How does the gastric balloon work?
Gastric Balloon: An effective solution for weight loss
Read more about Gastric Balloon
The gastric balloon is a non-surgical treatment for controlling overweight and obesity. Its main objective is to help reduce the amount of food consumed by generating an early feeling of fullness. In this way, it promotes progressive weight loss that is accompanied by a nutritional education plan and lifestyle changes.
What does the gastric balloon consist of?
The gastric balloon is a silicone or similar device placed inside the stomach. Once in position, it is filled with saline solution or gas, occupying a significant volume of the gastric cavity. This limits the stomach’s capacity and sends signals of satiety to the brain before the person consumes a large amount of food.
There are different types of balloons:
- Endoscopic balloon: inserted via endoscopy and removed in the same way after a period that usually ranges from 6 to 12 months.
- Swallowable balloon: comes in the form of a capsule that the patient swallows with water, avoiding the endoscopic procedure. Once in place, it inflates and remains in the stomach until its natural expulsion.
How does it help with weight loss?
The mechanism of the gastric balloon is mainly restrictive. By reducing the available space in the stomach:
- It increases the feeling of early satiety.
- It reduces daily caloric intake.
- It promotes the re-education of eating habits.
It is important to emphasize that the gastric balloon alone does not guarantee long-term results. Its effectiveness increases when it is part of a multidisciplinary program that includes medical, nutritional, and psychological follow-up.
Advantages of the gastric balloon
- No surgery required: it is a minimally invasive procedure.
- Quick recovery: patients usually return to their normal life within a few days.
- Proven effectiveness: most people achieve significant weight loss in the first months.
- Educational tool: helps raise awareness about the amount of food needed to feel full.
Considerations and possible side effects
Like any medical treatment, the gastric balloon may have side effects, especially during the first weeks:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain or refluxo
Most of these symptoms are temporary and can be controlled with medication. Specialized medical follow-up is essential to ensure the safety of the procedure and maximize its benefits.
Who can benefit from the gastric balloon?
The gastric balloon is indicated for people with:
- A body mass index (BMI) higher than 27–30.
- Cases of overweight or obesity where other methods (diet, exercise) have not provided sufficient results.
- Patients seeking a temporary, non-invasive alternative to bariatric surgery.
Conclusion on the use of the gastric balloon
The gastric balloon works as a temporary and effective aid for weight loss through a simple mechanism: occupying space in the stomach to produce early satiety and reduce food intake. However, the true success of the treatment depends on the patient’s commitment to adopting healthy habits, professional guidance, and the continuity of these changes over time.
