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Beside the surgical treatment of obesity there is also less invasive method to loose weight. The Intra Gastric Balloon (IGB) System is a non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical aid in the treatment of obesity. In conjunction with a supervised diet and behavior modification program, it can help you achieve the health and aesthetic benefits associated with weight loss.

The IGB System consists of a soft, expandable balloon, the placement tube and a filling system so a physician can orally insert the weight loss aid.

Once inserted in the stomach, the empty balloon is filled with either sterile saline or air ( depends on the type of balloon being used and the preference of the surgeon). When full, the balloon is too large to pass into the bowel and will now float freely in the stomach. The balloon is then filled with saline solution that partially fills the stomach. You will have then the feeling of fullness even after eating smaller amount of food.

Who is IGB treatment recommended for?

Intra gastric Balloon is a non invasive and effective aid for overweight treatment for patients that are not eligible for bariatric surgery, though permanent effect can be achieved only in conjunction with specially prescribed diet and behavior modification program.

IGB is also recommended for people considered extremely overweight with BMI over 50 as a preparation for gastric banding. It is good to reduce the high risk associated with the surgical procedures in these patients with IGB System prior to the surgery.

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How Does the Intra Gastric Balloon promote weight loss?

• The intra gastric balloon fills a large portion of the stomach, and therefore reduces the capacity of the stomach. It reduces your capacity for food intake thus promoting weight loss.
  
• This creates a feeling of fullness and does not allow for overeating, therefore allowing you to effectively diet without feeling continuously hungry, which in turn reduced the calorie intake and weight loss.

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The balloon is introduced into the stomach through the mouth without the need for surgery. The physician conducts an initial examination of the stomach using an endoscopic camera. If no abnormalities are observed, the physician proceeds with placement of the balloon through the mouth and down the oesophagus into the stomach. The balloon is made of a soft and pliable silicone elastomer material and is inserted while in its smallest, deflated form. The swallowing process is made easier with the help of anesthetics applied topically to numb the throat area. Muscle relaxing medications are also used.

Once the balloon is inside the stomach, it is immediately filled with sterile saline through a small filling tube (catheter) attached to the balloon. Once filled, the doctor removes the catheter by gently pulling on the external end. The balloon has a self-sealing valve, and at this point the balloon is floating freely in the stomach.

Placement times vary but it will usually take 20-30 minutes, after which you will be monitored by the physician for a short time and then may return home.

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Are there any advantages or disadvantages of air filled balloon vs. liquid filled Balloons?

The primary advantage of air filled balloon is the difference in weight. An air filled balloon weights approximately 30 grams, whereas a liquid filled balloon weights between 500-700 grams.

Due to the lower weight, the side effects are significantly less causing less reliance on medication post procedure to control symptoms and therefore provide a much quicker recovery period.

Usually people go back to work within a couple of days. It is thought that the intolerance and persistent vomiting associated with the fluid filled balloon is caused by the ‘motion sickness’ the liquid creates.

The Air Filled Gastric Balloon is coated with pure gold on the inside of the silicone soft pouch; this guarantees no deflation within the implantation period which is currently six months.

The advantage of the saline filled balloon over air filled balloons is that, in the unlikely event that it should be accidentally damaged in the stomach, it can be instantly spotted. Although damage is extremely unlikely, should liquid escape from the balloon, it will colour your urine blue. You can recognize this very quickly, and can immediately contact the doctor. (An empty balloon can, potentially, pass through the stomach into the bowels, and cause a blockage. The early detection of leakage from a blue saline filled balloon would allow the doctor to resolve the situation by removing the balloon and prevent a possible serious complication).

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If you

• have BMI 30-70
  
• are at least 40% above your ideal weight
  
• do not want a surgical procedure
  
• want a temporary (6 months max.) treatment
  
• have failed to obtain prolonged weight loss with other weight control programs.
  
• are well motivated (accepting diet and psychological criteria)
  
• are no sweet eater
  
• are no binge (volume) eater
  are no stress eater
  
• are ready to accept after care program
  
• are ready to accept temporary implant in the stomach
  
• have usually no heartburn
  
• are not poorly stabilized diabetes type II
  
• You may be a good candidate for IGB system of weight loss.

If you are interested in the procedure and want get the expert opinion about your candidacy, fill up the obesity surgery eligibility form and send it to us.

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The IGB program has several advantages over other weight loss plans.

• The procedure can be easily performed within thirty minutes on an out-patient basis and does not require general anesthesia.
  
• More importantly, it can be repeated when indicated and is totally reversible.
  
• The reported weight loss in the literature can be up to 15-20% of the body weight.
  
• Most side effects such as nausea and vomiting are usually mild and will usually subside after two weeks of placement.
  
• You can lose more weight than with other diet programs.
  
