Obesity is a common health problem that can affect a person's health and quality of life; that is why many people look for effective solutions to help them lose weight safely.

Among these solutions, the gastric balloon procedure has appeared as a non-surgical option that helps reduce the amount of food eaten and, as a result, lose weight.

The idea of the gastric balloon relies on placing a medical balloon inside the stomach and filling it with liquid or gas; this helps you feel full faster and reduces food amounts.

Because of this, many people use this procedure as a choice to help them start their weight loss journey without needing major surgeries.

In this article, we will provide information about gastric balloons. We will learn about their types from Dr. Al-Sayegh, pros and cons, how much weight you can lose after placing one, and the most important tips after the procedure.

What is the gastric balloon procedure?

The gastric balloon procedure is a simple medical step aimed at helping with weight loss without surgery. A balloon made of a safe medical material is put inside the stomach using an endoscope (a thin tube with a camera) through the mouth, and then it is filled with salt water or gas.

Having the balloon inside the stomach reduces the space available for food, which makes the person feel full after eating a smaller amount of food.

Usually, the balloon stays inside the stomach for 6 to 12 months before it is removed.

This procedure is a good choice for some people who suffer from extra weight and want to lose it without going through complex surgeries.

Types of gastric balloons

There are several types of gastric balloons; they differ in how they are placed and how long they stay inside the stomach.

The most famous types are:

Traditional Gastric Balloon (via endoscope):

It is put in using an endoscope and stays inside the stomach for about six months.

Swallowable Balloon:

It was swallowed as a capsule attached to a very thin tube; after using an X-ray to make sure it reached the stomach, it was filled with liquid.

It breaks down and leaves the body naturally after a few months.

Double Balloon:

It consists of two connected balloons to take up more space inside the stomach; this increases the feeling of fullness for longer times and improves weight loss results.

Medical Tip:

Choosing the right type depends totally on a careful medical check-up; here comes the role of an expert doctor like Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sayegh. He checks the patient's health condition and decides the best type of balloon to ensure the highest levels of safety and success.

Pros and cons of the gastric balloon

Like any medical procedure, there are pros and cons of the gastric balloon that you must know before making a decision.

Pros

  • It is not a surgery.
  • It does not need general sleep medicine (anesthesia) in most cases.
  • It helps reduce food amounts.
  • The recovery time is relatively short.

Cons

  • It might cause nausea or vomiting in the first few days.
  • It requires sticking to a healthy diet.
  • The weight might come back if the lifestyle is not changed.
  • Some harms of the gastric balloon might happen in rare cases.

How many kilos does the balloon drop in a month?

The rate of weight loss after placing a gastric balloon differs from one person to another based on their diet and physical activity, but on average, a person might lose between 2 : 4 kilograms a month.

During the time the balloon is inside the stomach, some people might be able to lose between 10 to 25 kilograms, especially if they follow the doctor's instructions.

When does weight loss start after the gastric balloon?

Usually, weight loss starts during the first weeks after placing the gastric balloon, as the patient feels full much faster and reduces their food amount.

Weight loss might be faster during the first three months, then it becomes gradual after that.

People who are not suited for the gastric balloon

Even though the gastric balloon procedure is good for many people, it might not fit some cases, such as:

  • Those who suffer from stomach ulcers.
  • Patients with severe stomach inflammation.
  • People who had stomach surgeries before.
  • Pregnant women.

That is why a doctor must be consulted before making the decision.

Reasons for gastric balloon failure – my experience with the gastric balloon

In some cases, the gastric balloon might not achieve the expected results; this is due to several reasons, such as

  • Not sticking to the diet.
  • Eating foods high in calories.
  • Lack of physical activity.
  • Relying on the balloon without changing lifestyle.

Every person's experience with the gastric balloon is different depending on how strictly they follow medical instructions.

Does the gastric balloon suit all obesity patients?

The gastric balloon does not suit all obesity patients. Usually, it is advised for people who suffer from overweight or moderate obesity, especially if traditional ways like diet and exercise have failed.

As for extreme obesity cases, the doctor might recommend other procedures like obesity surgeries.

Price of the gastric balloon

The price of the gastric balloon changes based on several factors, such as:

  • The type of balloon used.
  • The doctor's experience.
  • The hospital or medical center.
  • The city where the procedure is done.

Generally, the price of the gastric balloon might differ from one center to another, so it is better to consult a doctor to know the exact cost.

Important Tips and Information About the Gastric Balloon After Placement

To get the best results after placing the gastric balloon, it is advised to follow some tips, such as:

  • Sticking to the diet set by the doctor.
  • Eating small meals.
  • Drinking enough water.
  • Exercising regularly.
  • Avoiding fatty foods and fast food.

Following these tips helps achieve better results in losing weight.

Common questions about my experience with the gastric balloon

Many people ask several questions before getting the gastric balloon procedure, especially about the expected results and the experience after placement. Some of these questions are the following:

1- Does the weight come back after removing the gastric balloon?

Yes, the weight might come back after removing the gastric balloon if the person does not stick to a healthy diet and an active lifestyle; therefore, the balloon is a helpful tool and not a permanent solution to obesity.

2- Does the stomach stretch after the balloon?

In most cases, the stomach goes back to its normal size after removing the gastric balloon, but overeating can lead to the stomach stretching again.

3- Is there pain after removing the balloon?

Removing the gastric balloon is usually a simple procedure done using an endoscope.

The patient might feel some mild discomfort for a short time only.

4- When can I eat normally after the balloon?

The patient can often go back slowly to eating normal food within one or two weeks after placing the gastric balloon, while strictly following the diet instructions set by the doctor.

5- Who is the best gastric balloon doctor in Riyadh?

Choosing an experienced doctor is the foundation for the success of this step and avoiding any complications. Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sayegh is one of the best and most skilled doctors in Riyadh, specializing in obesity and laparoscopic surgeries and placing all types of gastric balloons.

Thanks to his wide medical experience, Dr. Al-Sayegh offers an accurate and complete check-up for your condition to make sure you choose the most suitable balloon type.

He also closely follows your treatment plan to ensure you reach your goal of getting the ideal weight safely and healthily.

Book your appointment now to start your first steps towards a lighter, healthier, and more active life.