POLIKLINIKA OFTALMOLOGIJA I INTERNA-GASTROENTEROLOGIJA

GASTRIC BALOON - A guide for patients

According to Croatian national consensus on daiagnosis and treatment of obesity (Liječnički vijesnik 2007;129:51-53), intragastric balloon is recommended and accepted as one of methods for obesity treatment.

 

At the first medical examination your general health condition will be checked, and some laboratory tests will be planned. Don’t forget to take with you medical documentation, if you have some.
If your health and laboratory tests are satisfying, you will be informed about the date when procedure of balloon placement will be performed.

 

Important reminders

• Do not eat solid food ten hours before procedure, and do not drink liquids at least six hours before procedure
• Do not smoke on the day of the procedure
• You have to take at least three days of rest after balloon placement

 

The day of balloon placement

At the day of balloon placement your medical team (gastroenterologist, anesthesiologist, nurses) will prepare you for endoscopic balloon placement. Whole procedure will take approximately 20 minutes and will be performed in intravenous anesthesia. Empty balloon will be placed in your stomach through your mouth, and filled with saline solution after placement.
After procedure and complete awakening you will be shortly observed, and then discharged home. We advise accompanying person on the way home. Do not come with the car if you are coming alone to the procedure.

 

Get familiar to the balloon

During the first few days stomach gets used to the presence of the balloon. In this period you may experience nausea, vomiting, bloating, and cramping, until your body adjusts. It is important do drink enough of liquid to avoid dehydratation. Liquid diet should be continued during first three days which might include the following: juices, milk, thin soups or broths, gelatins. Solid food should not be consumed. Following food should also be avoided: coffee, fizzy drinks, fatty foods, chocolate, ice cream.

 

Important reminders

• Do not engage in any physical activity for the first 24 hours.
•Drink cold liquids in small amounts, beginning with a teaspoon, and slowly increase the amount of the liquids as you are able. If liquid is taken in large amounts there is a higher risk of nausea and vomiting.
• A doctor will be on call the first 24 hours to handle any reactions or distress you may feel.

 

Transitioning to solid foods

After a few days on a liquid diet, you will be ready to begin the transition to solid foods. Prior to solid foods, you will graduate to semi-solids. How quickly you make this transition will depend on your progress and how well your body is tolerating the liquids. It is important to make the transition slowly and not try to rush the adjustment process.
At this period eat porridge, thicker soups, fruit purees and similar food.
Gradually you should start with solid food, at the beginning in smaller amounts.
After first two weeks your body will have adjusted to the gastric balloon. It is important that during the following six months you follow the instructions of your doctor. Regular controls will be planned. This period will adapt you for the lifestyle changes you must make in order to maintain your new body weight.

The success will be better if you:

• Visit your doctor regularly
• Keep a diary of what you eat and how much you exercise
• Make your new nutrition plan a long term lifestyle change.

If you feel nauseated for a longer period of time than the initial few days, let your doctor know immediately.

 

Removal of the gastric balloon

After six months balloon will be removed in 20-minute procedure, similar that of the placement. You will be in short intravenous anesthesia. Before removing from your stomach, balloon will be deflated.

 

Important reminders

• Do not eat solid food 24 hours before procedure
• Do not drink liquids 12 hours before procedure
• Do not smoke at the day of the procedure
• Arrange to have assistance on your way home.

 

Frequently asked questions

 

 

• How much weight will I lose?

You can experience significant weight loss averaging between 15 – 20 kilos. Results will depend on how well you follow the program and adjust your eating habits.

 

• Will I be able to feel the balloon in my stomach?

There will be discomfort during the first few days. After that, the primary sensation of the balloon is a feeling of satiety.

 

• Are there side effects with the gastric balloon?

First three days nausea vomiting and cramping should be expected. It is important that you drink a plenty of fluids during this time to avoid dehydratation. Medication may be available to help ease the discomfort.

 

• How long will it take to recover after the procedure?

You should plan at least three days to recover from the procedure, longer period of symptoms is infrequent.

 

• How will the weight-loss results compare with other diet programs?

You can expect more weight loss with the gastric balloon, because it gives you a feeling of satiety. You are better able to control your eating and make healthy changes in your eating habits.

 

• Does the balloon require frequent visits to my doctor after the procedure?

Monthly controls are necessary to measure your weight loss, discuss dietary measures and control the diameter and position of the balloon by ultrasound.

 

• Does the balloon limit activity?

The first week you should not plan any heavy activity. Once your body has adjusted to the gastric balloon you can continue your normal activities. Exercise program will improve your success.

 

• What happens if balloon leaks?

If the balloon leaks you will notice a change in your urine color (it will be greenish). In that case you should IMMIDIATELLY call your doctor. If balloon deflates it will likely pass through your body naturally, but in some cases it may need to be removed by your doctor and exchanged with new one.

 

• Can I drink alcohol?

Of course, but in moderate amounts.

 

• Can I eat anything I want? Are there any food restrictions?

You will not feel like eating as much as you used to. If you eat fatty foods or sweats, you may feel sick. Excessive overeating while the balloon is in the place can be dangerous and can result in serious medical condition.

 

• How is the balloon removed?

The balloon is removed through the mouth in the same manner it was inserted ins hort intravenous anesthesia.

 

Tips for better success

• Stay mindful about your food portions

• Learn and practice healthy food habits

• Keep a journal and monitor your eating behavior

• Limit your intake of fatty and sweet foods.

• Choose high fiber foods to feel fool, but remember they supply a relatively small amount of energy.

• Drink plenty of non-caloric liquids.

• Exercise more.