Swallowable Gastric Pill Balloon for Weight Loss in India

A swallowable capsule balloon is a state-of-the-art technology. It is the first-ever ingestible capsule that is converted into a balloon after entering the stomach by a doctor.

The capsule balloon is made of silicone and requires no anaesthesia for its placement or removal. It is a smoother and procedure-less treatment compared to other surgical procedures for weight loss in obese individuals.

Swallowable gastric ballooning is a non-invasive, non-endoscopic weight loss treatment. However, the process is similar to that of balloon placement using endoscopy.

Intragastric ballooning treatment works as a side treatment for obesity along with lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet.

If not treated early, obesity can be the root cause of several health complications. It is generally classified as Class I, II, and III based on the severity and body mass index (BMI).

In some patients who are obese, exercise and dietary changes may not be as effective in losing weight. One of the major reasons for the advancement of obesity is the stomach’s elastic nature, allowing it to expand as one eats.

Furthermore, reducing hunger is the first step towards a weight loss journey. Due to the stomach’s elasticity, a person feels more hungry. Gastric balloons can restrict this endless process of overeating and aid in effective weight loss.

It is also important to know that all obese individuals cannot get an intragastric balloon for weight loss. There is a very simple criterion for one to be eligible for the same. It includes:

1. High Body Mass Index (BMI): Patients with class III obesity or those with a body mass index above 27 can get a non-endoscopic weight loss balloon placed in their stomach.
2. Age: Anyone above the age of 18 can undergo weight loss ballooning procedures.
3. Class III Obesity: For patients with high-grade obesity, such as class III, a swallowable gastric balloon can be a safer option as compared to a bariatric procedure due to a lower risk of complications.
4. Bariatric Surgery: Extremely high body weight can be an obstruction for those who wish to undergo bariatric surgery for weight loss.

The swallowable capsule balloon can help achieve body weight allowing a patient to undergo a further bariatric procedure.

Note: These factors may help decide if one needs a swallowable balloon weight loss program. However, the best option is to consult with a doctor and check for eligibility.

A swallowable intragastric balloon is compressed in a capsule form that the patient can swallow with water. The capsule’s end is connected to a thin catheter. It is the only weight loss procedure that is performed without surgery, endoscopy or anaesthesia.

The intragastric balloon insertion process be understood with the following steps:

1. The patient visits the doctor as a normal outpatient visit.
2. The doctor asks a few questions about the existing symptoms and family history to make him comfortable. He will also explain the whole procedure in detail.
3. The doctor may ask the patient to sign a consent form regarding the understanding of the procedure.
4. Now, the patient has to swallow the capsule or the pill with the help of water while the doctor holds the catheter’s other end in hand.
5. With each gulp of water, the capsule pushes down the oesophagus and reaches the stomach soon.
6. At this stage, the doctor performs an x-ray of the abdomen to check if the capsule has reached the right place in the stomach.
7. Once confirmed, the doctor starts filling about 550 ml of water into the deflated balloon capsule via the catheter.
8. The doctor performs another x-ray after filling the balloon. This is done to check if the water-filled balloon is placed at the correct place.
9. Now the catheter is pulled out, and the patient is good to go!

The swallowed intragastric balloon takes up some space in the stomach and increases the feeling of fullness and satiety. This helps reduce appetite for the duration the balloon stays inside the stomach.

Now, even after the removal of the balloon, the stomach is used to the reduced appetite. This is how a swallowable gastric balloon helps in weight loss and reducing obesity, just like endoscopic intragastric ballooning.

The swallowable intragastric balloon removal process is very simple. The release valve in the balloon opens up after a period of 16 weeks, and the balloon deflates itself. The balloon further degrades and flushes out of the body naturally.

During the tenure, which is about 6 months long period of the swallowable balloon weight loss program, specific lifestyle changes are also advised.

Note: The balloon placement may be performed by a certified professional. Make sure to clear any doubts related to the whole process before undergoing it.

The procedure-less gastric balloon process involves a very short time period. Prior consultation with a doctor helps them advise a suitable lifestyle plan for an effective weight loss journey for the patient.

Before the Ballooning Procedure

1. Increase Water Intake: It is important to empty out any solid residues in the stomach for proper balloon placement. Drinking at least 2 to 2.5 litres of water or other liquids daily is necessary.
2. Medications: The doctor may prescribe certain medications. Follow the schedule as the doctor says.
3. Fasting for 8 Hours: A light meal can be consumed the night before the day of the balloon placement. It is necessary to avoid any further food intake till the doctor suggests it.

On the Day of the Ballooning Procedure

1. The doctor may ask for the patient’s consent after informing them about the risks, benefits and other details of the procedure.
2. The doctor may prescribe antacids or other medications to prevent situations such as acid reflux during the procedure.
3. A liquid diet may be advised for 8 hours prior to the balloon placement. It can include water, juices, broth, soups, etc.
4. The liquid diet will also be stopped about 2 hours before the procedure.

