The Possible Risks From Having
An Intragastric Balloon Fitted
Because having a gastric balloon (sometimes called an intragastric balloon) is not particularly invasive and is fitted for a relatively short period of time it is considered to be a safe procedure. As a general aesthetic rarely needs to be used it makes it even safer than most other forms of surgery.
Before embarking on this type of weight loss surgery you should remember that nothing is completely safe. However most of the complications arising from having a gastric balloon fitted are of a relatively minor nature.
- When having the balloon fitted or removed perforation or injury of the surrounding areas can occur. This could result in the need for surgical intervention to correct things.
- For the first few days after the balloon is fitted you can suffer from nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhoea, abdominal or back pain, acid reflux or indigestion. For the vast majority of people these symptoms quickly fade as their stomach gets used to the 'foreign body'. A few will continue to have minor discomfort particularly an increase in stomach acid. In these cases medication will be prescribed for you to take whilst the balloon remains in place.
- The balloon can fail after it has been put inserted and so begin to deflate. If you have a saline filled balloon then the blue coloured dye inside it will colour the urine green so you know that there's a problem and you should seek advice as promptly as possible. Once partially deflated the balloon could migrate out of the stomach and cause a blockage in the intestines. This does have the potential to be life threatening and will need surgery to remove it. Such cases are extremely rare.