Obesity (without surgery)
Obesity is the main public heatlh problem in developed countries, affecting in such an important way not only adults, there’s also an increased tendency in our young people, this is due manly by consuming processed, sweetened and fast foods.
The management of obesity without surgery consists of the use of a device placed inside the stomach (intragastric balloon). The intragastric balloon is a soft balloon formed by three layers of silicone that is inserted into the stomach and filled with water.
With the balloon, the patient will have the sensation of satiety or lack of hunger.
The intragastric balloon is a 6-month treatment, subsequently to which it’s extracted in the same manner that was placed, by endoscopic procedure through the mouth.
People who are candidates for the intragastric balloon are:
- People who are 16 years of age or older.
- With a body mass index weight excess smaller than 35%.
- Willing to follow through the program, treatment and dieting.
- Severely (or morbidly) obese (body mass index greater than 65%) that they require to lose weight in order to be intervened surgically lowering their risks.
Patients who are not candidates for the Intragastric Balloon Treatment are:
- Previous history of gastric surgery, intestinal obstruction or giant hiatal hernia.
- Chronic treatment with steroids.
- People who suffer Gastroduodenal Ulcer.
- Not willing to adapt the dieting habits that are crucial for the success of the treatment.
- Drug or Alcohol addiction in the last 12 months.
- Women who are pregnant.
The positioning and extraction of the intragastric balloon are ambulatory endoscopic studies, that are done with the support of an anesthesia specialist, that way, the patient does not feel any discomfort during these procedures.
The hospital stay is approximately 2-3 hours only, after which you can leave the hospital on your own feet.
All the information is given to you in regards to your diet to follow during the next 6 months that you’ll be hosting the balloon and must follow regular monthly check-ups with your specialist.
If you have any inquiries about the procedure and its benefits, please do not hesitate in contacting us.