A swallowable gastric balloon pill is a non-invasive and drug-free option for weight management. A proper diet might help you lose weight and get benefits to your health and appearance.
What is the “pill” that you may take when it comes to your stomach?
Traditional gastric balloon pill placement and removal requires an endoscopic procedure performed under general anaesthetic. The gastric balloon in UK, known as the Stomach “Pill”, is swallowed and eventually passes out of the body on its own*. The gastric balloon insertion, which is designed to be removed, often occurs during a routine outpatient appointment.
Is it safe to use a balloon inflated and placed in the stomach, often known as a Gastric “Pill”?
If your Body Mass Index (BMI) is more than 27, a dissolvable gastric balloon may help you lose weight permanently and control conditions including type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.
Surgery may not be an option for those who are extremely overweight. However, the swallowable gastric balloon procedure may help. Successful use of the balloon to lose weight before surgery may also help to reduce the risks associated with undergoing surgery on obese patients. Before deciding whether a gastric balloon pill is right for you, your consultant will double-check your body mass index and complete your assessment.
How much weight reduction can I anticipate from ingesting a gastric balloon?
According to the research, people who utilize the dissolvable gastric balloon lose between 20 and 50 per cent of their excess weight.
Gastric balloon “pill” benefits easier digestion.
If the gastric balloon treatment works, you should be able to keep the weight off for good. However, this will depend on your dedication to your new lifestyle. Through the swallowable gastric balloon pill program, you will get help from the following:
- You will get consistent support from your nutritionist throughout the program.
- A “smart” scale and mobile app connecting you to your dietician and keeping track of your progress will be provided at the program’s beginning.
- To help you stay on track, your care team will send you timely text reminders.
Obesity is linked to several health problems, all of which should improve with sustained weight loss.
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Apnea of sleep
- Mobility
- Self-esteem
Most patients choose the dissolvable gastric balloon since it does not need surgery and can be done in an outpatient appointment, meaning there will be little downtime.
Do Balloon Substitutes for Gastric “Pills” Exist?
Other surgical options include sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass surgery, gastric banding, and traditional gastric balloons. All of these options involve surgery, except the gastric balloon, a lengthy hospital stay. Recovery is often normally delayed following more extensive operations. In the case of a stomach “pill” balloon, installation problems are less prevalent, and the chance of serious repercussions is lower.
What occurs during the gastric “pill” balloon procedure?
Insertion of a gastric balloon
The balloon system comprises a soft, expanding balloon, a placement tube, and a filling mechanism. You will take a capsule containing the deflated gastric balloon in the UK and a thin tube during a 20-minute outpatient procedure. When the capsule reaches your stomach, the consultant will use the tube to inject 550 ml of water into the balloon. The consultant will gently remove the tube when the balloon has been inflated, and you will be free to go.
Just popping the balloon in your mouth?
The balloon may often be ingested without any complications. Those with problems swallowing it may seek assistance from their consultant, who will guide the balloon into place without needing an anaesthetic or endoscopy, if necessary.
When can I expect to return to my normal routine after being placed?
People who have had balloon implantations typically report feeling better within a day or two of the procedure. Nevertheless, some patients may experience nausea, stomach cramps, and vomiting hours or days after the procedure. The conventional medications that your specialist has recommended are likely effective in reducing the severity of these issues.
Where can I find a list of the foods recommended by the program I am participating in?
As the gastric balloon pill deflates, you will be free to consume whatever food you like. On the other hand, the guidance that a dietitian provides will be adapted to your unique needs to facilitate weight loss while preserving your quality of life.
Surgical deflation of the abdominal balloon.
After approximately 16 weeks of being implanted within your stomach, the balloon’s time-activated release valve will open, enabling it to empty and flow naturally through your gastrointestinal system without needing a removal procedure.
What kinds of unexpected complications might occur if the balloon “pill” were inserted into the stomach?
Following the insertion of the gastric balloon in UK, some people experience feelings of sickness as well as abdominal cramping and vomiting. These signs and symptoms are frequently relieved by common medications prescribed by medical professionals.