Principal Types of Gastric Balloons

As we seek effective strategies for shedding extra pounds and addressing severe obesity, the gastric balloon emerges as a widely discussed option among various advanced techniques. Hence, it becomes crucial to delve deeper into understanding its nuances.

What exactly is a Gastric Balloon? 

A gastric balloon offers a temporary medical intervention devoid of surgical procedures. It becomes relevant when the body mass index (BMI) falls between 25 and 40, and conventional methods like dieting and exercising fail to produce significant weight loss outcomes. The process involves the insertion of a silicone balloon filled with saline solution into the stomach, occupying a portion of it. This reduces the available space for food, leading to diminished food intake and heightened satiety. Patients undergoing this procedure must commit to substantial lifestyle changes, adopt a balanced diet thereafter, engage in regular physical activity, and adhere to follow-up appointments with their treating physician to ensure optimal results.

Principal Types of Gastric Balloons

Several variations of gastric balloons exist, with the suitable type determined based on the patient’s specific condition. Some noteworthy types include:

Orbera Balloon: This prevalent type involves inserting a deflated balloon through the mouth into the stomach using an endoscope. It is then filled with approximately 500 cubic centimeters of sterile saline solution. The balloon remains in place for six months, during which patients adapt to consuming smaller portions of food, aiding in weight loss. Subsequently, the balloon is removed using the endoscope.

Elipse Balloon: Also referred to as the smart capsule, this type stands out as it does not require endoscopy. The balloon is introduced into the stomach by swallowing a smart capsule that opens inside the stomach and fills with saline solution. Its proper positioning is confirmed via X-rays, and after four months, it activates a release valve, emptying its contents through the digestive system.

Spatz Balloon: What distinguishes this type is its adjustability post-insertion into the stomach using an endoscope. Physicians can fill it with 400-800 cubic centimeters of sterile saline solution, based on patient preference and tolerance. For instance, after four months, the physician can increase its size to enhance weight loss efficacy or decrease it if the patient finds it intolerable. The Spatz balloon remains in the stomach for a full year before removal
via endoscopy.

Apart from the aforementioned types, various other variations of gastric balloons are implemented at Al-Ahli Hospital in Doha, maintaining the highest standards. This hospital boasts a team of globally experienced consultants, along with state-of-the-art technologies and top-notch services for obesity treatment, including balloons, Botox, as well as surgical procedures like sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, all conducted in fully equipped operating rooms.

Benefits of Gastric Balloons

Gastric balloons facilitate the shedding of excess weight, thereby enhancing patients’ quality of life, mental well-being, and self-confidence, while also improving their physical activity capacity. Moreover, the procedure mitigates the risk of obesity-related diseases such as:

• Cardiovascular ailments
• Strokes
• Hypertension
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Type 2 diabetes
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Liver inflammation and conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

What Distinguishes Al-Ahli Hospital’s Obesity Surgery Departments?

Al-Ahli Hospital in Doha extends a warm welcome to individuals seeking to combat obesity, offering them unparalleled services. With 46.1% of women and 35.9% of men in Qatar grappling with severe obesity, the need for a sophisticated hospital equipped with ample expertise to address such cases becomes evident. The obesity treatment department at Al-Ahli Hospital stands out for several reasons:

• Cutting-edge and fully equipped operating rooms.
• Availability of the latest medical devices and equipment for both surgical and non-surgical obesity treatment.
• A specialized medical team comprising highly competent physicians with global experience.
• Female specialists catering to the needs of female patients seeking enhanced privacy.
• Comprehensive services covering various obesity surgeries, balloons, Botox, and other surgical and non-surgical treatments, all conducted in fully equipped operating rooms.

Additionally, a specialized nutrition department ensures post-operative and theoretical follow-up, guaranteeing healthy and well-planned weight loss by designing suitable dietary programs tailored to each patient individually.