Why gastric balloon is gaining in popularity as a weight loss procedure

Why gastric balloon is gaining in popularity as a weight loss procedure

For people who haven't been able to lose weight through diet and exercise, gastric balloon is emerging as an effective and affordable non-surgical procedure, says Dr Girish Juneja, Director of Bariatric Surgery at Al Zahra Hospital Dubai. An expert who has conducted more than 1, 000 bariatric surgeries in the UAE - from complex laparoscopic procedures and gastric bypass to gastric sleeve and gastric bands - Dr Juneja considers the capsule, or Elipse gastric balloon the safest non-invasive weight loss programme. "The procedure doesn't need hospitalisation, surgery, sedation or endoscopy," says Dr Juneja. "You walk in and out of the hospital in about 30 minutes." The Radiology Department is where all the action takes place. If you are overweight with a body mass index of 27 and above, you are eligible for this safe and simple procedure. All you need to do is swallow a vegetarian capsule connected to a thin catheter. An X-ray ensures proper placement of the capsule in the stomach, which soon degrades and releases the balloon. The balloon is then filled with 550ml of sterile water (takes about 5-7 minutes). Another X-ray confirms it's filled properly and then the catheter is removed. The balloon, the size