Intragastric Balloon: Exploring the Safety and Efficiency of a Novel Weight Loss Solution A Closer Look

 
Intragastric Balloon 

What is an Intragastric Balloon?

An Elipse balloon, also known as gastric balloon, is a medical device that is placed temporarily in the stomach to help with weight loss. The balloon takes up space in the stomach, making the person feel full sooner. As a result, it limits how much food the stomach can hold. This leads to feeling full with less food intake. The balloon stays inflated with saline solution inside the stomach for a period of 6 months.

How does it work?

An Intragastric Balloon works by limiting the stomach capacity, which in turn helps reduce food consumption. Being a non-surgical procedure, the gastric balloon is inserted through the mouth using an endoscope. Once placed inside the stomach, it takes up nearly one-third of the stomach space. This leaving less room for food. As a result, the patient feels full sooner after eating small portions of food. The restricted stomach size also slows down the emptying of food, providing the feeling of fullness for longer duration. This dual action of early satiety and prolonged fullness significantly cuts down daily calorie intake. Over months, it promotes sustainable weight loss.

Is it safe?

Being a non-invasive procedure, Elipse balloon insertion has minimal risks. However, like any medical device, there are some potential risks involved:

- Nausea and vomiting: Feeling nauseous or vomiting is common in initial weeks as the stomach gets adjusted to the reduced capacity. It usually subsides with time.

- Ulcers and erosions: Rarely, the balloon surface can damage the stomach lining and cause mild ulcers or erosions. This resolves on its removal.

- Bowel obstruction: In very rare cases, the deflated balloon pieces after removal may get stuck in the bowel and cause a blockage. This risk is minimized with proper retrieval procedure.

- Perforation: A damaged or deflated balloon poses a very small risk of puncturing or tearing the stomach wall. This necessitates prompt medical care.

provided the procedure is performed by an experienced bariatric surgeon in a licensed healthcare facility, the risks are extremely low. Close monitoring also helps managing any potential side effects.

How effective is it?

When used along with a customized diet and lifestyle plan, Elipse balloon therapy has shown to be highly effective for weight loss. Some key findings about its effectiveness include:

- Weight loss of 15-25% of total body weight in 6 months: Several clinical trials have demonstrated an average excess weight loss of 15-25% of total body weight within 6 months of placement. This amounts to losing 30-50 pounds on average.

- Reduction in obesity-related comorbidities: Along with significant weight loss, the gastric balloon also helps reduce obesity-related health issues like high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, sleep apnea etc.

- Improved body image and self-esteem: Most patients report enhanced self-confidence, mobility and overall quality of life after achieving meaningful weight loss with this method.

- Durability of results: Studies show that up to 65% of the weight lost is maintained even after 2 years without the balloon, provided healthy lifestyle changes are adopted.

- High patient satisfaction: Over 90% of patients conclude they are glad they opted for this procedure and will recommend it to others.

Who is a suitable candidate?

The following criteria help determine patient eligibility for Elipse balloon treatment:

- BMI between 30-40 kg/m2 - Considered clinically obese.

- Failed previous diet attempts - Unable to lose weight through conventional means.

- No history of eating disorders.

- No prior weight loss surgery.

- Medically stable for the procedure with no major comorbidities.

- Commitment to follow-up sessions and lifestyle modifications.

The balloon therapy works best for individuals motivated to adopt lifelong changes in behavior and nutritional habits to complement the temporary mechanical aid. Patients should also be made aware that unlike surgery, this is not a permanent solution.

How is it removed?

The saline-filled Elipse balloon stays inside the stomach for the prescribed period of 6 months. Following this, it needs to be removed in a brief clinical procedure:

- The patient consumes clear fluids only, starting one day prior to removal.

- Under sedation, an endoscope is used to locate and grasp the deflated balloon.

- The deflated balloon pieces are pulled out fully through the endoscope channel.

- The procedure takes around 15-20 minutes to complete on an outpatient basis.

Post removal, patients should continue managing their weight through a sensible diet. Another balloon can be re-inserted if further weight management assistance is required based on clinical evaluation.

Elipse balloon therapy offers a minimally-invasive option to jumpstart weight loss in qualified obese individuals. When combined with lifestyle changes, it can help achieve and sustain meaningful long-term weight reduction goals. By limiting stomach size temporarily, it enhances the natural physiological process of weight loss. Consult an experienced bariatric surgeon to determine if this option is suitable for your needs and medical history. With proper patient selection and follow-up, it presents a safe and effective approach.

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About Author:

Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163_


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