Gastric Balloon
For the procedure of placing a gastric or intragastric balloon, the specialist doctor examines the inside of the stomach by means of an endoscope (flexible tube with a small camera at the end, introduced through the mouth), to ensure that there is no pathology that contraindicates the placement of the balloon. Once the area has been examined, the device is introduced through the mouth and positioned intragastrically . This consists of a silicone balloon connected to a tube on the outside, which allows it to be filled with saline solution with a marker once it is placed in the stomach, and then removed from the tube.
The gastric balloon is one of the methods currently used for weight loss , because it occupies space in the gastric chamber, allowing the patient to more easily follow restrictive diets ordered and monitored by a nutrition professional and multidisciplinary support.
You may drink fluids up to six hours before the exam. It is recommended that the procedure be performed under sedation, to allow for better evaluation, greater safety and better tolerance.
General recommendations
Preparation for the procedure is of vital importance for the correct preparation and performance of the examination requested of you. Remember that it is your treating physician, or the health team that cares for you, who knows your health status and recommends the performance of this examination (indication and relevance), not the Gastroclinic Institute as such.
For technical-scientific reasons and for patient safety, we recommend that you prepare for the exam in the established manner. However, we also suggest that you consult your doctor beforehand , as he or she is the one who knows your health condition and can best advise you on the possibility of doing this preparation, in case you have an illness or are undergoing treatment that cannot be interrupted for fasting.
For endoscopic procedures, patients over 75 years of age, under 12 years of age, or with cognitive disability problems, sleep apnea (those who use CPAP), those who have suffered a heart attack less than six months ago, with psychiatric disorders, genetic disorders, epilepsy and those who use oxygen in their daily lives must report this condition by contacting the Gastroclinical Institute before beginning the preparation, in order to confirm the appointment assignment.
It is advisable to stop taking, at least five days before taking, medications containing Aspirin, Clopidogrel (Plavix), Ribaroxaban (Xarelto), Dabigatran (Pradaxa), Apixaban (Eliquis), Warfarin (Coumadin) or any other medication that has an anticoagulant effect. You should consult with your doctor about the possibility of stopping them and do so with his/her authorization.
You must take into account the instructions of the Nutrition Professional, regarding the diet before and after the procedure.