6 questions about a gastric balloon

1. Half of the Dutch are overweight and a large number of them would like to lose weight. A gastric balloon seems an ideal solution. But is that also the case? Is it easy to lose weight with a gastric balloon? Is such a thing permanent? And can you still eat everything with a gastric balloon? Six frequently asked questions answered.

2. Half of the Dutch are overweight and a large number of them would like to lose weight. A gastric balloon seems an ideal solution. But is that also the case? Is it easy to lose weight with a gastric balloon? Is such a thing permanent? And can you still eat anything with a gastric balloon? Six frequently asked questions answered.

1. About half of the Dutch (41 percent) is overweight, the Central Bureau of Statistics recently reported. A weight loss of 5 percent can already lead to a decrease in health problems, the same organization headlined. A gastric balloon seems like an easy way to reach your target weight. But is that also the case?

2. About half of the Dutch (41 percent) is overweight, the Central Bureau of Statistics recently reported. A weight loss of 5 percent can already lead to a decrease in health problems, the same organization headlined. A gastric balloon then seems like an easy way to reach your target weight. But is that also the case?

1. What is a gastric balloon?

1. A gastric balloon is a soft silicone balloon that is placed into the stomach through the mouth and esophagus. This gives a feeling of satiety, making it easier to limit food intake and to learn a new diet. Compared to other means, the gastric balloon is an extremely safe method for quickly and drastically reducing stomach contents. There is no operation involved.

2. Is a gastric balloon forever?

1. No. In principle, a gastric balloon is a temporary solution to facilitate weight loss. Such a gastric balloon is designed to remain in your stomach for 6 months. The stomach acid then affects the gastric balloon in such a way that it breaks. If a gastric balloon starts to leak, you will immediately notice the greenish color of the urine. In theory, the broken balloon could leave the body naturally, but for safety reasons it is better to have a gastric balloon removed by the doctor. This is quite easy. The advantage of a gastric balloon over other treatments, such as, for example, a gastric band or a stomach reduction, is that placing a gastric balloon is not an operative treatment and the gastric balloon is eventually removed again. The disadvantage is that afterwards it is of course difficult to maintain the new weight. Drastic changes in lifestyle and diet are needed.

2. No. A gastric balloon is in principle a temporary solution to facilitate weight loss. Such a gastric balloon is designed to remain in your stomach for 6 months. The stomach acid then affects the gastric balloon in such a way that it breaks. If a gastric balloon starts to leak, you will immediately notice the greenish color of the urine. In theory, the broken balloon could leave the body naturally, but for safety reasons it is better to have a gastric balloon removed by the doctor. This is quite easy. The advantage of a gastric balloon over other treatments, such as, for example, a gastric band or a gastric bypass, is that placing a gastric balloon is not an operative treatment and the gastric balloon is eventually removed again. The disadvantage is that afterwards it is of course difficult to maintain the new weight. Drastic changes in lifestyle and diet are needed.

3. How is a gastric balloon placed?

1. A gastric balloon is placed by a gastric, intestinal, liver doctor or internist. The empty balloon is attached to a soft tube that is introduced into the stomach through your mouth by means of an endoscopy. Then it is filled with a saline solution (up to 500cc). This makes the gastric balloon big enough to make you feel full. The tube is then removed from your mouth, leaving the inflated balloon in the stomach. The gastric balloon then floats in the stomach and not only ensures a satiated feeling, but also slows down the transport of food from the esophagus to the stomach. Placing the gastric balloon is done on an outpatient basis, under intoxication, and takes about 30 minutes. After placement you may feel somewhat nauseous. Driving home after the treatment is not recommended. The first three days after insertion of a gastric balloon are difficult. Cramps, nausea and vomiting are normal. It is very important that you follow the doctor's directions and drink a lot. Medicines are available to relieve the pain. You should not plan any heavy activities for the first week after placement. Then you can resume your normal activities. Movement is recommended.

2. A gastric balloon is placed by a gastric, intestinal, liver doctor or internist. The empty balloon is attached to a soft tube that is introduced into the stomach through your mouth by means of an endoscopy. Then it is filled with a saline solution (up to 500cc). This makes the gastric balloon big enough to make you feel full. The tube is then removed from your mouth, leaving the inflated balloon in the stomach. The gastric balloon then floats in the stomach and not only ensures a satiated feeling, but also slows down the transport of food from the esophagus to the stomach. Placing the gastric balloon is done on an outpatient basis, under intoxication, and takes about 30 minutes. After placement you may feel somewhat nauseous. Driving home after the treatment is not recommended. The first three days after insertion of a gastric balloon are difficult. Cramps, nausea and vomiting are normal. It is very important that you follow the doctor's directions and drink a lot. Medicines are available to relieve the pain. You should not plan any heavy activities for the first week after installation. Then you can resume your normal activities. Movement is recommended.

4. Can I eat everything with a gastric balloon?

1. Unfortunately. For a lasting result, the gastric balloon alone is not enough. The guidance, which ideally consists of a combination of a dietician, exercise coach and a psychologist, are of great importance for lasting weight loss. In addition to nutritional advice and an exercise plan that fits into daily life, the help of a psychologist is at least as important . Diet does not treat the urge to overeat and it is a challenge to permanently adjust one's own behavior. A combination of the above specialists provides the best results in the long term. The gastric balloon is therefore part of a larger treatment plan, including the advice of a dietician who will guide you during these 6 months. You cannot and should not eat as much as you used to. In addition, nausea occurs when you eat or snack on fat. Alcohol is allowed in moderation.

5. How many kilos do you lose with a gastric balloon?

1. The average weight loss with a gastric balloon is 15 to 20 percent of your body weight, if you stick to the rules. As mentioned, treatment with the gastric balloon is only effective in combination with an adjusted diet and sufficient exercise. However, experience shows that in most cases it is possible to keep the weight stable after removal of the gastric balloon; after all, you have had six months to learn a new diet and lifestyle.

6. Who is eligible for a gastric balloon?

1. The gastric balloon is suitable for people who have already tried everything to lose weight but gained even more weight afterwards (the so-called yo-yo effect). The gastric balloon is also suitable for people who are extremely overweight who do not want to opt for an operation. If you are overweight in fat of more than 15-20 kilos, you are eligible.