Intragastric balloon placement

Intragastric balloon treatment can help one in losing weight by limiting how much one can eat and making one feel fuller faster.

Eligibility:
Intragastric balloon treatment is an option for the following candidates:

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Intragastric balloon placement is usually recommended in overweight people who have been unable to lose weight through diet and exercise. Loss of weight can help in preventing weight-related health problems, like:

  1. Heart disease
  2. High blood pressure
  3. Stroke
  4. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  5. Type 2 diabetes
  6. Obstructive sleep apnea
  7. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
  1. Physical examination: The doctor will evaluate your overall physical health, along with your medical history and symptoms.
  2. Blood tests: Underlying medical conditions can be detected using blood tests.
  3. Liver function test: This test helps to check how well the liver is working.
  4. Renal function test: the doctor will evaluate how well the kidneys are working using this test.
  5. Chest x-rays: The condition of the heart and lungs can be gauged using chest x-rays.
  6. Electrocardiogram (ECG): This test helps in measuring the heart’s electrical activity.
  7. Doppler Ultrasound: This test will help in estimating the blood flow through the blood vessels by using high-frequency sound waves.
  8. CT scans: This is a type of imaging test performed to obtain a clear picture of the internal organs and plan the balloon placement.

 

  1. The procedure is generally performed under sedation.
  2. The doctor will advance a catheter (thin tube) loaded with an intragastric balloon down the throat into the stomach.
  3. An endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera on one end) is then advanced down the throat into the stomach. The camera will allow the doctor to see the balloon as it is filled with saline.
  4. The doctor will then fill the balloon using a blue-colored saline solution through the catheter.
  5. The balloon will fill the stomach partially to give a feeling of fullness and reduce hunger.
  6. The procedure will take about 20 minutes to one hour to complete.

The intragastric balloon is usually allowed to stay in place for approximately six months, after which the doctor removes the balloon through endoscopy in the following manner:

  1. The procedure is generally done under the effect of a mild sedative.
  2. An endoscope is passed through a catheter inserted via the mouth.
  3. An endoscope is used to deflate, grab, and remove the balloon.
  4. The procedure will take about 15 minutes to complete.
  5. The doctor will decide whether or not to place a new balloon.
  6. You may go home on the same day after the procedure.

 

Intragastric balloon treatment may be associated with the following side effects and complications:

  1. Nausea
  2. Vomiting
  3. Abdominal pain
  4. Bleeding
  5. Infection
  6. Allergic reactions
  7. Breathing problems
  8. Overinflation of the balloon
  9. Deflation of the balloon
  10. Acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
  11. Perforation in the stomach wall
  12. Perforation in the small or large intestine 
  13. Blockage in the digestive system
  1. You can usually go home on the same day following intragastric balloon treatment.
  2. It is normal to feel some discomfort for a few days after the procedure. Inform the doctor if you feel extreme pain or discomfort after the procedure.
  3. You can expect to lose about 7% to 15% of your body weight within six months of treatment.
  4. You can lose a total of 30% to 47% of your body weight after the procedure.
  5. Most patients can usually resume work two to three days after the procedure.
  6. You will have a follow-up appointment with your doctor one week after the procedure to check your recovery and how well the procedure is working.
  7. Approximately six months after the procedure, the doctor will remove the intragastric balloon.

Home remedies:

The following home care tips will help in obtaining a smooth and quick recovery following intragastric balloon treatment:

  1. You can start taking clear liquids approximately six hours after the procedure.
  2. Drink lots of water for the first few days after the procedure.
  3. For the first week after the procedure, restrict yourself to a liquid diet consisting of milk, juices, soup, and broth. You can then gradually start with a semi-solid and then solid diet.
  4. It may take up to three weeks before you can start eating your regular food.
  5. Avoid ice creams, caffeinated drinks, chocolates, and fatty food items during the recovery period.
  6. Eat small, frequent meals instead of large, heavy meals.
  7. Do regular, mild exercises such as walking.
  8. Avoid strenuous physical activities and heavy lifting for a few weeks after the procedure.

Cost of intragastric balloon treatment- 

The cost of intragastric balloon treatment in Mumbai is between INR 3,50,000 to INR 5,00,000.
The cost of intragastric balloon treatment in Delhi is between INR 3,00,000 to INR 4,00,000.
The cost of intragastric balloon treatment in Bangalore is between INR 3,00,000 to INR 4,00,000.
The cost of intragastric balloon treatment in Chennai is between INR 2,80,000 to INR 3,50,000.