The Gastric balloon System is a non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical aid in the treatment of obesity. In conjunction with a supervised diet and behavior modification program, it can help Toronto intra-gastric balloon patients achieve the health and aesthetic benefits associated with weight loss. Consisting of a soft, expandable balloon, the placement tube and a filling system so a surgeon can orally insert the weight loss aid. Once inserted in the stomach, the empty balloon is filled with sterile saline (salt water) and the filling system and placement tube are detached and removed. When full, the balloon is too large to pass into the bowel and will now float freely in the stomach

The Gastric balloon is constructed of a high quality silicone elastomer, making it resistant to gastric acidity and sharp pieces of food. The spherical shape and smooth surface does not irritate the lining of the stomach and minimizes the risk of blockage or obstruction of the stomach. The intragastric balloon can be easily visualized on abdominal X-rays if necessary. The device can be filled with between 500 cc and 700 cc of saline to accommodate varying anatomy.

The system is designed to act as a mechanical aid to early satiety or fullness which makes compliance with a supervised diet and behavior modification program more effective. The balloon partially fills the stomach and patients report that they have a feeling of fullness after eating a much smaller portion of food. The emptying of food from the stomach is delayed which acts to prolong the feeling of satiety between meals. There is no change to the digestion or absorption of nutrients and no need for special nutritional supplements.

It is important that patients understand that the gastric balloon system is an aid to weight loss and must be used in conjunction with a diet and behaviour modification program. The comprehensive program offered at The Surgical Weight Loss Centre includes dietary advice and “Living with the Balloon” couselling before and during intragastric balloon placement and for six months after the balloon is removed. This counselling is very important to ensure that the dietary and lifestyle changes that have been aided by the GASTRIC BALLOON are maintained after the balloon has been removed.

The amount of weight lost will depend on how well patients are able to work with the balloon to reduce portion size and achieve early satiety. How long patients maintain the weight loss will depend on how successfully they adopt long-term lifestyle changes involving eating behavior and exercise. Strict attention must be paid to the nutritional follow-up.

After the removal of the balloon or its spontaneous deflation, weight regain is possible. This is most common in patients who have not changed their former eating habits or who have not been able to increase their level of activity through a regular exercise program. Studies have shown that the anticipated excess weight loss that can be expected with the gastric balloon is between 25% and 40%. For example if you are 100 pounds above your ideal body weight, you would be expected to lose between 25 and 40 pounds during the time the balloon has been in place. Studies are not yet available to assess the long term efficacy of the gastric balloon, and more prospective studies are necessary. This procedure is meant to promote a change in eating-habits, and is dependent on permanent modification of dietary habits and activity level.