HOW DOES THE ORBERA BALLOON WORK?
Once in place, the intragastric balloon is filled with saline to partially fill the stomach, helping a person to feel less hungry, so that they may consume smaller portions of food and experience similar satisfaction to what they would have previously experienced after consuming a larger meal.
Most weight is lost in the first three months, but because the intragastric balloon stays in for six months, you will learn the right amount of food to eat to maintain your new weight long-term.
HOW DOES THE ORBERA BALLOON WORK?
Once in place, the intragastric balloon is filled with saline to partially fill the stomach, helping a person to feel less hungry, so that they may consume smaller portions of food and experience similar satisfaction to what they would have previously experienced after consuming a larger meal.
Most weight is lost in the first three months, but because the intragastric balloon stays in for six months, you will learn the right amount of food to eat to maintain your new weight long-term.
HOW IS THE PROCEDURE PERFORMED?
The intragastric balloon is introduced into the stomach through the mouth by a gastroscopy procedure. Dr Winnett inserts an endoscopic camera (gastroscope) into the stomach, and if no abnormalities are observed, he will proceed with the placement of the balloon through the mouth and down the oesophagus into the stomach.
Once inside the stomach, the intragastric balloon is filled with sterile saline through a small filling tube attached to the intragastric balloon. Once filled, the tube is removed by gently pulling on the external end, leaving the intragastric balloon inside the stomach. The procedure takes around 20 minutes to perform.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY TIME?
Recovery time is dependent on the individual patient, however, most patients return to work around three to five days after the procedure.
WILL I BE SICK AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
It is very likely that the presence of the intragastric balloon in the stomach will cause nausea or vomiting for a few days after placement, however, we will prescribe medication to help minimise these potential effects but these can persist during the first week.
HOW MUCH WEIGHT WILL I LOSE?
The intragastric balloon is a tool to aid weight loss; the amount of weight you lose and maintain will depend on how closely you follow your diet and adopt long-term lifestyle changes. Weight loss varies, but the average is up to 10-15kg*.
I HAVE DIABETES AND OTHER ILLNESSES; IS THIS PROCEDURE STILL SUITABLE?
The intragastric balloon can improve or resolve your diabetes and can bring you closer to a more normal weight range. In essence, the intragastric balloon kick-starts natural weight loss through reduced food intake, through a change in diet and increased exercise.
HOW LONG DOES THE BALLOON STAY IN PLACE?
The intragastric balloon can be placed in the stomach for a six month period.
HOW IS THE BALLOON REMOVED?
The intragastric balloon is removed in the same way it was placed in your stomach, via the oesophagus and mouth. Using an endoscopic camera, a catheter is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach. The intragastric balloon is then punctured and deflated. Once the intragastric balloon is deflated it can be grasped and removed.