Gastric Balloon Procedure Steps
Learn how the Gastric Balloon procedure is performed
Now that you know how to prepare effectively for your Gastric Balloon, we’ll outline the procedure step by step, so please be sure to read this article carefully for a comprehensive understanding of each step of the surgery
What is a Gastric Balloon?
A gastric balloon is a non-surgical weight loss device made from soft silicone that is placed in your stomach to reduce its capacity.
The balloon is inserted through your mouth using an endoscope, in a procedure that takes about 20 minutes. Once positioned, it is inflated with a saline solution, helping you feel fuller more quickly and limiting the amount of food you can consume.
The balloon typically stays in your stomach for 6–12 months before being removed. It serves as a temporary aid for weight loss, ideal if you’re looking for a non-invasive alternative to surgery.
Unlike other weight loss surgeries, such as the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass surgery also affects how your body processes food, making it more effective in reducing hunger and improving metabolic conditions like type 2 diabetes.
Your Initial Consultation before Your Gastric Balloon
The journey begins with a thorough consultation at Auralia Clinics. During this consultation, your doctor will review your medical history, discuss your weight loss goals, and explain the Gastric Balloon procedure in detail.
This is your opportunity to ask any questions and ensure you’re fully informed about the surgery and what it entails.
pre-operative assessments Before Your Gastric Balloon
Before your Gastric Baloon, you’ll undergo a series of pre-operative assessments to ensure you’re in optimal health for the procedure.
These may include blood tests, an ECG, and other evaluations. Your surgeon will also provide you with specific instructions, such as dietary guidelines and medication adjustments, to prepare you for the surgery.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Gastric Balloon Procedure: From Anaesthesia to Departure
The gastric balloon procedure is a very safe and effective non-surgical weight loss option.
If you’re considering this treatment, it’s helpful to understand each stage of the process, from when you arrive at the clinic to when you leave after the procedure.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the entire experience, step by step, so you know exactly what to expect.
Pre-Procedure Preparation
Before the procedure begins, you’ll arrive at the clinic and be checked in.
You may be asked to change into a hospital gown for the procedure, and your medical team will ensure you are comfortable.
The healthcare team will review your medical history and ensure that all your pre-operative instructions, such as fasting for 6–12 hours prior to the procedure, have been followed.
If you have any last-minute questions, this is the time to ask them.
Anaesthesia for Gastric Balloon: Ensuring Your Comfort
The procedure starts with the application of a numbing spray to your throat. This spray works quickly and effectively, numbing your throat to help you tolerate the endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera). The numbing sensation may feel unusual, but it is completely safe and necessary to minimise discomfort.
Insertion of the Endoscope and Balloon
Once the anaesthesia has taken effect, you will be comfortably positioned on a trolley. A plastic mouth guard will be placed between your teeth to keep your mouth open.
Your vital signs, such as your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, will be carefully monitored throughout the procedure
Passing the Endoscope : Gastric Balloon
The next step involves passing the endoscope through your mouth and into your stomach. The endoscope allows the doctor to see inside your stomach and ensure that it is ready for the balloon placement.
You may feel a slight sensation of pressure or the urge to swallow, but this process will not cause any pain, and it won’t interfere with your breathing.
To provide a clear view of the stomach, the doctor may introduce a small amount of air through the endoscope, which could give you the feeling of needing to belch. This is completely normal and temporary.
Inserting and Inflating the Balloon
Once your stomach is fully visualised, the doctor will insert the deflated gastric balloon through the endoscope and guide it into place inside your stomach.
Balloon Inflation
After the balloon is positioned correctly, the doctor will inflate it with 500–700 ml of saline solution.
This process is done while observing the balloon’s placement via the endoscope to ensure it is correctly positioned within your stomach.
The balloon is inflated to a size that takes up a significant portion of your stomach, helping to reduce your food intake by making you feel full sooner.
Once the balloon is inflated, the endoscope is carefully removed, and the procedure is nearly complete.
Post-Gastric Balloon Procedure Monitoring
Immediately following the procedure, you will be moved to a recovery area where your vital signs will be monitored as the effects of the anaesthesia or sedation wear off.
You may feel some discomfort, such as nausea or bloating, which is a common reaction as your stomach adjusts to the presence of the balloon.
These symptoms typically subside within a few days, and your healthcare team will provide you with medications to help manage any discomfort.
Recovery and Discharge from the Clinic
Once the medical team is satisfied with your recovery and vital signs, they will provide you with detailed post-procedure instructions.
Conclusion: Gastric Balloon, A Simple, Effective Weight Loss Tool
The gastric balloon procedure is a simple and minimally invasive way to kickstart your weight loss journey. With careful preparation, monitoring, and follow-up, this procedure can help you achieve significant weight loss, improve your health, and reduce the risks associated with obesity.
At Auralia Clinics, we prioritise your safety and comfort throughout the procedure, ensuring that you receive the highest standard of care. If you’re ready to explore how the gastric balloon can help you achieve your weight loss goals, contact us today to schedule a consultation.
We are a CHKS and ISO Approved Private Hospital in Ireland
All patients receive three post-op consultations, but if you feel you require more support, we can facilitate you without any extra cost.
Gastric Balloon after care FAQ
Following your visit to Auralia, you will be given pre- and post-operative instruction to guide you on how to be well prepared for your Gastric Balloon and what to do afterwards. This will also contain the clinic's contact details.
You will also be given your Auralia surgeon’s emergency mobile number for calls after hours. During work hours, you should contact the hospital.
If you suspect anything is wrong outside of business hours, you are welcome to call the emergency number of your surgeon and speak with them directly, day or night.
Alternatively, you can drop straight into the clinic during working hours.
Absolutely not! You are entitled to as many appointments as you feel you need with your surgeon, following your Gastric Balloon.
Absolutely! From the time you have your Gastric Balloon with your Auralia surgeon, you are entitled to see them for appointments for as long as necessary.
If the surgeon no longer works for Auralia, you would still be entitled to see one of our surgeons for free.
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Gastric Balloon Procedure With Auralia
Want to lose weight and considering a Gastric Balloon procedure? Get in touch with our expert team to get more insights and guidance to make your journey a success
Your Weight Loss Journey With Auralia
Step 1.
Free, No Obligation Consultation Booking
To start your procedure process, firstly book your consultation by calling us on (01) 612 0551 or filling a consultation form here.
Step 2.
Meet Your Doctor
Once you have booked your consultation, you will meet with your patient care co-ordinator then your Doctor to discuss your weight loss goals, your health status, concerns and the procedure details.
Step 3.
Book Your Procedure
After your comprehensive consultation, your patient care co-ordinator will work with you to book a convenient date for procedure.
Step 4.
Pre Op Assessment
Prior to your procedure date, you will have your pre-op assessment where we will go through your medical history with you, and instruct you how to prepare for your procedure day to avoid any risks.
Step 5.
Procedure Day
On your procedure day, you’ll have a dedicated medical team to take care of you. The procedure duration is 15 minutes, and you will leave on the clinic same day.
Step 6.
After Care
You will enjoy unlimited aftercare appointments and Doctor reviews as much as you need to ensure your safety and satisfaction with the results.
You will get access to the Auralia’s after care App to assess you further in your recovery period.
Furthermore, you will also have your Doctor’s emergency number so you get access to him any time 24/7.
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