The gastric balloon method of weight loss available if your BMI is between 30 and 40. A balloon is inserted into the stomach that restricts food intake and causes a feeling of fullness. This procedure is temporary, because the balloon must be removed within six months.
Surgery and Recovery
- 30 minutes
- Outpatient procedure
- Two-hour recovery period
Benefits
- Useful tool, along with diet and exercise, to assist with weight loss for patients with a BMI of 30 to 40 whose options can be somewhat limited
- Requires no incisions
- Reversible, removed within six months
- Ten percent of mean total body weight is typically lost six months after the procedure
Risks
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
- Gastric outlet obstruction
- Gastrointestinal perforation
- Spontaneous deflation
Other Considerations
- No medication restriction
- Liquid diet for one week, soft foods for two weeks, then regular diet for five months until balloon is removed
