Questions, answers
- How many kg will I lose with the balloon?
The balloon makes it possible to lose between 10 kg and 25 kg in 6 months if the nutritional and behavioural treatments are combined. Continuation of this treatment makes it possible to continue to lose weight after the balloon is extracted.
- Will I regain the weight after the balloon is extracted?
Continuation of the nutritional and behavioural follow-up makes it possible to avoid regaining weight after the balloon is extracted. You do not change your eating habits in 6 months. Stopping treatment after extraction exposes you to the yo-yo effect.
- Why must the balloon be extracted after 6 months?
Because the stomach adapts to the balloon after 6 months and it no longer causes a feeling of satiety.
Can a second balloon be inserted if you have not lost the desired weight during the 6 months?
Yes, after a minimum of 6 weeks so that the stomach is once again sensitive to the effect of the balloon. - How will I eat with the balloon?
Diet is normal several days after insertion of a balloon. The feeling of rapid satiety makes it possible to reduce the quantity ingested and to follow the dietary changes recommended by the nutritionist.
- Will I be ill after insertion of the balloon?
Spasms, vomiting, and acid reflux are frequent in the 3 days following insertion of the balloon. A drug treatment will be prescribed by your doctor to reduce these side effects. It is possible you will have sick leave prescribed. Sometimes the symptoms may last a week and are sometimes treated by a short hospitalisation. In rare cases the balloon has to be extracted for intolerance.
- Is it possible to be pregnant with a gastric balloon?
Pregnancy is contraindicated with the treatment. So contraception is prescribed for sexually active women.
- Will I feel the balloon in my stomach?
You will feel discomfort in the early days. After that the main feeling created by the balloon will be satiety.
- How long does it take to recover after insertion of the balloon?
Plan at least 3 days’ rest to recover after the operation. Going back to work depends on the ability of your body to adapt to the balloon.
- What are the differences in weight loss compared with other slimming programmes?
You can expect to lose more weight with the intra-gastric balloon. Given that the balloon provides a feeling of satiety you will be more able to control what you eat.
- Does the balloon limit activities?
You must not plan any significant activity in the first week. Once your body has adapted to the balloon you can restart your usual activities. Starting a programme of physical activity is strongly recommended to improve your chances of success.
- What happens if the balloon leaks?
You will observe a change in the colour of your urine (blue/green). Although rare this situation can be serious. If you notice a change in the colour of your urine you must ring your doctor immediately. He can then extract it easily by endoscopy. Conversely, if you delay informing your doctor, there is a risk of the completely deflated balloon migrating into the intestine and being evacuated by the natural route. In the worst case the balloon will cause an intestinal obstruction requiring surgery if extraction is impossible by an endoscopic approach.
- Do I need to take part in follow-up visits to succeed?
The intra-gastric balloon is not a magic pill but a tool intended to help you change your lifestyle. By taking part in the programme you will have the advantage of the necessary training and support to change your habits and increase your chance of longterm success.
- Are there dietary restrictions?
There are no dietary restrictions but you won’t want to eat as much as you usually do.
- How is the intra-gastric balloon extracted?
The intra-gastric balloon is extracted in the same way as it was introduced, i.e. via the mouth. This 15-minute procedure is carried out under anaesthetic.
