Intragastric balloon: Pros and Cons, and is it the right choice for you?

Published at 16 October 2024

Intragastric balloon is the best solution to treat obesity without surgery, provided that you have tried diet and exercise, and have not succeeded in losing weight. (1)

Here is the most important information about the Intragastric balloon. What are the pros and cons? How is it different from sleeve gastrectomy and other bariatric surgeries? What is the expected weight loss? What are the most important conditions and instructions for its use?

What is the Intragastric balloon procedure?

Intragastric balloon is a way to treat obesity without surgery or medications, by placing a silicone balloon in your stomach and then inflating it and filling it with water, so that it makes you eat less than usual and get full quickly. (2)

Here is the most important information you need to know about the Intragastric balloon: (2)(3)

This balloon is placed endoscopically through the mouth without surgery, without general anesthesia, and is removed in the same way after 6 months. You do not feel pain during the procedure because you are under light anesthesia.
Make sure that the balloon that enters your stomach is of high quality and meets medical specifications.
The Intragastric balloon helps you lose approximately 10-15 kilograms of your weight within 6 months, but this depends on factors such as: your initial weight, the extent of your commitment to new healthy habits, your age, and others.
An Intragastric balloon is not a permanent weight loss solution, it is a temporary tool that helps you start your weight loss journey and change your healthy habits. (4)

Advantages and disadvantages of Intragastric balloon

You can understand the advantages and disadvantages of the Intragastric balloon by comparing the difference between it and sleeve gastrectomy and other bariatric surgeries, as follows: (5)(6)

Advantages of Intragastric balloon

It is a safe procedure and does not require any surgery.
Shorter recovery period.
Less expensive.
It can be undone by removing the balloon at any time.

Disadvantages of Intragastric balloon

A temporary solution that helps you feel full quickly and lose weight only for as long as it lasts.
It requires a commitment from you to the diet to get successful results.
Weight loss will be gradual over 6 months, such that your weight will decrease by approximately 12-40%. (7) On the other hand, sleeve gastrectomy and other bariatric surgeries help with faster and greater weight loss, at a rate ranging between 50-60%, and sometimes more, of body mass within one to two years. (8)(9)

Conditions for the Intragastric balloon procedure

The Intragastric balloon is not suitable for everyone. The doctor must evaluate your situation well to ensure that it is suitable for you, so that some conditions are met before performing it, which are: (7)(10)

The body mass index (BMI) should be between 30-40.
Not having previously undergone stomach or esophagus surgery.
No ulcers or stomach problems.
The woman must not be breastfeeding, pregnant, or planning to become pregnant within a period of 6 months.
A strong desire to adhere to new healthy habits and regular follow-up with the doctor.

How is the Intragastric balloon procedure performed? How long does it take?

First, the doctor recommends a set of instructions to you before the operation. He may ask you to follow a specific diet for days before the operation, then fast the night of the operation to ensure that the stomach is empty during the procedure. (11)

Under anesthesia, the doctor inserts an endoscope from your mouth into your stomach to attach the balloon. The balloon is then inflated with a saline solution (or air in less cases), and the procedure takes approximately 20-30 minutes. (11)

After finishing the procedure, and your condition stabilizes, you are usually discharged from the hospital on the same day, and the nutritionist recommends that you follow a diet based on liquids and pureed food initially until your body gets used to the balloon, then move on to soft foods and a natural diet gradually. (11)

If you are looking for the best place to have a Intragastric balloon procedure in Qatar, Al Ahli Hospital is your perfect choice. In the Gastroenterology department, we have the most skilled doctors and specialists to ensure that the operation is performed with a high level of safety and accuracy.

What are the side effects of Intragastric balloon?

You may experience some mild side effects for a week after the procedure, including: (11)

Stomach pain or discomfort.
nausea.
Indigestion.
Mild sore throat due to endoscopy.
acidity.
Constipation.

In rare cases, some complications may occur from the Intragastric balloon, including deflating the balloon, moving in the digestive system, excessive balloon inflation, or acute pancreatitis. (7)

To avoid complications and ensure the success of the procedure, adhere to your doctor's instructions and regular doctor's follow ups. Follow up can help monitor weight loss progress, provide any necessary adjustments, and ensure no unwanted side effects occur. It is important to contact a doctor immediately if any unusual symptoms appear, such as persistent vomiting or severe abdominal pain, as well as signs of infection and inflammation. Your commitment to proper aftercare plays a vital role in achieving positive results and avoiding health problems.

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