Gastric Balloon
Obesity represents a major global health problem and results in a decrease in the quality and life expectancy of people.
Obesity has been linked to an increased incidence of numerous diseases, including sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, systemic hypertension, heart attack, stroke, fatty liver, gallstones, pulmonary hypertension, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and cancer. Remember that obesity can shorten your life by 10 to 15 years.
More than 1.4 billion people worldwide suffer from obesity, and weight loss can be enough to delay or prevent the onset of diabetes and other weight-related diseases. Over time, minimally invasive techniques have been developed that have few complications and are effective in combating obesity.
The intragastric balloon is used to treat obesity and is a non-surgical alternative for patients who have not achieved their desired weight loss through diet and exercise.
“The weight loss mechanism of the balloon is restrictive, inducing satiety, so the volume and quantity of your food will be less, but without leaving you hungry.”
The intragastric balloon is a temporary, minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure performed endoscopically. It involves placing a silicone balloon in the stomach through an endoscopic approach. The balloon is then filled with a sterile liquid solution, which induces a feeling of fullness, reduces hunger, and aids in weight loss.
It's an outpatient procedure, requires no surgery, and is performed under light sedation. You won't feel any discomfort, pain, or pain. The intragastric balloon procedure may be an option if you have concerns about your weight and if diet and exercise haven't worked for you.
Like other weight-loss procedures, an intragastric balloon requires a commitment to a healthier lifestyle. You need to make healthy changes to your diet and exercise regularly to help ensure the procedure's long-term success.
Losing weight can reduce the risk of developing potentially serious weight-related health problems, such as the following:
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Certain types of cancer, such as breast, endometrial, colon, prostate, etc.
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Heart diseases such as high blood pressure and heart attacks.
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Cerebrovascular events such as strokes.
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High cholesterol levels.
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Fatty liver disease or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
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Sleep apnea.
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Type 2 diabetes.
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease.
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Joint pain caused by osteoarthritis.
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Skin conditions, including psoriasis and acanthosis nigricans, a condition that causes dark pigmentation in the folds and wrinkles of the body.
Remember that one of the biggest advantages of placing an intragastric balloon endoscopically is that, prior to placement, we can directly observe the inside of the stomach. This helps us determine if you have any conditions that would prevent balloon placement or any serious issues such as a hiatal hernia, polyps, ulcers, cancer, tumors, infections, etc. Another advantage is that we can directly see the balloon being placed in the stomach, a disadvantage of other types of balloons. Don't put your health at risk.
Currently, the placement of an intragastric balloon combined with the use of GLp1 inhibitors enhances weight loss, making it an excellent option if you want to lose weight without surgery. Both treatments together significantly increase weight loss.
If you are afraid of surgery, the intragastric balloon is available for you.
Dr. Ricardo Alcocer Tamayo has been recognized with the award for excellence in intragastric balloon placement, which is given to the endoscopists who perform this procedure the most in the Yucatan Peninsula.
