Gastric balloons were first used in the 1980s to lose weight. They are called endoscopic gastric balloons, as they require an endoscope to place the balloon in the stomach. The procedure involves passing an endoscope through the GI tract, inflating the balloon, and removing it following the treatment. The whole procedure is administered under anesthesia.
However, ten-year research by medical experts succeeded in introducing the most advanced gastric balloon treatment called the elipse gastric balloon in the 2010s.
It is the world’s first gastric balloon that doesn’t rely on endoscopy and anesthesia to place the balloon in the stomach. But the mechanism and the effects are similar to those of other gastric balloons. Patients with a moderate to high body mass index (BMI) can use this gastric balloon procedure as an aesthetic lifestyle option.
The problem of not feeling satiated with small portions of meals is one of the main obstacles to weight loss. So the gastric balloons are designed for the purpose of making you feel fuller even with small meals. This is because the balloon occupies some space in the stomach that contributes to fullness more quickly. An elipse or swallowable gastric balloon (Allurion)is one of the advanced options to lose weight.
How gastric balloon is placed in the stomach?
The balloon system comprises an expandable silicone balloon(Polyurethane in case of Allurion), a tube that places the balloon, and a filling device.
This is an outpatient procedure that takes around 20-minutes. The patient needs to swallow a capsule that holds a deflated balloon inside along with a thin tube.
The doctor confirms the capsule is in place with the help of an X-ray.
Using the tube, the doctor will fill the balloon with patented liquid once the capsule has entered the stomach.
As soon as the balloon is filled with water, the doctor detaches the tube from the balloon and pulls it out gently from the throat, and you can return home.
An automatic release valve in the device opens after 4 -6 months, and the balloon deflates and passes naturally. It does not require any separate procedure for removal.
How does it work?
This is a non-invasive procedure; the stomach size is reduced, which results in a reduced amount of food intake and an increased feeling of fullness.
The gastric balloons occupy some space in the stomach, constantly making the patient feel fuller. Moreover, it slows down the process of nutrient absorption, which aids in weight loss. This Allurion Gastric balloon became the most popular option to treat obesity or lose weight without surgery because of its extraordinary benefits.
Advantages of Swallowable Gastric Balloon
- The pills are manufactured using state-of-the-art technology
- The material is thin that uses polyurethane.
- Since the balloons are not rough, side effects are much less than classical gastric balloons.
- Due to its material properties, its thinness does not affect its strength.
- This balloon is highly resistant to stomach acid, just like other gastric balloons.
Consequently, people who want to lose weight find it a more convenient process due to these advantages. At the end of the procedure, it also makes it easy for the gastric balloon to be expelled naturally.
What is the expected weight loss?
The average amount of weight loss is 15-25% of your total body weight.
It is possible to sustain weight loss of up to 95% even after a year following the expulsion of the balloon.
Even if you lose just 5% of your total body weight, you can decrease your chances of developing diabetes, heart disease, and other obesity-related complications.
Are there any dietary restrictions?
During the first week after balloon placement and before placement, there is a diet recommendation you should follow to adjust to the balloon. Following the balloon placement, it’s a good time to start changing your eating habits. When it comes to eating healthier, you don’t have to make massive changes all at once; instead, it’s better to make small changes in your diet over time.
When patients begin their journey, they may feel the balloon, but over time they forget it is there after they have become accustomed to it. To know more detailed information about this advanced procedure, consult Dr. Venugopal Pareek, one of the Best Bariatric Surgeon. He is an expert in performing the new Swallowable Gastric Balloon that helps to lose weight loss.
