Table of Content
Introduction
What is a gastric balloon?
This is a balloon inserted into your stomach either by swallowing it, or requiring insertion under guidance with a gastroscopy.
Depending on the balloon used, the balloon can stay within the stomach for 4 to 12 months duration. After which, the balloon can either be passed out by itself via the alimentary tract, or require a gastroscopy to retrieve the balloon.
How do you insert this intra-gastric balloon?
There are 2 types of intra-gastric balloon. The Allurion Elipse is a swallowable balloon that do not require gastroscopy guided insertion. There are other gastric balloons that requires gastroscopy guided insertion, and they have been approved for a longer duration within the stomach.
Gastric balloon removal
Some types of gastric balloon will require a gastroscopy to remove it from the body. The intra gastric balloon is deflated, grabbed and removed with a grasper passed down the gastroscope. The Allurion Elipse balloon will self-deflate after its scheduled time. It will then be passed out of the body.
What are the benefits of the procedure?
Can it be removed earlier?
Who are suitable for intra-gastric balloon?
- Patients who are overweight with a BMI of >27.5, or patients not keen to undergo surgery, this may be a viable option. For patients who qualify for Bariatric and Metabolic surgery, some patients will consider this as an option as this is not as invasive and permanent when compared to surgery.
- Patients with obesity health-related conditions like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver, Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).
- Patients who don’t qualify for surgery due to health issues
Who are not suitable for intra-gastric balloon?
- Patients who have difficulty swallowing.
- Patients who had previous stomach surgery, large hiatal hernia, any structural abnormality of the oesophagus or larynx.
- Have a medical condition that does not permit endoscopy.
- Are not willing to adopt dietary habits and behavioural changes that would make the therapy more successful.
- Are going through drug or alcohol addiction.
- Serious or uncontrolled psychiatric illness.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Children younger than 18 years old.
- Cancer.
- Patients who are immune-compromised.
Dr Tan Chun Hai (陈俊海医生)
Upper Gastrointestinal, Bariatric & General Surgeon
Endoscopy & Minimally-Invasive Surgery Specialist
Dr. Tan Chun Hai is a dual fellowship-trained specialist in Laparoscopic (keyhole) Stomach Cancer Surgery and Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery. He is proficient in minimally invasive surgical techniques, treating conditions such as gallstones, appendicitis, GERD, and upper gastrointestinal cancers of the stomach and oesophagus.
In addition to his surgical expertise, Dr Tan specialises in performing endoscopies and managing a wide range of digestive disorders. These include abdominal pain, bloating, heartburn and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
When applicable, Dr. Tan provides same-day treatment within a few hours of diagnosis. Dr. Tan subscribes to a less invasive practice, promoting less postoperative pain and shorter hospital stays.
Have a concern?
Send us your enquiry or give us a call at 6250 5610
For emergencies after hours, send us a text via WhatsApp > head to Gleneagles Urgent Care Centre and request for Dr. Tan Chun Hai
Our Clinic: 6A Napier Road, Gleneagles Hospital Annexe Block, #05-36A, Singapore 258500
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
After insertion of the balloon, the balloon occupies space in the stomach and reduces the available stomach space by up to one third. You will feel full and have a smaller appetite. Naturally, the amount of food intake will reduce. Usage of this intra-gastric balloon to kick start a change in lifestyle and dietary modification will ensure a more durable and effective weight loss journey.
You may feel abdominal discomfort which may last a few days to a couple of weeks. Dr Tan will have adequately prepared you for the procedure and minimised your discomfort. You may feel bloated and not want to take in any solid or soft foods. It is of upmost importance to continue to take in fluids, to prevent dehydration. Dr Tan may suggest for you to be admitted for 1 or 2 days for observation if you have not been taking fluids well for the past few days. It is expected that your oral intake will decrease with the intra gastric balloon inside your stomach. During the first week after the procedure, most patients will not feel hungry. Some experience nausea and gets worse with food intake. Weight loss may be significant during the first week. Men can lose up to 4-8kg during their first week, while women can lose about 2-4kg during the same period.
You will be closely followed up in Dr Tan’s Clinic, and together with the help of his dieticians and physiotherapist, we will help you achieve the best results from intra-gastric balloon.<?p>
It is possible to lose between 10% to 15% of your total body weight. The amount you lose depends on your starting weight and your ability to implement and maintain a new diet and exercise regime. It is imperative to continue the new dietary and exercise regime change even after the gastric balloon is removed, or it is possible that you will re-gain weight.
It is possible to have weight regain after the intra gastric balloon has been removed. It is important to have a multi-disciplinary team looking after you. Dr Tan and his team of dieticians and physiotherapist will continue to look after you even after your intra gastric balloon is out of your body.
