BioEnterics® Intragastric Balloon (Intra Gastric Balloon®) System

What Is the Intra Gastric Balloon® System?

The Intra Gastric Balloon is a non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical aid in the treatment of obesity. The Intra Gastric Balloon is a soft, expandable, silicone balloon that is placed inside the stomach via a camera that enters through the mouth and into the stomach.

Once inserted in the stomach, the empty balloon is filled with sterile saline.

When full, the balloon is too large to pass into the bowel and will now float freely in the stomach.

How Does the Intra Gastric Balloon Work?

• The balloon fills a large portion of the stomach, and therefore reduces the capacity of the stomach.
• This creates a feeling of fullness for the patient and does not allow for overeating, therefore allowing the patient to effectively diet without feeling continuously hungry.

How Is the Intra Gastric Balloon procedure performed?

• The procedure is done at several day surgeries and private hospitals throughout the Sydney metropolitan area.
• A qualified specialist gastroenterologist performs this procedure in conjunction with an anaesthetist and trained nursing staff.
• The balloon is introduced into the stomach through the mouth without the need for surgery. The physician inserts an endoscopic camera (gastroscope) into the stomach. If no abnormalities are observed, the physician proceeds with the placement of the balloon through the mouth and down the oesophagus into the stomach. Once the balloon is inside the stomach, it is filled with sterile saline through a small filling tube attached to the balloon. Once filled, the doctor removes the tube by gently pulling on the external end, leaving the balloon inside the stomach.

Placement of the balloon takes approximately take 20 minutes, after which you will be monitored by specialist nursing staff in the recovery bay. As this is a “day-only” procedure, you are generally able to be escorted home within two hours after balloon insertion.

Who is the Intra Gastric Balloon suitable for?

The Intra Gastric Balloon is designed to assist with weight loss in people who are at least 40% above their ideal weight and who have failed to obtain prolonged weight loss with other weight control programs.

The Intra Gastric Balloon® System may be particularly useful for people considered too overweight or at increased risk for vital surgery. The use of the Intra Gastric Balloon® System to successfully reduce weight prior to surgery may help reduce the risks associated with surgical procedures on overweight patients.

How Long Is the Intra Gastric Balloon® System Balloon Used?

The balloon currently can be used for six months. Longer periods of use are not recommended. Over time the acidic content of the stomach will weaken the balloon material and cause the balloon to deflate. Should your physician recommend use of the balloon for longer than six months, it is necessary that the balloon be replaced with a new one when the six-month interval has been met.

While you are using the balloon, your physician may prescribe a course of oral medication to reduce your stomach acid (this may reduce the possibility of stomach irritation and damage to the balloon).

What Happens if the Intra Gastric Balloon® System Balloon Deflates Spontaneously?

Your physician will place a coloured dye inside the balloon called Methelyene Blue. This will help you clearly identify early deflation or leakage as it will change the colour of your urine.

The balloon is small enough that it may pass through the intestines and leave the body naturally, but there have been some cases in which it has had to be removed from the bowel surgically. If you suspect a deflation, you must notify your physician immediately.

How Will the Intra Gastric Balloon® System Balloon Be Removed?

The balloon is removed in the same way it was placed, via the oesophagus and mouth.. Using an endoscopic camera, the physician will introduce a catheter through the mouth and into the stomach. The balloon will then be punctured and deflated. Once the balloon is deflated it can be grasped and removed.

How Much Weight Will I Lose with the Intra Gastric Balloon?

It is important for you to understand that the Intra Gastric Balloon System is an aid to weight loss and must be used in conjunction with a diet, exercise and a behaviour modification program. Therefore, the amount of weight you lose will depend on how closely you follow your diet. How long you maintain weight loss will depend on how completely you adopt long-term lifestyle changes involving eating behaviour and exercise.

What Unpleasant Effects Are Possible with the Intra Gastric Balloon?

It is very likely that the presence of the balloon in the stomach will cause nausea or vomiting for a few days after placement. Your physician will prescribe medication to help minimise these potential effects.

There exists the possibility that you will lose only a small amount of weight or lose no weight at all while using the balloon. Of course, as stated earlier, your commitment to dietary and behavioural changes is a pivotal factor in the outcome.

There is also the chance that unhealthy, uncontrolled weight loss will occur and create adverse health consequences. Be sure to speak with your physician about this.