• You have the benefits of a non- surgical, non-pharmaceutical approach.
  
• You learn principles for long – term success.

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The extent of weight loss with the help of the balloon is around 15 to 25 kg. It depends on the level of adherence to the diet – smaller portion of meals, which is caused by IGB System. It mainly depends on the fact if you maintain diet changes and exercise activities. On average the patient can lose 50% or more of their excess weight.

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How long can the balloon in the intra gastric balloon therapy be used?

The balloon can be used for six months. Longer periods of use are not recommended. Over time the acidic content of the stomach will weaken the balloon material and cause the balloon to deflate.

While you are using the balloon, the doctor may prescribe a course of oral medication to reduce your stomach acid (this may reduce the possibility of stomach irritation and damage to the balloon).

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The balloon is normally removed in the same way it was placed, via the oesophagus and mouth. Prior to removal, you will be given a muscle relaxant and a topical anesthetic will be applied to numb the throat. Using an endoscopic camera, the physician will introduce a catheter through the mouth and into the stomach. The balloon will then be punctured and deflated. Once the balloon is deflated it can be grasped and removed.

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Because the balloon in the stomach creates a feeling of fullness, it acts as an aid to weight reduction and may help you to adhere to a prescribed diet. You will have a much greater chance of maintaining your weight loss after balloon removal if you maintain and improve the diet and behavior changes you made while using the balloon.

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The first week you will be on a liquid diet with instructions to drink lots of water. After the first week, the dietician will recommend solids. You will receive instructions on your initial solid-foods nutrition regime with calorie restrictions. During the six months that the gastric balloon is in place, you would be constantly counseled to measure your weight loss progress and for education and training. This period is important to prepare you for maintaining weight loss after the gastric balloon is removed. The gastric balloon gives you a window of opportunity to adapt to the lifestyle changes you must make in order to maintain your ideal body weight.

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It is a life-changing procedure and should be considered carefully. The following steps can help you prepare you for the procedure and the changes that you will go through.

• Educate yourself. Learn everything you can about the procedure.
  
• Make lists of the following:
  
• A complete diet history of all diet attempts.
  
• Medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) and the dosages you take.
  
• Foods you like and those you can not tolerate.
  
• Medical records, especially any recent cardiac stress testing, to minimize repeat tests.
  
• Start making important changes in your eating and exercise habits. Doing this can help prepare you for the life changes that you will need to make after surgery. These are some of the necessary dietary and behavioral changes that you need to start:
  
• Drink at least 64 ounces of water daily.
  
• Switch from caffeine to decaffeinated beverages
  
• Keep a detailed written food diary.
  
• Eat at least three meals per day and avoid snacking in between. Don't worry about the calories for now, focus on the behavior.
  
• Begin a walking program if able.
  
• Write down your feelings every day to remind yourself of your commitment to begin a new and healthier lifestyle and the alternatives if you don't.

Attend support groups. Having an environment that is filled with support and encouragement is necessary for any patient that undergoes bariatric surgery.

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Please guide me step by step to have Intragastric balloon treatment done in India

• Please fill the enquiry form and weight loss surgery eligibility form for our surgeon to asses if you are a good candidate for the surgery.
  
• Your case manager will get in touch with you with the details and our expert surgeon’s opinion shortly after we receive the filled forms.
  
• You would need to undergo few pre operative screening tests. It is advisable to get the tests done in your country.
  
• About two weeks before your surgery, the surgeon will have you begin a special diet. The pre-op diet is important because it is designed to get your body ready for surgery and make recovery easier. You will need to lose fat around your stomach and liver, as well as shrink the liver itself. The diet helps reduce potential bleeding that can accompany surgery by reducing fatty triglycerides from around the liver and spleen. A primary part of the pre-op diet is a protein supplement. Myocel, a protein powder, is designed to lower the fat content of the liver, maximize recovery, and promote weight loss. Myocel can be mixed in with skim milk, water, fruit juice, or fat-free yogurt. Foods that will need to be decreased in your diet include high-sugar foods, high carbohydrate foods (including bread), fats (such as butter), fatty meats, fried foods, whole milk products, and alcohol. Your diet will be limited, but foods that may be included are yogurt, fruit, cereal, eggs, oatmeal for breakfast and lean meat or fish with green vegetables for dinner. Pre-op diets may vary between surgeons and patients, but you should always follow the recommendations of your doctor. You would be asked to quit smoking a few days before the surgery.
  
• You can choose to combine the procedure with a spa treatment or Ayurveda rejuvenation package or side trip in India before the surgery.
  
• The case manager would make a detailed itinerary for you, with the quote. .
  
• Please make a deposit to secure the booking for you.
  
• The case manager keep in touch with you regularly with the pre op diet plan and surgeon’s instructions.