The intragastric balloon is a new, minimally invasive bariatric treatment for people with obesity. The balloon is a medical implant that a healthcare provider places in your stomach to restrict its capacity for a limited time. The provider uses an endoscope to pass the balloon down your throat, so there’s no surgery involved.
Risks / Benefits
What are the side effects of the intragastric balloon?
Side effects of mild gastrointestinal symptoms are common, and healthcare providers often prescribe medication to prevent or manage them. Symptoms usually only last a week or so, but sometimes longer. They include:
Temporary abdominal pain.
Temporary sore throat.
Nausea.
Indigestion.
Acid reflux.
Constipation
How painful is it?
It’s usually more of a dull discomfort than acute pain, and it usually doesn’t last. Some people experience more noticeable pain during the first week after the procedure, but it’s manageable with medication.
What is the long-term outlook with the intragastric balloon?
Most people lose a significant amount of weight with the intragastric balloon, enough to experience relief from many of the physical and psychological complaints that can come with obesity. The average weight loss of 10% is more than most people can achieve through lifestyle interventions alone. This experience can be a revelation that motivates people to maintain or continue their weight loss.
Select a doctor to see their price on the right, or click their name for their full profile.
No doctors match these filters.
