The procedure is undertaken during a standard gastroscopy and patients are unaware of the insertion taking place.
Placement
On the day of the procedure, you are lightly sedated while the deflated balloon is inserted into your stomach through your mouth (See picture 1 & 2). The balloon is filled with sterile water (picture 3), self-sealed and released into the appropriate position within the stomach (picture 4). This procedure normally takes 20-30 minutes.
Soon after the procedure you will awake and may feel severe gastric discomfort and nausea as the digestive system adjusts to the presence of the the balloon. You will be managed for up to 5 hours in hospital with appropriate intravenous fluids and the following medications:
An acid-lowering treatment (proton pump inhibitor), which we recommend for the term of the balloon's insertion
Anti-nausea therapy (we prefer Zofran in wafer form)
Fentanyl patches, which provide gentle analgesia and are found to be the most helpful during the first week of insertion.
You must arrange for someone to take you home on the day of the procedure. Most patients are advised to have between three and five days from work. It is very important to recognise that post insertion nausea and satiety can be quite disabling and if required, hospitalisation during this critical time will be arranged. Nausea usually resolves between 7-10 days post-insertion. Thereafter, ongoing support with Helen Bauzon will be required.
The video below shows how a gastric balloon is inserted into the stomach:
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Recovery and Liquid Only Diet
Dr Crantock and Helen Bauzon (Nutritionist) will provide strict guidelines to post insertion diet. These must be followed especially during the first few days with drinking plenty of water for hydration and avoiding eating any solid foods.
You will be restricted to a liquid diet as discussed for the first seven to ten days in small amounts, drinking slowly and increasing amounts as tolerated. If liquid is taken in large amounts there is a higher risk of nausea and vomiting. After seven to ten days you will be ready to begin your transition from liquids to pureed foods to solid foods. You will start with semi-solids and gradually move on to more solid foods. It is important to make the transition slowly and not to rush the adjustment process.
Exercise and Personal Trainer
Patients can start to exercise as soon as you feel well enough but not within the first 48 hours. We recommend waiting around 1-2 weeks.
We will also introduce you to our personal trainer or a gymnasium of your choice. G I Health offers six one-on-one hour long personal training sessions, following which an ongoing exercise program is advised.
