Gastric balloon placement

The gastric balloon placement is a procedure under slight general anesthesia applied endoscopically by a gastroenterologist.

What is the gastric balloon ?

The gastric balloon – also called an intra-gastric balloon – is, as its name suggests, a silicone balloon filled with saline solution. It is equipped with a radio-opaque probe that is visible on an X-ray. It is an excellent solution for treating obesity.

Once inserted into the stomach, the gastric balloon occupies a third of the space and floats freely therein. Indeed, the space it occupies reduces the size of the stomach, thus creating a sensation of fullness and satiety. In short, the need for food will be reduced. However, the patient will continue to eat normally, but in much smaller proportions. Consequently, weight loss follows.

The intra-gastric balloon remains in place for 3 to 12 months depending on the model, and will then be removed by the gastroenterologist.

Who is the intra-gastric balloon intended for?

The intra-gastric balloon is ideal for anyone suffering from obesity with a BMI (Body Mass Index) between 28 and 30. These individuals have previously tried to lose weight by attempting weight loss methods. notably following a diet and practicing exercise, without success. Therefore, it is a solution to consider as a last resort.

Therefore, the gastric balloon is a non-surgical treatment of choice for fighting obesity. It is an excellent alternative to bariatric surgery.

What are its contraindications?

Like any medical procedure, the placement of a gastric balloon is not possible in cases of:

• Crohn’s disease
• Severe liver disease
• Pregnancy
• Bulimia or other eating disorders
• Alcoholism or drug addiction
• Severe mental or cognitive disorders
• History of gastric surgery (gastric band or anti-reflux)
• Hiatal hernia larger than 5 cm
• Severe esophagitis
• Gastroduodenal ulcer

If you are suffering from any of these conditions or are pregnant and are considering getting an intra-gastric balloon, it is best to first discuss it with your primary care physician.

The different types of intra-gastric balloons and the placement procedure

There are two types of intra-gastric balloons:

• the classic gastric balloon, placed by endoscopy
• the swallowable intragastric balloon

Regardless of the type of intra-gastric balloon you prefer, you should know that this procedure is not trivial. Indeed, it is essential to consult a clinic specializing in digestive endoscopy.

The swallowable intra-gastric balloon

This type of intra-gastric balloon requires neither endoscopy nor anesthesia. The deflated balloon is connected to a thin catheter.

First, the patient swallows the balloon, which is the size of a tablet. An X-ray is used to ensure that the gastric balloon is properly placed in the stomach. Thus, the (vegetarian) capsule surrounding the balloon dissolves in the stomach.

Next, the doctor fills the gastric balloon with a saline solution using the tube connected to the catheter. A second X-ray ensures that the balloon is properly filled.

Finally, the tube connected to the catheter is removed through the patient’s mouth.

Altogether, this procedure lasts about 20 minutes.

This type of gastric balloon does not need to be removed after a few months. Indeed, after about four months, the swallowable gastric balloon degrades and is naturally evacuated through the digestive tract.

The classic gastric balloon

The placement of the classic gastric balloon is done in two steps. A preparation phase and the placement itself.

Preparation Phase

First, a preparatory phase ensures, on the one hand, that the obese patient is eligible for treatment. And on the other hand, it checks their medical history and journey.

Thus, the preliminary meeting with various health professionals at our clinic is essential: nutritionist, psychologist, gastroenterologist, and anesthesiologist. The agenda for these appointments includes a health check-up, BMI calculation, assessment of eating behavior, determination of depression risks, etc.

Placement of the gastric balloon

The gastroenterologist is responsible for placing the gastric balloon. Thus, the patient receives a light dose of sedation before the start of the procedure to reduce their stress and ensure their comfort.

Firstly, an endoscopy of the stomach is performed (this takes place in our center in Brussels) to ensure that the patient’s digestive tract is suitable for placement.

Secondly, the doctor inserts the deflated balloon through the mouth until it reaches the stomach. Once in place, the gastroenterologist fills it with air or liquid via the catheter. The saline solution that makes up the intra-gastric balloon contains a portion of methylene blue, in order to instantly identify any leakage from the balloon.

Lastly, the doctor can finally remove the probe by pulling on the internal end of the catheter. By doing so, the gastric balloon closes to prevent any leakage of its liquid contents. Now, the gastric balloon floats freely in the stomach.

This procedure lasts less than fifteen minutes. That being said, the patient will still need to remain under observation for an hour after placement.

Follow-up after gastric balloon placement

The first few days after gastric balloon placement are generally uncomfortable. However, the entire team will be available to help you deal with any difficulties. Symptoms experienced during the first 72 hours include:

• abdominal discomfort
• nausea
• vomiting

Rest assured, these manifestations are perfectly normal. The body needs some time to adjust. Of course, the various doctors on our team give patients instructions to alleviate these discomforts.

A few basic rules are to be followed in the first few days, including staying well hydrated but in small quantities and consuming only liquid foods.

Patient follow-up

Following the placement of the intra-gastric balloon, regular follow-up will be provided by our multidisciplinary medical team. Composed of a gastroenterologist, a nutritionist and a psychologist, this follow-up is essential, particularly to ensure the success and achievement of the weight loss goal by the obese patient.

These consultations will be weekly at first. Then gradually they will be spaced out: one consultation every two weeks. In the last month, they will become weekly again to ensure that the patient is able to maintain, in the long term, the good habits acquired during this period and thus continue their weight loss until they reach a “normal” BMI.

What are the advantages of the intra-gastric balloon?

The effectiveness of the intra-gastric balloon is well established. Indeed, since its popularization, more and more people are opting for this non-aggressive solution: no healing, scars or stitches!

Unlike bariatric surgery which is more heavy in terms of recovery, side effect risks, and complications.

The intragastric balloon allows you to improve your lifestyle in the long term and avoid all the diseases related to obesity and overweight that only worsen with age.

What results can be expected?

For optimal results, it is essential to choose a reputable clinic specialized in gastric balloon placement. Besides this evidence, it is essential to follow to the letter the advice and prescriptions of all the doctors who are taking care of you.

As for weight loss, a minimum of 3 kg is guaranteed. However, it can reach 20 kg, or even more depending on your commitment. On average, you can lose 10 to 30% of your weight in the first month after placement of a gastric balloon.

DDG Clinic specializes in diseases of the digestive tract, particularly in digestive endoscopy and weight loss : the Ideal Weight Clinic, since the 1980s. Located in Belgium, in Ixelles. Its numerous health professionals can be reached at +32 (0)2 673 90 71 or via the online appointment booking form.