One of the most popular nonsurgical weight-loss procedures is the gastric balloon and appropriate for people with a BMI of 30 to 40. Gastric Ballon operation consists of a soft, expandable balloon, a placement tube and a filling system. The intragastric balloon is too large to pass through the stomach, resulting in a relatively long-term feeling of fullness with smaller food portions. In general, intragastric balloon placement reduces portion sizes and aids in the achievement of long-term weight loss goals.
You can start drinking clear liquids about six hours after the procedure. The liquid diet is usually followed until the beginning of the second week when you can begin eating soft foods. You should be able to resume regular eating three weeks after the intragastric balloon is inserted. Intragastric balloons are typically left in place for up to 6 months before being removed with an endoscope. A new balloon may or may not be placed at that time, depending on the plan determined by you and your doctor.
