Everything You Need to Know About Gastric Balloon Weight Loss Surgery in Singapore

Gastric balloon weight loss surgery is a minimally invasive procedure designed to assist individuals in losing weight. This procedure involves placing a soft balloon inside the stomach to reduce its capacity, leading to a feeling of fullness and reduced food intake. If you’re considering this weight loss option in Singapore, here’s everything you need to know, Gastric Balloon Weight Loss Surgery in Singapore including the benefits, process, and considerations.

What is Gastric Balloon Weight Loss Surgery?

Overview of Gastric Balloon Procedure

The gastric balloon is a non-surgical weight loss solution for individuals who are struggling to lose weight through diet and exercise alone. The procedure involves inserting a deflated balloon into the stomach via a flexible tube. Once inside, the balloon is filled with saline to occupy space in the stomach, making you feel fuller faster. This helps reduce calorie intake, promoting weight loss.

Types of Gastric Balloons Available

There are various types of gastric balloons used for weight loss in Singapore. The most common options are the Orbera and the Spatz gastric balloons. These differ in terms of duration of use and design, but they all serve the same purpose of assisting with weight loss by limiting food intake. Your doctor will help you decide which type is best suited to your needs.

How Gastric Balloon Surgery Works

The Procedure Steps

Gastric balloon insertion is a relatively straightforward procedure. The process usually takes about 20-30 minutes and is performed under mild sedation. Here’s how it works:

1. Preparation: Before the procedure, you will have a consultation with your doctor to assess your health and weight loss goals.
2. Insertion: The balloon is inserted into your stomach through your mouth, using an endoscope. This is done under mild sedation.
3. Filling the Balloon: Once the balloon is in place, it is inflated with saline solution, which helps it take up space inside the stomach.
4. Recovery: After the procedure, you may need to stay in the clinic or hospital for a short time for observation. You can usually return home the same day.

The Role of the Balloon in Weight Loss

The primary function of the gastric balloon is to reduce the amount of food your stomach can hold. By taking up space, it makes you feel full with smaller portions, helping you eat less. This, combined with healthy eating habits and exercise, can lead to significant weight loss over time.

Benefits of Gastric Balloon Weight Loss Surgery

Non-Invasive and Short Recovery Time

One of the biggest advantages of gastric balloon weight loss surgery is that it is non-invasive. Unlike traditional weight loss surgeries such as gastric bypass, no cutting or stitching of the stomach is required. This means the procedure has a shorter recovery time, and patients can return to their normal activities much quicker.

Safe and Effective Weight Loss

Gastric balloon surgery has been shown to help people lose up to 30-50% of their excess body weight within the first six months. It is considered safe when performed by an experienced healthcare professional. Most patients experience a significant reduction in hunger, which leads to healthier eating habits and long-term weight loss.

Suitable for a Wide Range of Patients

Gastric balloon surgery is suitable for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40, who have struggled with weight loss through diet and exercise alone. It is often used for patients who are not candidates for other weight loss surgeries but are looking for a less invasive option.

What to Expect After Gastric Balloon Insertion

Immediate Post-Procedure Care

Immediately after the procedure, you may feel some discomfort, such as bloating, nausea, or mild abdominal pain. These symptoms typically subside after a few days. Your doctor may prescribe medications to help manage these symptoms. Most patients are able to return to normal activities within a week.

Dietary Guidelines and Lifestyle Changes

To achieve the best results, it’s essential to follow the dietary guidelines provided by your healthcare provider. Initially, you may be advised to stick to a liquid diet for a few days, followed by soft foods, and then solid foods. Your doctor will also guide you on portion sizes and healthy eating habits. Regular exercise is also an important component of a successful weight loss journey.

Balloon Removal

The gastric balloon is not permanent. It is typically removed after six months, once it has helped you lose a significant amount of weight. The removal procedure is similar to the insertion process and is performed under mild sedation. After the balloon is removed, you should continue to follow healthy eating habits and exercise to maintain your weight loss.

Risks and Considerations of Gastric Balloon Surgery

Potential Side Effects

While gastric balloon surgery is considered safe, like any medical procedure, it carries some risks. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, especially in the first few days after the procedure. Some patients may also experience digestive issues, such as bloating or discomfort after eating.

Long-Term Considerations

Gastric balloon surgery is a tool to aid in weight loss, but it does not guarantee long-term success without commitment to lifestyle changes. For sustained weight loss, patients must maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and work on their relationship with food. Some individuals may also regain weight after the balloon is removed if they do not make lasting changes to their lifestyle.

Who is a Good Candidate?

The gastric balloon procedure is not suitable for everyone. Ideal candidates are individuals with a BMI between 30 and 40, who have not had success with other weight loss methods. Those who have certain health conditions, such as severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or gastric ulcers, may not be suitable candidates for the surgery. A consultation with a qualified healthcare professional will help determine if the gastric balloon is the right option for you.

Conclusion

Gastric balloon weight loss surgery in Singapore is an effective, minimally invasive procedure for individuals who are struggling with obesity and are seeking a non-surgical weight loss option. While the procedure can help you lose weight, it requires a commitment to healthy eating, exercise, and lifestyle changes to achieve long-term success. If you are considering this procedure, make sure to consult with a healthcare provider to determine if it is the right solution for you.