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By Abdulaziz Ali - Medically reviewed by Prof. Cuneyt Kayaalp, on Sep 15, 2024

Gastric Balloon Risks Abroad 

Intragastric balloons are safely used worldwide in individuals with obesity or overweight. Complications are very rare and may be easily treated. Nausea, vomiting, and cramps may occur during the first 2 or 3 days after the placement of the balloon.

Certain medications are prescribed prior to hospital discharge to prevent such complications from occurring. Such symptoms disappear after the first 2 or 3 days. The risk of a balloon rupture is not common. But the liquid inside the balloon may leak.

The leak and deflation of the balloon may be easily detected by the blue color of the urine as the balloon is inflated with methylene blue. If you notice such a color change, please contact your doctor immediately for the balloon to be checked endoscopically and removed if necessary.

Common Complications of Gastric Balloon Surgery 

  • Abdominal or back pain
  • Feeling imbalanced
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Acid reflux or indigestion.
  • Balloon rupture
  • Injury during insertion or removal

Gastric Balloon Treatment Recovery Timeline

The procedure is simple, fast, and non-invasive. Meaning there is no downtime. After your doctor inserts the balloon in your stomach, you can leave the hospital. Expect to experience a mild sore throat because of the tube insertion.

Expect full recovery after 3 - 4 days from the procedure. You can return to work one week after the procedure. Follow your doctor's dietary guidelines.

Gastric Balloon Surgery Success Rate: 

Most patients report a high satisfaction rate, and gastric balloon surgery has a success rate of 75% 

How is the Gastric Balloon Procedure Performed?

The procedure is simple and fast, lasts between 15 and 20 minutes, and does not require hospitalization. Intragastric balloon treatment lasts 6 or 12 months. After this time, the balloon is removed with almost the same procedure. The average weight loss with the gastric balloon is between 20 - 25 kg.

However, it is possible to lose more or less weight depending on the tolerance of each patient to the balloon and the consistency of the same concerning the diet that the medical team has designated.

How To Prepare For The Gastric Balloon Surgery  

  • A week before the procedure, you should stop taking Aspirin and any other medication that causes blood thinning.
  • If you are allergic to any drugs, you should inform your surgeon as soon as possible.
  • Avoid smoking before the surgery.
  • Consuming any alcoholic beverages can affect anesthesia. So it would be best if you did not take in anything alcoholic before surgery.
  • Follow your doctor-prescribed medication that adjusts your current medicines. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

What Is the Gastric Balloon For?

The gastric balloon is a silicone balloon that is placed in the stomach, to intervene in the satiety receptors and give the patient a feeling of fullness in less time, limiting food intake and causing weight loss.

How Much Weight Will I Lose with Gastric Balloon?

The proper rate to lose weight in any treatment for obesity should be around 1 kg a week. The degree of weight loss achievement will depend on the strict following of the post-operative diet.

Will I Gain Weight Again Later?

You will have a better chance of maintaining weight loss after removing the balloon if you maintain the habits acquired in your diet and eating behavior during the use of the balloon.