The intragastric balloon It is a technique to treat overweight that has an extensive history. Thus, for more than twenty years, this endoscopic procedure has proven to be effective when it comes to losing weight and facilitating a change of habits. Even so, it is important to be clear about some concepts and advice about this technique of bariatric endoscopy. For this reason, the experts of the unit for the treatment of overweight and obesity of the Hospital Viamed Santa Angela de la Cruz, Obymedhave prepared this summary of the main questions that may arise in relation to this option to treat overweight and some categories of obesity.
How does the Intragastric Balloon work?
The intragastric balloon It is an endoscopic and outpatient procedure that consists of placing a kind of balloon or expandable silicone balloon in the stomach. Once the balloon is placed in the stomach, it is swollen by means of a saline solution so that it occupies a good part of the stomach’s capacity. The fact that the stomach is “full” with the balloon facilitates an early feeling of satiety, which favors the fact that with smaller amounts of food the patient feels satiated and, consequently, it is easier for him to change his eating habits, which is necessary for losing weight. weight.
The technique itself promotes weight loss. Its results have been medically verified, however, the key to the success of the treatment lies in changing habits. For this, the accompaniment of the multidisciplinary team and approaching overweight from different perspectives is a fundamental pillar for the patient to internalize the necessary changes.
Intragastric Balloon: Indications
The Intragastric Balloon has general indications based mainly on the BMI (Body Mass Index of the patient). Thus, in general terms we can say that it is indicated for people with a BMI between 27-40. For him Dr. Rafael Leon medical director and founding partner of Obymed, “Each patient is unique and therefore their treatment is also unique. For this reason, despite the general indications, each case must be assessed based on the patient’s history”
“The same happens with the duration of treatment. Currently there are two possibilities: treatment with a 6-month or 12-month Gastric Balloon. Choosing one or the other will depend fundamentally on the excess weight to lose” Add Dr Leon.
Intragastric Balloon: Treatment Time
The time during which the gastric balloon is placed is the period in which the patient and the medical team will work for and to modify all those factors that have predisposed to being overweight. For D. Manuel Narbonne coordinator of the multidisciplinary team and founding partner of Obymed “Behind an overweight problem there is a long list of factors that have motivated that weight gain. The job of our medical team is to detect what they are and help the patient to modify them. For this, our team of specialists (nutritionist, psychologists,For D. Manuel Narbona coordinator of the multidisciplinary team and founding partner of Obymed “Behind an overweight problem there is a long list of factors that have motivated that weight gain. The job of our medical team is to detect what they are and help the patient to modify them. For this, our team of specialists (nutritionist, psychologists, sports trainers, etc.) will address from their specialty those aspects that have motivated the extra kilos. This is what is known as medical follow-up, a follow-up that in the case of the gastric balloon can be up to 14 months”.
Price of the Intragastric Balloon in Seville:
In relation to how much, that is, the price of the Intragastric balloon “Our treatments are personalized. Each person has different characteristics and needs that affect treatment. That is why it is in our clinic, after assessing each case, that we provide information on the cost of treatment” Add D. Manuel Narbonne.
