Swallowable Gastric Balloon (Elipse)
An ingestible gastric balloon is a small, capsule-shaped medical device created to support weight loss. After swallowing the balloon, it travels to the stomach, where it is then inflated by a healthcare professional”all without the need for surgery or anesthesia. By occupying space inside the stomach, the balloon helps promote a lasting feeling of fullness, thereby decreasing appetite and calorie intake over time. This minimally invasive approach can aid in sustained weight loss and can also improve related health conditions associated with obesity.
What is a Swallowable Gastric Balloon?
A swallowable gastric balloon is a minimally invasive, non-surgical device designed to assist with weight loss by curbing appetite. The balloon is attached to a slender catheter and is gently swallowed under medical supervision. Once in the stomach, the balloon is inflated with air or saline, expanding to a capacity of up to 500 milliliters. By occupying space within the stomach, the balloon helps patients feel full more quickly and for a longer duration, reducing food intake and supporting steady, effective weight loss over time.
What is the Use of a Swallowable Gastric Balloon?
The main goal of a swallowable gastric balloon is to promote healthy weight loss in individuals struggling with obesity. This device is generally recommended for people with a body mass index (BMI) over 30 kg/m ². Used in combination with proper diet and exercise, the gastric balloon acts as a supportive tool to jump-start weight loss, helping patients achieve better and quicker results in the management of obesity.
What are the Risks of a Swallowable Gastric Balloon?
Some individuals may experience mild side effects, such as pain or nausea, after the placement of a swallowable gastric balloon”these typically subside within a few days. If symptoms persist or if unusual issues develop, it's important to seek prompt medical advice. On rare occasions, the balloon may deflate and move through the digestive tract. For these reasons, the procedure should only be performed under the guidance of a qualified specialist following a thorough evaluation.
How is a Swallowable Gastric Balloon Performed?
The gastric balloon procedure is a brief outpatient process. The patient swallows the balloon, which is attached to a thin catheter, with the help of water. An X-ray is commonly used to confirm the balloon's placement in the stomach. Once in position, the balloon is filled with air or saline via the catheter until it reaches the correct volume. The entire procedure usually takes about 30 minutes. Patients are monitored for a short period afterward and are generally able to return home the same day.
What Are the Things That Need to Be Done Before A Swallowable Gastric Balloon Is Inserted?
Before undergoing the Elipse gastric balloon procedure, stay well-hydrated for at least a week. Continue to take any prescribed medications as instructed, and make sure your doctor has a complete list of your current medications and any health conditions. A 12-hour fast is required before the procedure. Your doctor will provide specific instructions on when to stop eating and drinking prior to the placement.
What Are the Things to Be Done After Inserting a Swallowable Gastric Balloon?
Most people can return to their normal routines on the same day the gastric balloon is placed. Mild nausea or discomfort is common, so it's best to rest for the remainder of the day. Following a liquid-based diet during this initial period can help manage symptoms. For optimal results, partnering with a dietitian is recommended to support both your recovery and the development of healthy, long-term eating habits.
Who is Given a Swallowable Gastric Balloon?
A swallowable gastric balloon is typically recommended for adults who are overweight or obese and have not undergone previous bariatric surgery. It may also be a suitable option for patients with type 2 diabetes associated with excess weight, if advised by their doctor. However, this method is not recommended for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as stomach ulcers, a history of bariatric surgery, or for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What are the Advantages of a Swallowable Gastric Balloon?
A swallowable gastric balloon does not require a surgical procedure. This method, which is easy to apply, supports weight loss by reducing food intake. Portion control becomes easier because it provides satiety to a person for a long time. At the same time, the weight loss that continues during the balloon use process can also be maintained for long periods of time after the balloon is removed from the body. The advantages of a swallowable gastric balloon are as follows:
It provides a lasting feeling of fullness (satiety).
It does not require anesthesia.
It can be applied quickly
It can be naturally excreted from the body without intervention.
It does not require endoscopy
What are the Disadvantages of a Swallowable Gastric Balloon?
Swallowable gastric balloons generally have few disadvantages. In some cases, weight may be regained after the balloon is removed if a healthy diet is not maintained. Rarely, individuals may experience complications such as ulcers or heartburn, though these side effects are uncommon.
How Should Nutrition Be After a Swallowable Gastric Balloon?
About one week after the swallowable gastric balloon is placed, begin to slowly reintroduce solid foods. Start with liquids and soft foods, such as yogurt, scrambled eggs, and soup. Warm, soothing drinks like herbal teas are also beneficial. Avoid hard or very solid foods during the first week. As you recover, focus on adopting healthy, long-term eating habits. For best results, collaborate with your doctor and a dietitian to design a personalized nutrition plan for each stage of the process.
How to Remove a Swallowable Gastric Balloon?
After approximately four months, the swallowable gastric balloon deflates on its own and is naturally expelled through the digestive system. Once the balloon's valve opens, the saline solution inside is safely released into the stomach. The deflated balloon exits the body without causing harm. In rare situations, if any balloon fragments remain, a doctor may need to remove them.
How is a Swallowable Gastric Balloon Swallowed?
A swallowable gastric balloon is made to be taken without anesthesia or endoscopy. It is small enough to be swallowed comfortably with water, under a doctor's supervision. If swallowing is difficult, your doctor can use special techniques and X-ray guidance to assist its passage into the stomach.
What are the Alternatives to the Swallowable Gastric Balloon?
Alternatives to the swallowable gastric balloon include other bariatric procedures, such as sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass surgery. There are also gastric balloons that are inserted into the stomach using endoscopy or surgical methods instead of being swallowed.
Frequently Asked Questions About "Swallowable Gastric Balloon :
Is Swallowable Gastric Balloon Harmful?
A swallowable gastric balloon is generally safe and not considered harmful. However, it is not suitable for everyone. Doctors will not recommend or perform the procedure if it poses a risk based on an individual's specific health conditions.
Is There a Diet After a Swallowable Gastric Balloon?
The main function of a swallowable gastric balloon is to reduce how much food you eat. To ensure healthy weight loss and avoid nutrient deficiencies, it's important to follow a balanced diet plan while using the balloon.
What Is a Pill-Like Swallowable Gastric Balloon?
A swallowable gastric balloon is a pill-sized device that can easily be swallowed with water. Once it reaches the stomach, the balloon is inflated and takes up space, helping reduce food intake. This creates a sense of fullness, allowing weight loss to continue steadily until the balloon is removed from the body.
What are the Alternatives to the Swallowable Gastric Balloon?
Alternatives to swallowable gastric balloons include endoscopic gastric balloons, which are inserted under light anesthesia. These procedures require anesthesia and, in some cases, surgical removal. However, their effectiveness for weight loss is similar to that of swallowable gastric balloons.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .