Gastric balloons are commonly used in weight loss management. They achieve weight loss by reducing the capacity of the stomach and therefore limiting the amount of food that be taken.
Types of Gastric Balloon
Medsil, obalon, orberra, Spatz,BIB amongst others.
Advantages
- They are effective in weight loss.
- Procedure is done by use of endoscopy.
- It's daycare(outpatient). Patient goes home the same day.
- No need for surgery.
- Minor discomfort.
- Low cost compared to other procedures.
Procedure
- Gastric Balloon procedures are performed as outpatient,
- You will starve for 8hrs before the procedure.
- You will be sedated with Fentanyl and midazolam during the procedure.
- Deflated Balloon will be placed in the stomach with the aid of an endoscopy and inflated with 500cc of Normal Saline.
- The procedure takes about 50 minutes to perform.
- You will be fully awake before going home.
- You should have a person to drive you home.
- You will be given various medications and multivitamins to reduce nausea, abdominal cramps and to enhance your nutrition.
Care at home
Eating is resumed gradually.
1st week
– Take liquid diet e.g. water,apple juice, chicken broth,
tea,milk, yogurt,thin porridge, etc
2nd week
– Begin blended (puréed) diet
3rd week
– Begin soft/light diet
Diet
- Take plenty of vegetables e.g. carrots, cucumbers, spinach, managu, cabbage, brocolli
- Take enough protein e.g. fish, chicken, beef, peas, beans etc.
- Reduces the amount of carbohydrates e.g. ugali, rice, chapati etc
- ‘Take enough quality fruits e.g. apples, avocados, melons, bananas, pawpaw.
- Reduce mangoes and pineapples.
- Drink 2 to 3 liters of water in a day.
Physical activity
Maintain moderate intensity workout / walk / exercise of 40 minutes 4 days in a week.
Emotional well-being
Practice regular deep breathing, mindfulness, yoga, focus, positive psychology, meditation etc.
Follow-up
You shall have regular follow-up/visits. Initially on the 7th day after the procedure, thereafter every 6 weeks. Keep a record of your weight every week.