Non-Surgical Volume Management: The Intragastric Balloon What is an Endoscopic Intragastric Balloon? The Intragastric Balloon is a temporary, non-surgical weight-loss device placed into the stomach via endoscopy. Under mild sedation, a deflated medical-grade silicone balloon is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach. Once in place, it is filled with a sterile saline solution (or air, depending on the model), expanding to occupy a significant portion of the stomach’s volume. This procedure does not involve any incisions, stapling, or permanent alterations to your anatomy. The balloon stays in place for a period of 6 to 12 months (depending on the specific device), after which it is deflated and removed endoscopically. It works by physically taking up space, which triggers the stretch receptors in the stomach to send signals of fullness to the brain, even after small meals. Why is this Procedure Personally Vital for You? The Intragastric Balloon is a powerful "jumpstart" for patients who seek significant weight loss without the permanence of surgery. This pathway is personally vital for you if: You Prefer a Non-Invasive Approach: Since there are no surgical cuts, there is no external scarring and a significantly lower risk of the complications associated with invasive surgery. You Require a "Bridge" to Other Treatments: For patients with extremely high BMIs, the balloon can be used to achieve initial weight loss to make a future surgery (like a heart or orthopedic procedure) safer. You Seek Significant Short-Term Results: Patients typically lose between 10% and 15% of their total body weight during the six months the balloon is in place, providing a significant health boost. You Want to Build New Nutritional Habits: The balloon acts as "training wheels" for your appetite, helping you learn portion control and satiety cues that can be maintained after the device is removed. The Path to Metabolic Stability and Recovery The goal of the Intragastric Balloon pathway is to introduce a physical satiety tool while ensuring your stomach lining and systemic health are perfectly stabilized. This pathway is designed to: Provide Precision Endoscopic Placement: Our endoscopists perform a full diagnostic gastroscopy before inflation to ensure there are no pre-existing ulcers or hiatal hernias that would prevent a safe placement. Ensure Clinical Readiness through Rigorous Screening: To ensure your body is ready for the transition and the "gastric training" ahead, we require a full medical history, diagnostic X-rays (specifically a chest X-ray for anesthesia clearance), and comprehensive blood tests (including liver function, kidney function, and blood glucose levels). A Focused Recovery and Stabilization Window: In the first few days, the stomach reacts to the presence of the balloon, which can cause temporary nausea or cramping. We focus on a 2–3 week recovery and stabilization period. This window is essential for the stomach to "accept" the device, for your hydration and electrolyte levels to be perfectly stabilized as you transition to a liquid diet, and for our medical board to confirm you are tolerating the volume before you resume a full nutritional plan. All details are subject to doctor evaluation for the final treatment plan.