less food. You won’t need additional medications to help you lose weight when you have the balloon.

Diet following gastric balloon placement

You start drinking small amounts of liquid in the six hours following balloon placement. You continue to follow a liquid diet for about two weeks as your stomach adjusts to the balloon. Following this liquid diet, you can start eating soft foods, such as scrambled eggs and bananas. Around week three, your diet can resume a regular pattern.

It’s important that you carefully consider the foods you choose following gastric balloon placement. Since you’re eating less, the foods you do choose should be of the highest nutritional quality. We can help you create a meal plan that supports weight loss, your smaller appetite, and good health.

At Trinity Bariatric Institute, we want to help you lose weight safely and for good. Call our office or schedule a consultation to learn more about the gastric balloon and other interventions that may be appropriate for you.