Gastric Balloons in New Jersey

Gastric balloons, like Orbera and Spatz3, help individuals lose weight by occupying a significant portion of the stomach’s capacity, limiting the amount of food they can consume at one time, and helping them feel fuller for longer between meals. These temporary medical devices are meant to be used in conjunction with a 12-month program that encourages healthier lifestyle choices, such as consuming a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity. The combination of the physical presence of the balloon in your stomach and the year-long program is designed to promote sustainable weight loss.

• Those who have not succeeded in losing weight through diet and exercise alone.
• Individuals with a BMI between 28 and 50.
• Those who do not wish to have permanent changes made to their stomach or digestive system through surgery.
• Patients in good health.
• Individuals who are willing to participate in a year-long supervised program.

An intragastric balloon may not be suitable for you if:

• You are pregnant or wish to become pregnant soon.
• You have undergone extended steroid treatment.
• You do not wish to commit to the accompanying year-long supervised program.
• You have medical issues related to your kidneys, liver, or lungs.
• You have undergone surgery for a hiatal hernia or other GI issue.
• You currently have a substance abuse issue.

Gastric Balloon Installation

The balloon is inserted into the patient’s stomach while they are under light sedation, using a special medical device called an endoscope. This device is a long, flexible tube that is carefully guided through the patient’s mouth and down into their stomach. The endoscope is outfitted with a light and a tiny camera that transmits live video to a screen, which allows the doctor to see what they are doing in real time and place the balloon in the correct spot. The balloon is lowered down the endoscope while it is deflated, and then, using an attached catheter, it is filled with a saline solution until it is about the size of a medium grapefruit. When placing the Orbera balloon, the filling catheter is removed. However, the Spatz3 has a trailing catheter that remains attached after it is filled and can be used to adjust the volume later if needed. After the balloon reaches the correct volume, the filling catheter is disconnected and the endoscope is removed from the patient’s esophagus. It normally takes less than 30 minutes to install the balloon, and then patients are observed for a short time before being discharged to go home

Gastric Balloon Recovery

The majority of patients have some discomfort for the first few days, including nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. These common symptoms can often be managed with medication provided by the doctor and should subside as the stomach gets used to the balloon, which usually takes about three to four days. Initially, you will need to start with a liquid diet and gradually work your way up to eating solids again. Your doctor will give you a special diet to follow and a list of certain foods to avoid. Most individuals feel good enough to resume their normal routine within three days to a week.

Gastric Balloon Removal

When it is time for the balloon to be removed, the same type of endoscopic technique used for installation is performed. The Orbera balloon is removed after six months, and the Spatz3 balloon can remain in the patient’s stomach for up to eight months. While the patient is lightly sedated, the doctor uses the endoscope to access the balloon, and a catheter is attached to the balloon to drain the saline. The deflated balloon is removed from the patient’s stomach through the endoscope and out of the throat and mouth. Patients are then taken to an observation area for a short while and then discharged to go home. Aside from recovering from the sedation, no additional recovery time is needed after the balloon is removed.

The average weight loss patients experience with a gastric balloon is between 10% and 15% of their starting weight, or between 25 and 50 pounds. Many individuals have lost significantly more than these averages by continuing to follow the strategies and healthy lifestyle changes they learned during their supervised program. The balloon is designed to be a helpful tool that guides patients in learning how to control their portions and make healthy food choices, but most of their weight loss potential depends on them.