Gastric Balloon/ BIB®

> What is the Gastric Balloon or BIB®?
> How is gastric balloon insertion carried out?
> Recovering from a gastric balloon operation?
> How long does the gastric balloon stay in the stomach??
> What are the benefits and risks?
> Watch the video.

The Gastric Balloon

What is the BIB® or Gastric Balloon? Back to top
The BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon (B.I.B.) is a saline-filled silicone balloon with a radiopaque valve that can be seen on x-rays. The more common name is the gastric balloon.
This alternative to surgery is best suited for individuals with a BMI between 28 and 30 and who have had failed attempts of losing weight through dieting and exercise.
Once the balloon is filled with saline inside the stomach, it will create a feeling a satiety thus fullness. In general, the balloon occupies one third of your stomach thus helping to adapt to a diet of smaller portions.

How is gastric balloon insertion carried out? Back to top
The surgeon will use an endoscopic camera to scope the stomach before the procedure. The Gastric Balloon is inserted deflated through the mouth and into the stomach. It is done under a local anaesthetic with mild sedation. The swallowing process is facilitated with a local anaesthetic to numb the throat. Once the balloon is placed in the stomach, it is inflated with saline (salt water) to occupy 1/3 of your stomach. A dye is used in the saline solution, usually blue, which will change the colour of your urine in the unlikely event that the balloon ruptures or leaks. Once filled, the surgeon will remove the catheter attached to the balloon which has a self-sealing valve. At this point, the balloon is floating freely in the stomach.

This simple procedure is done in 20-30 minutes. The patient is admitted at the hospital as a day case and is discharged in the afternoon after a few hours of observation.

Recovering from a gastric balloon operation? Back to top
The first few days will be uncomfortable as the stomach needs to adjust to the presence of the balloon. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhoea and cramping until your body adjusts. These side effects are common and should be expected.

We usually recommend taking one week off to this adjustment period when you will be in close contact with your surgeon and die titian.

How long does the gastric balloon stay in the stomach? Back to top
The balloon stays in your stomach for 6 months which by then you should have reached your ideal weight and taken steps to a healthier lifestyle. The balloon needs to be taken out because of the gastric juices in the stomach that break down your food. It is retrieved through the mouth after being deflated under a local anaesthetic at the hospital.

What are the benefits and risks? Back to top

The main benefits are:

The main risks are:
All surgeries carry risks. The experience and skill of the surgeon plus careful screening of each prospect can significantly lower these risks.

BIB placement animation (watch the video) Back to top