What is an Ingestible Gastric Balloon? How is it Done?

Due to various factors, including poor eating habits, the number of obese individuals worldwide has been increasing steadily. This situation has brought about innovations and developments in obesity treatment. One of the non-surgical treatment options for obesity is the new generation gastric balloons. If you are curious about what an ingestible gastric balloon is, who it is applied to, and its advantages, you can find the answers by reading the continuation of this article.

What is an Ingestible Gastric Balloon?

Obesity is a global health issue that concerns healthcare professionals today. According to the World Health Organization, obesity is the excessive accumulation of fat in the body. In this context, individuals with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 are considered obese. Not only is obesity a significant health problem in itself, but it is also linked to various diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, to improve patients' quality of life and prevent more serious health issues, obesity must be treated without delay. For patients who cannot lose weight through diet and exercise, it is important to first identify the factors causing obesity.

Various surgical and non-surgical treatment methods have been used for many years in the treatment of obesity. The method chosen depends on the patient’s overall health, height, weight, age, and gender. The gastric balloon is a medical device that allows for non-surgical treatment of obesity. With the gastric balloon treatment, the patient’s stomach volume decreases, leading to less food intake per meal; however, the feeling of fullness lasts longer. During the gastric balloon application, a special device made of silicone and filled with fluid is placed into the stomach using an endoscope. The patient is given light anesthesia (sedation) during this endoscopic procedure.

With the help of advancing technology, it is now possible to treat obesity without the need for endoscopy or anesthesia using the ingestible gastric balloon. Similar to the endoscopic gastric balloon, the ingestible gastric balloon reduces the stomach’s volume, thus helping patients feel full more quickly with less food intake. The ingestible gastric balloon is a medical device that can be swallowed with water. Since there is no surgical intervention, the patient can return to their daily life shortly after the procedure.

Who Can Have a Gastric Balloon Procedure?

When deciding on a treatment method for obesity patients, doctors primarily consider the patient's body mass index (BMI). For individuals with a BMI under 30, the initial approach typically involves diet and exercise to help the patient lose weight. However, in cases where being overweight presents health risks or requires rapid weight loss, doctors may reassess the patient for suitability for a gastric balloon procedure. For those with a BMI over 40, a gastric balloon may not be suitable, and surgical treatment options for obesity are generally considered. In addition, individuals with health problems such as Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, or heart disease may also be eligible for the gastric balloon procedure.

What is the Gastric Balloon Application Process?

The gastric balloon application process begins with a detailed medical history of the patient. Before the procedure, a specialist doctor provides the patient with detailed information about the gastric balloon application. To help the patient adjust to the gastric balloon and prevent complaints like nausea, the doctor may prescribe medication. During the endoscopic gastric balloon procedure, the patient is given sedation to ensure comfort. The doctor then uses an endoscope to thoroughly examine the stomach and esophagus to ensure there are no health issues, such as ulcers. If no issues are found, a catheter with an uninflated balloon at its tip is inserted using the endoscope. The catheter is then moved toward the stomach, and the balloon is inflated with a substance called saline using the endoscope.

The key feature that distinguishes the ingestible gastric balloon from the endoscopic gastric balloon is that sedation and the need for an endoscopy unit are not required during the procedure. The patient swallows the capsule-shaped balloon with some water. After the patient swallows the balloon, the specialist uses an X-ray device to check the position of the balloon. At the tip of the capsule, there is an attachment that connects the balloon to a thin, string-like device. Once the capsule is correctly positioned in the stomach, the doctor inflates the balloon with approximately 550 cc of liquid using this attachment. The doctor then takes another X-ray, and if there are no issues, the attachment is removed from the balloon.

How Long Does the Gastric Balloon Procedure Take?

The endoscopic gastric balloon procedure is performed in an endoscopy unit with sedation to ensure the patient’s comfort. The duration of the procedure ranges from 20 minutes to 1 hour. In contrast, the ingestible gastric balloon procedure is typically completed in 15 to 20 minutes since no anesthetic is applied, and it does not require an endoscopy unit. Afterward, the patient can return to their daily life.

How Much Weight Can Be Lost with the Ingestible Gastric Balloon Method?

The ingestible gastric balloon helps patients feel full with less food by reducing the stomach's volume. Some studies also show that the balloon may help regulate hormone levels that control appetite. After the procedure, it is helpful for patients to pay attention to their diet and engage in regular exercise to achieve results more quickly. Additionally, most patients lose about 10-15% of their body weight in the first 3-4 months following the placement of the ingestible gastric balloon.

What Should Be Taken Into Account After the Procedure?

Since no sedation is applied during the ingestible gastric balloon procedure, the patient can return to their normal life after leaving the clinic. They can continue activities like swimming, flying, and exercising. To prevent stomach discomfort in the first few days, the doctor may prescribe some medications. Although it is rare, some patients may experience nausea and vomiting for a few days until the stomach adjusts to the balloon. If these symptoms persist, the patient should consult the doctor. For the first 1-2 weeks after the procedure, it is recommended that the patient consume liquid foods. After 2 weeks, soft foods can be added to the diet plan. About 3 weeks after the procedure, the patient can begin eating normally. Working with a dietitian to adjust the patient's eating habits post-procedure helps with the weight loss process.

Does the Gastric Balloon Stay in the Stomach Forever?

Endoscopically placed gastric balloons remain in the stomach for about 6 months before being removed using an endoscope. The ingestible gastric balloon, however, has a valve at its tip that helps inflate the balloon. This valve is made of a biodegradable material. Therefore, no additional intervention is needed to remove the ingestible gastric balloon. The valve typically dissolves within 4 to 6 months, and the liquid inside the balloon is emptied. The liquid is harmless to the human body. Once the liquid is drained, the balloon shrinks and becomes small enough to pass through the intestines. The reduced balloon is then naturally expelled from the body through the stool.

Obesity is a widespread global health issue that can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. Both for aesthetic reasons and to maintain a healthy life, it is important to be at an ideal weight. If you are considering obesity treatment options, do not hesitate to consult a specialist doctor.