Intragastric Balloon

The intragastric balloon is a high resistance silicone bag, designed to provide short–term weight loss therapy for up to 6 months, after which it must be removed.

This is a non-surgical procedure. It begins when intravenous conscious sedation is administered and the throat is sprayed with local anesthetic.

Once the sedative drugs take effect in the patient, the gastric balloon is placed endoscopically inside the stomach through the mouth and esophagus.

Inside the gastric pouch, the balloon is filled to capacity with saline solution or with air, (depending of the balloon type) which is injected through the endoscopic hose initially used for the insertion process.

Once the filling process has finished, the balloon is hermetically sealed to avoid leakage.

Finally, the endoscopic hose is removed and the balloon is left free inside the gastric chamber, so it partially fills the stomach and creates a feeling of fullness.

Be aware that this is the less effective method because it does not help to maintain effective long-term results.