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Are you tired of battling obesity and searching for a reliable, safe, and effective way to achieve lasting weight loss? Dr. Felipe Bernal, a highly acclaimed bariatric surgeon based in Bogota, Colombia, is here to help you take control of your health and transform your life. As a leading expert in advanced laparoscopic surgery, with a focus on gastrointestinal, hiatal, and bariatric procedures, Dr. Bernal possesses the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to guide you on your journey to a slimmer, healthier you.
The gastric balloon, also known as an intragastric balloon, is a non-surgical, temporary weight loss solution designed to help individuals struggling with obesity. It involves placing a soft, expandable silicone balloon in the stomach through the mouth using an endoscopic procedure. The procedure is typically performed under mild sedation and takes about 20-30 minutes.
The Gastric Balloon, or Intragastric balloon, is a non-surgical weight loss treatment that involves inserting a deflated balloon into the stomach using an endoscope through the mouth and esophagus. Once in place, the balloon is filled with a sterile saline solution, occupying space in the stomach and reducing the amount of food that can be consumed at one time. This creates a feeling of fullness and slows down the rate at which food leaves the stomach, prolonging the feeling of satiety.
If you are looking for a gastric balloon specialist, Dr. Felipe Bernal is your one and only best option, with experience in managing both national and foreign patients.
Dr. Felipe Bernal operates in prestigious hospitals in Bogotá, including the Clínica Shaio, Clínica Cobos and Clínica Colsubsidio de la 94. If you are not in the city of Bogotá or Colombia, we can schedule a virtual appointment.
Schedule an appointment now and quote your procedure. Click Here.
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The gastric balloon serves as an alternative that ensures weight loss from the first week until its removal, as it generates a feeling of satiety that leads to a reduction in food and calorie intake.
Typically, an endoscope (a flexible tube with a camera) inserts the balloon into the stomach through the mouth while the patient is under sedation. This non-invasive approach reduces the risks associated with surgical procedures, such as infections or surgical complications, and also minimizes recovery time.
Unlike weight-loss surgeries that alter the digestive system permanently (such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy), the gastric balloon preserves the natural function of the gastrointestinal tract. The absorption of nutrients remains unaffected as the surgery does not alter the anatomy of the stomach and intestines. This aspect is particularly important for maintaining long-term digestive health.
The presence of the balloon in the stomach stimulates nerve endings that signal fullness to the brain, thereby naturally reducing appetite. This helps patients adhere to smaller portion sizes and discourages overeating. The gastric balloon aids in establishing healthier eating habits that persist even after the balloon’s removal by controlling hunger.
Using a gastric balloon to achieve significant weight loss can improve a variety of obesity-related health conditions. For example, weight loss can improve insulin sensitivity, thereby aiding in the management of type 2 diabetes. It can also reduce blood pressure and lessen the strain on the heart, contributing to overall cardiovascular health. Additionally, weight reduction can decrease cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of developing obstructive sleep apnea.
The gastric balloon’s weight loss and health improvements can significantly improve the quality of life. Patients often experience increased mobility, better mood, and higher self-esteem as they lose weight. The reduction in symptoms of obesity-related diseases also contributes to a better overall sense of well-being. Furthermore, the temporary nature of the balloon, typically around six months, allows patients to learn and adopt healthier lifestyle choices that can continue to benefit them long term.
Gastric balloon is a temporary weight loss solution, and the balloon can be removed if you decide that you no longer want it.
This is the type we frequently use in our clinic in Bogotá. We place the balloon under sedation using an endoscope. It is filled with saline solution, occupying between 400 to 700 cm³ of the stomach, offering a safe and controlled method.
This balloon stands out because it doesn’t require endoscopy for placement or removal. You swallow a capsule containing the balloon, and it’s filled remotely. After approximately 4 months, the balloon self-deflates and passes naturally.
Because ingestible gastric balloons remain in the body for only a short period of time and do not ensure sustained weight loss, their effectiveness is unproven. Our clinic employs saline solution gastric balloons, removing them 8 to 12 months after insertion.
To ensure a successful procedure, it’s essential to follow the recommendations provided by Dr. Felipe Bernal, a bariatric surgeon in Bogotá:
Before deciding to proceed with the endoscopic balloon placement, an evaluation with both a psychologist and a nutritionist is necessary.
We begin the preparation for the gastric balloon 3 to 4 days before the procedure with a high-calorie liquid diet to prepare the stomach and cleanse it of food residues.
The patient must fast for at least 8 hours on the day of the gastric balloon placement.
We offer our patients a unique assistance program that involves various specialists throughout the entire weight loss process.
This program includes a medical assessment prior to surgery, postoperative follow-up, and support from professionals in Nutrition, Endocrinology, Physiotherapy, Psychology, Psychiatry, and Pediatrics for one year.
Our support program has several benefits, including improved health and a higher likelihood of achieving sustained weight loss over time, thereby improving quality of life.
An endoscopic gastric balloon is a temporary, non-surgical weight loss treatment that involves placing a saline-filled silicone balloon in the stomach through an endoscopic procedure.
The balloon reduces stomach capacity, leading to a feeling of fullness and decreased food intake, thus helping patients lose weight.
The balloon remains in the stomach for approximately 6 months, after which it is removed through another endoscopic procedure.
Patients can expect to lose between 10-15% of their total body weight during the 6-month period, provided they adhere to a supervised diet and exercise program.
Endoscopic gastric balloons are suitable for patients with a BMI between 30 and 40 who have been unable to achieve significant weight loss through diet and exercise alone.
Some patients may experience nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort in the days following the procedure. These side effects usually resolve on their own.
Yes, the balloon may increase the risk of acid reflux, causing heartburn or acid indigestion.
If nausea and vomiting are severe, patients may be at risk of dehydration, which may require medical treatment.
In rare cases, the balloon may cause a blockage in the stomach or small intestine, requiring immediate removal.
Sometimes, the balloon may deflate or leak prematurely, reducing its effectiveness and possibly requiring replacement.
The balloon is inserted through the mouth using an endoscope and then filled with saline once it’s in the stomach. The procedure typically takes about 20-30 minutes and is performed under sedation.
The balloon is removed through another endoscopic procedure after approximately 6 months.
Most patients can resume normal activities within 1-2 days after the procedure.
If a patient experiences severe or unusual symptoms, they should seek medical attention immediately. In some cases, the balloon may need to be removed before the 6-month mark.
Yes, some gastric balloons are adjustable and may have different fill volumes to accommodate individual patient needs.
Gastric balloons are typically made of medical-grade silicone.
Yes, gastric balloons may not be suitable for individuals with certain health conditions, such as eating disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, or previous gastric surgery.
Patients typically need to follow a liquid diet and avoid eating or drinking after midnight before the procedure.
Patients should follow a modified diet and gradually increase solid food intake under the guidance of their medical team. Regular follow-up visits are also required to monitor progress and health.
The long-term success of this treatment depends on the patient’s commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle after the balloon is removed. Lasting changes in diet and exercise are essential for maintaining weight loss.
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Bogotá, como capital de Colombia, cuenta con centros médicos y profesionales altamente capacitados en procedimientos bariátricos. El Balón Gástrico Bogotá se ha posicionado como una de las opciones preferidas por aquellos que buscan una solución efectiva y menos invasiva para la pérdida de peso en la ciudad.
Si estás buscando un especialista en este tipo de procedimiento, el Dr Felipe Bernal es tu mejor alternativa, con amplia experiencia en el manejo de pacientes tanto nacionales como extranjeros. Si no te encuentras en la ciudad de Bogotá o Colombia, podemos agendar tu cita virtual.
