An intragastric balloon is a nonsurgical and temporary weight loss device. A smooth, soft saline-filled balloon (about the size of a grapefruit) is placed in your stomach. Once in place, the intragastric balloon will partially fill the stomach, so you may consume smaller portions of food and still feel full. Along with professional health and wellness advice, the balloon will allow you to adopt good healthy eating habits and change your lifestyle.
Here’s how Intragastric Balloon works
The Intragastric Balloon is placed via the mouth into the stomach, helping you adjust to smaller portion sizes to promote weight loss. The balloon is removed after 12 months, while lifestyle changes help maintain your progress.
Who’s a good fit for Intragastric Balloon?
To see if these procedures are right for you, consult a gastroenterologist or a bariatric endoscopy specialist at a nearby hospital.
Frequently asked questions about Intragastric Ballon (FAQs)
You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.
To qualify for Intragastric Balloon, you must be an adult, have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 to 50 kg/m2, and be willing to participate in a medically supervised program. Talk to a doctor about whether you’re a good candidate.
It is important to understand that the balloon is a tool to aid weight loss and must be used in conjunction with diet, exercise, and a behavior modification program. The amount of weight you lose and maintain will depend on how closely you follow your diet and adopt long-term lifestyle changes. In a study, patients lost 3.1 times the weight of those who were on a diet and exercise program alone.2 Typically, patients lose 10-13% total body weight with intragastric balloon at 12 months.2,3,4
Intragastric balloon has been reviewed in over 250 published global clinical papers, and a balloon leak or deflation happens in fewer than 1 in 200 patients over the course of six months. However, if the balloon spontaneously deflate, you may no longer feel full after eating. If you suspect this may be the case, notify your doctor immediately. A simple abdominal X-ray can determine if the balloon has deflated. If it has, your doctor will arrange to remove the deflated balloon.
In a clinical study, patients on average maintained about 75% of their weight loss six months after intragastric balloon was removed.2
It is very likely the presence of the balloon in the stomach will cause nausea or vomiting after placement. In some patients, it may last one to two weeks. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help minimize these potential effects. You must maintain regular contact with your doctor while intragastric balloon is in your stomach. Nausea and vomiting are common when intragastric balloon is first placed. These symptoms typically improve in the first few weeks as you adjust to intragastric balloon. If you begin to feel intense stomach or back pain, either steady or cyclic, contact your doctor immediately. These may be signs of a major problem with your stomach and could lead to death. After you have adjusted to intragastric balloon contact your doctor and seek immediate medical care if you once again begin to have nausea, vomiting, stomach or back pain, swelling of the upper stomach with or without discomfort, difficulty breathing or gastroesophageal reflux.
In approximately 1 in 300 patients, the balloon can get bigger while it’s in your stomach. If you think the balloon is getting larger, contact your doctor. An X-ray can be performed to confirm whether this has happened. If it has, the balloon should be removed. Talk with your doctor to fully understand all risks and benefits of using this device.
Intragastric balloons are constructed of a very smooth and soft silicone material to minimalize the risk of irritating the stomach wall. You will also be prescribed medicines that will reduce the acidity in your stomach and help protect your stomach wall. Patients with prior stomach surgery are not eligible for the procedure because of a higher risk of the balloon causing perforation in the stomach. Some patients without prior stomach surgery have also had stomach perforations, but this is typically following extended periods of side effects. Patients should be advised to immediately contact their physician if they are experiencing severe pain and nausea. The balloon may need to be removed.
The balloon should be removed at the stated time. Leaving the balloon in your stomach for a longer period increases certain risks, most notably deflation of the balloon. If the balloon does deflate, there is a risk of it causing an obstruction in your stomach or intestines. This happens rarely, but you should schedule your balloon removal soon after your balloon is placed, so that there is no delay.
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1. Calculations performed by Boston Scientific. Data on file.
2. Intragastric BalloonTM Intragastric Balloon System U.S. FDA Pivotal Study. n = 137 Intragastric Balloon, n = 136 control, p<0.001. Most of the patients from the US FDA Pivotal study were female and Caucasian.
Because of this, data from this study may not accurately represent the same effectiveness and safety profiles in Hispanic, African American, or other ethnic populations.
3. Kumar N, et al. The Influence of the Intragastric Balloon Filling Volumes on Weight Loss, Tolerability, and Adverse Events: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. 2017.
4. Moore et al. Safety and effectiveness of an intragastric balloon as an adjunct to weight reduction in a post-marketing clinical setting. 2020.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this document by Boston Scientific India is for educational purposes only for patient/family member of the patient who is planning to be implanted with Boston Scientific’s device based on the judgement of Healthcare professional and cannot be circulated further. Healthcare professional holds the responsibility to share the information as deemed appropriate with the patient/family member of the patient. The information should not be treated as comprehensive and does not intend to provide diagnosis, treatment or any medical advice. Responsibility for patient care resides with the healthcare professional on the basis of his or her professional licence, experience and knowledge of the patient. Healthcare professionals must rely on their judgment when deciding which treatments and procedures to use with patients. Individual results may vary and hence, it is advisable to consult your doctor or other qualified health care professional regarding any medical or health related diagnosis.
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