The patient’s body will take some time to adapt to the regular diet after the placement of the swallowable balloon.

The Recovery Process in the Hospital

The swallowable balloon placement is a very short procedure of about 15 to 20 minutes. It does not require any surgical intervention so there is no need for hospitalisation.

The patient, however, may be asked to stay at the hospital for about half an hour after post-placement to observe any immediate side effects.

Recovery Process/Expectations After Hospital Discharge

1. Diet: The patient will be asked to follow a clear liquid diet for about 24 to 48 hours straight from the day of the procedure.
   As the doctor suggests, the patient can gradually move to soft and semi-solid foods such as yoghurt, soups, scrambled eggs, etc. Over time, when the body feels adjusted to the balloon, one can move at their own pace to a solid diet.

2. Medication: The doctor may prescribe pain-relieving medicines and antibiotics to prevent rare cases of infection.

First Follow-up Appointment

The swallowable balloon deflates and gets excreted on its own after the pre-determined period of 16 weeks. Regular consultations are required after the balloon placement for continuous 6 months to monitor changes.

Note: An immediate consultation with a doctor is necessary if the patient is facing persistent episodes of nausea, vomiting and pain. It is also important to follow the advised lifestyle changes to see effective results.

The swallowable balloon procedure for weight loss is safe and does not require any incisions. An overweight patient can consider this treatment to improve confidence, self-esteem and aesthetics.

The procedure-less gastric balloon system offers the following benefits:

1. No Incision or Anaesthesia: No anaesthesia or any surgical incisions are required in this process. Patients with a fear of surgery can opt for it as a painless alternative to other methods of weight loss.
2. No Risks or Complications: There is a very rare possibility of any risks or complications during or after the placement of the balloon.
   However, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, etc., are common and can be managed by doctor-prescribed medications.
3. No Hospitalisation Required: The balloon placement is an outpatient procedure, so it does not require the need for hospitalisation of the patient. The patient may be kept under observation for half an hour to an hour.
4. Safe and Convenient: Swallowable ballooning offers one of the safest procedures for weight loss.
5. Fast Procedure: Placing a capsule gastric balloon does not take more than 15 to 20 minutes, making it a very quick balloon placement procedure.
6. Less to No Discomfort: The gastric balloon rarely causes any discomfort in the stomach region. It is made of silicone material, so it may or may not cause any problems while inside.

By the time of the end of the program, the body gets used to the new diet with healthy eating habits that last a lifetime. This helps in preventing overeating or binge eating as the stomach feels fuller for longer periods.

The non-endoscopic gastric ballooning is a safe treatment for weight loss. It rarely shows any risks or complications after the placement in the stomach.

However, in rare cases, persistent symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, etc. and sometimes balloon deflation may occur.

When is Consultation with the Doctor Needed?

Immediate intervention by a doctor is necessary if the patient experiences severe complications. This may include:

1. Severe abdominal pain and discomfort
2. Severe back pain
3. Fever lasting for more than 24 hours

The balloon capsule helps reduce obesity by reducing the patient’s appetite by making them used to a lower appetite. If the treatment of obesity is delayed, it may pose the following risks to health:

1. Sleep Disorders: People with obesity may find it difficult to fall asleep. They may develop sleep disorders such as sleep apnoea, in which the breathing suddenly stops and starts while sleeping.
2. Hypertension: Obesity increases the risk of developing high blood pressure or hypertension. This further increases the risk of heart disease.
3. Heart Diseases: If obesity is left untreated for a long time, it can reduce heart function and elevate the risk of heart disease.
4. Type 2 Diabetes: Excess fat storage is a major complication of obesity. It can increase insulin resistance which can promote the development of type 2 diabetes.
5. Osteoarthritis: Excessive body weight in obesity increases the pressure on the joints such as knees. It can further elevate, increases inflammation, and develop conditions such as osteoarthritis.

If obesity is left untreated, some problems may become a permanent part of a patient’s life.

1. Poor Quality of Life: With the development of multiple complications due to obesity, the patient’s life quality can degrade.
   Health conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, etc. increase the dependency on treatments, and a patient may have to live their whole life while managing these chronic conditions.
2. Reduced Life Expectancy: Obesity is a major cause for reducing life longevity. This is because conditions such as hypertension and heart disease can be fatal if left untreated.

The cost of the swallowable ballooning procedure can vary based on multiple factors. Some of these factors include:

1. The doctor’s or hospital’s consultation fee
2. Diagnostic exams to check risks, if any
3. The patient's present medical status
4. Age of the patient
5. Type of hospital chosen for the procedure
6. The city or location of the hospital

Diet and exercise alone may not be effective in extreme cases of obesity. Not treating it in time can lead to several complications, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, etc.

Consulting with a doctor can help with the timely treatment of obesity. The doctor can advise on a customised treatment plan for each patient.

You can contact the experts at HexaHealth to know the best treatment options available for obesity. We can be your companion from the beginning to the surgical after-care stage.