The gastric balloon is inserted into the stomach through an endoscopic procedure (via the mouth).
Placement procedure times can vary between 20–30 minutes.
- Your physician, Dr Paul Froomes will first look at the stomach with an endoscopic camera and, once it is determined there are no abnormalities, will proceed with the procedure.
- The balloon is inserted in a deflated state via a swallowing process, which is made easier with a light sedation.
- Once inside the stomach, the balloon is immediately filled with saline water through a small filling tube. The balloon has a selfsealing valve and once it is filled, the tube is gently removed. At this point, the balloon will be too large to leave the stomach via the digestive tract.
- After placement, the patient will remain in the clinic for observation for a period of 1–2 hours. After this, your physician will discharge the patient into the care of the person who will take them home.
NOTE: Patients will be asked to follow a specific diet regime prior to the placement procedure. You should contact Dr Paul Froomes Rooms with any concerns about taking your routine prescription medications prior to the surgery.
Side effects such as nausea and vomiting will be experienced during the first few days as the stomach gets used to the presence of the balloon. These side effects can often be managed by medication, e.g. anti-emetics, prescribed by your doctor.
The Video below demonstrates the Placement of the Gastric balloon
