Routine blood tests, chest X-ray and ECG may also be required if clinically indicated.

 

All patients will commence a liquid diet 24 hours prior to midnight pre-admission, then nothing by mouth until insertion.

 

Most patients have the gastric balloon inserted while under sedation, unless there is a specific clinical reason. The balloon is inserted endoscopically and placed in the stomach, then inflated with saline. Patients are discharged home within an hours.

 

The gastric balloon can easily be deflated and removed, if required, at any time.

 

The balloon volume can be changed with a 15 minute endoscopy procedure. Preparation requires a liquid diet for all 3 meals for 3 days prior to adjustment; and fasting from midnight the night before. Adjustments will be made while the patient is under sedation, and then discharged within a few hours - as with the insertion procedure.

 

If a patient experiences excessive or prolonged nausea, vomiting, or pain occurs, the stomach balloon volume can be diminished.

 

If appetite increases, or weight loss plateaus or ceases, the balloon volume can be increased.

 

The gastric balloon will be removed endoscopically. Preparation requires a liquid diet for all 3 meals for 3 days prior to removal; fasting from midnight the night before. The balloon will be removed while the patient is under sedation, following twelve months treatment and behavior program.

 

All patients will be discharged following removal within one hour.

 

With any surgical or medical intervention there are always going to be risks and some complications and although many are very rare and every effort is made to reduce or prevent them, you need to be fully aware of their existence, to make an informed decision. Among the risks are:

Nausea and vomiting

Bloating

Peptic ulcer

Diarrhea

Reactions to sedation

Aspiration Pneumonia

Esophageal/gastric perforation

Gastro-Esophageal reflux

Deflation of the gastric balloon and intestinal obstruction

 

For the first 3-5 days following gastric balloon positioning, you may feel uncomfortable and nauseated. This will pass and every effort will be made to reduce these side effects. You may be offered some medication to settle your stomach and relieve the nausea.

 

All patients will commence a liquid-only diet for 3 days and slowly progress to a semi-solid diet, resuming normal textured foods within one week.

 

All patients will be informed about the behavior modification program and will be aware of the compliance, attendance and content that are paramount to weight loss success.