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Gastric
Balloon ...
The Intra Gastric Balloon is a simple gastric surgery devise,
fitted inside the stomach, to create short term & rapid
weight loss. It is a soft, expandable, silicone balloon
that is placed inside the stomach via a camera that enters
through the mouth and into the stomach. Once inserted in
the stomach, the empty balloon is filled with sterile saline.
Rapid Short term weight loss to
enable surgery
This simple tool allows surgeons the possibility to create
a short and rapid period of weight loss for the candidate,
this may be necessary to reduce a candidate’s weight
to a safer level for further obesity surgery and also enable
the surgeon to successfully monitor whether the gastric
bypass would be suitable for the candidate.
Cure for Diabetes II
In addition the short term weight loss enables the surgeon
to monitor diabetes and its effects to determine the candidate’s
suitability for the Roux en Y Gastric Bypass and whether
the patient might reasonable expect the bypass to cure their
diabetes
The Gastric Balloon is a useful and simple devise that is
easily and quickly fitted without a surgical procedure and
can be easily and simply withdrawn from the stomach without
the patients suffering much discomfort.
This is a temporary restriction
placed inside the stomach pouch, which reduces food intake.
It is generally used in cases where the candidate has an
unusually high BMI, or Diabetes II in order to reduce the
weight of the candidate to a safer level for them to undergo
weight loss surgery safely and to cure diabetes II.
How
Does the Intra Gastric Balloon Work?
The balloon fills a large portion of the stomach, and therefore
reduces the capacity of the stomach.
This creates a feeling of fullness for the patient and does
not allow for overeating, therefore allowing the patient
to effectively diet without feeling continuously hungry.
How
Is the Intra Gastric Balloon procedure performed?
A qualified specialist gastroenterologist performs this
procedure in conjunction with an anaesthetist and trained
nursing staff.
The balloon is introduced into the stomach through the mouth
without the need for surgery. The physician inserts an endoscopic
camera (gastroscope) into the stomach. If no abnormalities
are observed, the physician proceeds with the placement
of the balloon through the mouth and down the oesophagus
into the stomach. Once the balloon is inside the stomach,
it is filled with sterile saline through a small filling
tube attached to the balloon. Once filled, the doctor removes
the tube by gently pulling on the external end, leaving
the balloon inside the stomach.
Placement of the balloon takes approximately take 20 minutes,
after which you will be monitored by specialist nursing
staff in the recovery bay.
As this is a “day-hospital” procedure, you are
generally able to be escorted back to your accommodation
a few hours after balloon insertion.
How
Long Is the Gastric Balloon System Used?
The balloon currently can be used for six months. Longer
periods of use are not recommended. Over time the acidic
content of the stomach will weaken the balloon material
and cause the balloon to deflate. Should your physician
recommend use of the balloon for longer than six months,
a new balloon will be placed six months after the first
balloon is fitted.
While you are using the balloon, your physician may prescribe
a course of oral medication to reduce your stomach acid
(this may reduce the possibility of stomach irritation and
damage to the balloon).
What Happens if the Gastric Balloon
Deflates Spontaneously?
The surgeon will place a coloured dye inside the balloon
called Methelyene Blue. This will help you clearly identify
early deflation or leakage as it will change the colour
of your urine.
The balloon is small enough that it may pass through the
intestines and leave the body naturally, but there have
been some cases in which it has had to be removed from the
bowel surgically. If you suspect a deflation, you must notify
your physician immediately.
How
Will the Gastric Balloon Be Removed?
The balloon is removed in the same way it was placed, via
the oesophagus and mouth.. Using an endoscopic camera, the
physician will introduce a catheter through the mouth and
into the stomach. The balloon will then be punctured and
deflated. Once the balloon is deflated it can be grasped
and removed.
How
Much Weight Will I Lose with the Gastric Balloon System?
It is important for you to understand that the Gastric Balloon
System is an aid to weight loss and must be used in conjunction
with a diet, exercise and a behaviour modification program.
Therefore, the amount of weight you lose will depend on
how closely you follow your diet. How long you maintain
weight loss will depend on how completely you adopt long-term
lifestyle changes involving eating behaviour and exercise.
What
Unpleasant Effects Are Possible with the Gastric Balloon?
It is very likely that the presence of the balloon in the
stomach will cause nausea or vomiting for a few days after
placement. Your physician will prescribe medication to help
minimise these potential effects.
There exists the possibility that you will lose only a small
amount of weight or lose no weight at all while using the
balloon. Of course, as stated earlier, your commitment to
dietary and behavioural changes is a pivotal factor in the
outcome.
There is also the chance that unhealthy, uncontrolled weight
loss will occur and create adverse health consequences.
Be sure to speak with your physician about this.
The Gastric Balloon Program ...
Day 1 |
Arrival
+ Consultation with Dr Stefaan De Clercq + Nutritionist |
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Day 2 |
Consultation
with Dr Stefaan De Clercq + Balloon placement + Return to Hotel |
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Day 3 |
Our
nurse will visit you in your accommodation |
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Day 4 |
Stay
in Hotel |
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Day 5 |
Post
operative check & departure
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