GASTRIC BALLOON
ORBERA
Gastric balloons are silicone weight-loss devices filled with saline solution and the procedure is reversible and non-surgical. Gastric balloons are placed endoscopically inside the stomach. Once placed in your stomach, the gastric balloon will reduce the amount of food your stomach can hold, allowing you to feel full more quickly At Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery (MIB), we are one of the leading practices in South Florida offering gastric balloons for weight loss.
How do gastric balloons work?
The purpose of a gastric balloon is to jump-start your weight loss journey. It also improves your ability to maintain your long-term weight loss goals. Gastric balloons are non-surgical and less invasive than bariatric surgery.
Deflated, the soft silicone gastric balloon is inserted into the stomach where it is inflated with a sterile saline solution or special gas. The balloon system will remain in the patient's stomach for up to six months. The addition of a gastric balloon in the stomach will promote satiety, decreasing the feeling of hunger.
After inserting a gastric balloon into the patient's stomach, the patient must follow a personalized diet and exercise regimen as determined by his or her physician. Along with a gastric balloon, strict diet and behavior modification of the patient's behavior play an important role in successful weight loss.
Do I qualify for a gastric balloon?
If you answer "yes" to all of the questions below, you may qualify!
- Are you between 18 and 60 years old?
- Do you have a BMI between 30 and 40 kg / m2?
- Do you have esophageal lesions or intestinal or bowel problems?
- Can you refrain from becoming pregnant during treatment?
- Have you tried to lose weight with non-surgical methods without success?
- Do you understand the risks, side effects and complications?
- Do you agree to make the necessary lifestyle changes?
- Can you commit to a healthy and active lifestyle?
Am I a good candidate for a gastric sleeve?
In general, patients with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 40 are suitable for gastric sleeves. Some people are too heavy to qualify for gastric bypass surgery, so gastric sleeve surgery may be a good alternative.
Before the procedure
ollow the two-week diet prior to the procedure as prescribed. Also, do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight prior to the procedure; otherwise, the procedure will be cancelled. Chewing gum or taking certain medications may also result in cancellation of your procedure.
Day of the procedure
After you are sedated, your physician will use an endoscope, a tool used to view organs through a camera lens and tube, to inspect your stomach. If your physician sees no abnormalities, he or she will proceed to place a deflated gastric balloon into your stomach through your mouth.
After insertion, the balloon is inflated with a saline solution through a small tube attached to the gastric balloon. Your physician will then remove this small tube. The valve connecting the gastric balloon and the small tube will automatically seal. The placement takes approximately 25 minutes. After which, one of our experienced weight loss surgeons will monitor you and then discharge you.
Day of the procedure
1-2 days after the balloon is placed in the stomach, patients are usually able to return to work.
Recovery is painless; however, some patients experience nausea and gastric discomfort. This is normal because your body is adjusting to the balloon. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor or nurse about any problems you are having.
Our Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery team will be by your side every step of the way. Attend follow-up visits and follow the diet and exercise regimen that you and your doctor have discussed.
The gastric balloon will be removed from your stomach in six months or less. With continued commitment to a healthy lifestyle, with the help of your gastric balloon experience, significant weight loss can be achieved and maintained.
Abel Bello, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive procedures, including surgeries using the da Vinci® surgical system. At MIB Surgery in Plantation, Florida, he performs bariatric surgery, reflux surgery, and specialized procedures using a flexible endoscope.