It’s true—a balloon can help with weight loss! Intragastric balloon placement is a non-surgical option that aids portion control and appetite management. Here’s how it works and what to expect.
WORDS LIM TECK CHOON
 FEATURED EXPERTDR LIM HUAY CHEEN Consultant Upper Gastrointestinal, Bariatric & General Surgeon Regency Specialist Hospital |
Intragastric balloon placement is a somewhat recent weight loss procedure that can be considered as an alternative for people that meet the prerequisites for this procedure and do not wish to go for weight loss surgeries.
A BALLOON? REALLY?
Yes, we’re talking about a balloon that will be placed in the stomach, although it’s not the same balloons that see at birthday parties.
“The intragastric balloon is made of silicone,” explains Dr Lim Huay Cheen.
SO, HOW DOES THE INTRAGASTRIC BALLOON WORK?
- Once it is inserted into the stomach, the intragastric balloon is inflated saline solution.
- “This helps to reduce appetite and encourages healthier eating habits,” Dr Lim states.
- The balloon takes up space in your stomach, so when you eat, you will feel full faster—so you will end up eating less than you normally would!
- Furthermore, the presence of the balloon helps slow down the emptying of the stomach of the food you’ve eaten.
- This procedure also decreases the levels of the hormone ghrelin, which controls your appetite. Hence, you’ll also end up having less appetite, as Dr Lim stated earlier. However, some studies suggest that this decrease in the levels of ghrelin only takes place when you also reduce the number of calories that you consume.
Dr Lim adds that, when combined with an exercise programme, the intragastric balloon placement procedure can assist in your weight loss.
THERE ARE 2 TYPES OF INTRAGASTRIC BALLOONS
Dr Lim shares that there are 2 types of intragastric balloon: the adjustable balloon that has a volume of 500 to 750 cm3 and the non-adjustable one that has a fixed volume of 550 cm3.
How Is the Balloon Inserted into the Stomach and Later Removed?
“The insertion process depends on the type of balloon,” says Dr Lim.
Adjustable Balloon
- Inserted with an endoscope.
- Removed with an endoscope.
Non-Adjustable Balloon
- You’d swallow it like you would swallow a pill.
- It passes through your digestive system and comes out at the other end when you use the toilet.
WHICH IS BETTER, ADJUSTABLE OR NON-ADJUSTABLE BALLOONS?
- Some studies suggest that both types yield about the same amount of weight loss.
- Meanwhile, one study suggests that adjustable ones work better on overweight people while non-adjustable ones work better on obese people.
Research is still ongoing on this subject, so in the meantime, you should discuss this matter further with your doctor.
DO YOU QUALIFY FOR THIS PROCEDURE?
- First things first: Dr Lim qualifies that the intragastric balloon placement procedure is not typically considered a primary treatment for obesity.
- You should consider modifying your lifestyle first, primarily adopting healthy and balanced meals within your recommended nutrient and caloric intake and being physically active daily. Only once the above has been done and you still can’t achieve weight loss, will the doctor consider this procedure for you.
- “People with a body mass index or BMI greater than 27 are generally eligible for the procedure,” Dr Lim shares.
However, there are people that may not be suitable to undergo this procedure, even if they meet the BMI prerequisite, such as:
- People with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
- Those that have undergone abdominal surgery.
“Before undergoing the procedure, it is essential to undergo a thorough assessment by a bariatric surgeon to determine the person’s suitability,” Dr Lim elaborates. “They should also receive counselling from a dietitian and receive guidance on post-balloon insertion diet and care.”
HOW LONG IS THE PROCEDURE & WOULD YOU NEED TO STAY IN THE HOSPITAL AFTERWARD?
The procedure itself doesn’t take long. “It is usually performed on an outpatient basis,” says Dr Lim.
He adds that, if all goes well, there is also minimal downtime.
“Patients can often return to work the day after the procedure,” he explains, “although some may require additional rest if they experience discomfort.”
Additionally, you may be prescribed medications to reduce the acid secretion in your stomach for the time being and to manage nausea.
Afterward, there will be follow-up appointments with your healthcare team to monitor your progress and provide any necessary ongoing support.
Possible Side Effects to Take Note Of
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also occur if dietary advice is not followed
A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IS ESSENTIAL TO MAINTAIN YOUR WEIGHT LOSS AFTER THE PROCEDURE
Dr Lim reiterates that the intragastric balloon placement procedure is not some quick fix to your weight issues.
“The procedure is designed to aid weight loss and improve eating behaviours, but long-term success depends on continued adherence to a healthy lifestyle,” he points out.
| This article is part of our series on research-based weight loss methods and medical options. |
References:
- Lari, E., Burhamah, W., Lari, A., Alsaeed, T., Al-Yaqout, K., & Al-Sabah, S. (2021). Intra-gastric balloons – The past, present and future. Annals of medicine and surgery (2012), 63, 102138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amsu.2021.01.086
- Genco, A., Dellepiane, D., Baglio, G., Cappelletti, F., Frangella, F., Maselli, R., Dante, M. C., Camoirano, R., Lorenzo, M., & Basso, N. (2013). Adjustable intragastric balloon vs non-adjustable intragastric balloon: Case-control study on complications, tolerance, and efficacy. Obesity surgery, 23(7), 953–958. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11695-013-0891-5
- Schwaab, M. L., Usuy, E. N., Jr, Albuquerque, M. M., Moreira, D. M., Derossi, V. O., & Usuy, R. T. (2020). Assessment of weight loss after non-adjustable and adjustable intragastric balloon use. Arquivos de gastroenterologia, 57(1), 13–18. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0004-2803.202000000-04
