Gastric Balloon Surgery in Abu Dhabi

What is a Gastric Balloon?

A gastric balloon is a soft, expandable silicone device placed inside your stomach through an endoscopic procedure. Once activated, the balloon takes up space in the stomach, causing you to feel full faster and reducing portion sizes. This helps with gradual, sustained weight loss and prompts healthier daily eating behaviors.

How Does the Gastric Balloon Procedure Work?

Endoscopic Placement:

Under mild sedation, a thin scope is passed down your throat and into the stomach. Your doctor then inserts the deflated balloon through this scope.

Inflation:

Once inside, the balloon is inflated with saline solution, partially filling your stomach.

Monitoring:

The balloon remains in your stomach for 6–12 months, helping you maintain consistent, long-term weight loss.

Removal:

The balloon is deflated and removed during a painless endoscopic session when the treatment period ends.

Types of Gastric Balloon for Weight Loss

When considering a gastric balloon, it’s important to know that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all option. Different types are available, each designed with specific features to suit individual health profiles, goals, and preferences. Here’s a closer look at the most common and innovative options available today:

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1. Single Balloon Systems (Orbera, Medsil)

This is the most widely used type of gastric balloon, and for good reason. Brands like Orbera and Medsil use a single soft silicone balloon that is inserted endoscopically and then filled with a saline solution (sterile saltwater).

Once inflated, the balloon occupies space in the stomach, promoting early satiety and reducing food intake.

Usually left in place for 6 months.

2. Adjustable Balloon Systems

This newer option offers more flexibility than traditional models. The balloon’s volume can be adjusted non-surgically during treatment to either increase or decrease stomach capacity based on how your body is responding.

Ideal for patients who may need more fine-tuning during their weight-loss journey or those experiencing discomfort that needs relief.

Treatment period: Often up to 12 months, with adjustment sessions throughout.

3. Dual Balloon Systems

Instead of one large balloon, these systems use two smaller balloons attached to each other. They’re also inserted and inflated using an endoscope.

The dual design enhances stability within the stomach, reducing the risk of shifting or early deflation. Often leads to fewer side effects like nausea and offers better balance for certain patients.

4. Swallowable Capsule Balloons

The latest innovation in gastric balloon technology involves a capsule you can swallow with water, without the need for anesthesia or endoscopy. Once inside the stomach, the capsule inflates into a balloon and stays in place for a preset duration.

No endoscopy or sedation: This makes it ideal for patients who prefer minimal invasiveness.

After about 16 weeks, the balloon deflates and passes naturally through the digestive system.

Your bariatric surgeon at Reem Hospital Abu Dhabi will help you choose the best balloon type based on your BMI, lifestyle, weight-loss goals, and medical history. Whether you prefer a traditional, adjustable, or swallowable option, the goal remains the same: helping you lose weight safely, steadily, and sustainably.

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Benefits of Gastric Balloon for Weight Loss

• Non-surgical and minimally invasive
• Quick procedure with minimal downtime
• Helps reduce appetite and portion sizes
• Modest, sustainable weight loss of ~10–20% of total body weight
• Mental motivation boosts behavior changes and confidence
• Safe and reversible, compared to other more invasive weight-loss surgeries

Who is Suitable Candidate for the Gastric Balloon?

Ideal candidates are individuals who:

• Have a BMI between 27–40
• Are committed to diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes
• Have tried non-invasive weight-loss methods without long-term success
• Do not have stomach ulcers, prior gastric surgery, or certain medical conditions

Candidates from Abu Dhabi searching for a reliable gastric balloon doctor can find experienced professionals at Reem Hospital who will guide and support individual needs.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

Understanding what happens before, during, and after your gastric balloon procedure can ease anxiety and help you prepare for a smooth, successful experience.

During the Procedure

The gastric balloon placement is a non-surgical, endoscopic procedure designed to be both simple and safe. Here’s what typically happens:

• Mild Sedation for Comfort
  You’ll be gently sedated to ensure you’re relaxed and comfortable. Most patients do not experience pain—just a drowsy, calm feeling throughout the short process.
• No Incisions or Cuts
  Unlike surgery, there are no external wounds or scars. A thin, flexible tube (endoscope) is inserted through your mouth and guided down into your stomach.
• Quick and Precise
  Once the balloon is positioned correctly, it’s filled with a sterile saline solution. The entire procedure usually takes just 20 to 30 minutes.
• Immediate Monitoring
  After the balloon is in place, you’ll be observed briefly to ensure everything is functioning well before being discharged.

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After the Procedure

Most patients go home the same day. However, your body will take a little time to adjust to the new presence in your stomach:

• Short Recovery Time
  You’ll rest in a recovery room for a few hours to allow the sedative to wear off and to monitor for any immediate reactions.
• Same-Day Discharge
  Once cleared by your doctor, you’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions and be allowed to return home. It’s advised to have someone accompany you.
• Mild Side Effects Are Normal
  It’s common to experience nausea, bloating, stomach cramps, or mild discomfort during the first few days. These symptoms are temporary and part of your body adjusting to the balloon.
• Supportive Medications if Needed
  Your doctor may prescribe medication to ease nausea or prevent cramping in the first 3 to 5 days post-procedure.

Helpful Tip

To ease recovery, start with small sips of water, rest often, and follow your personalized diet progression plan—from liquids to soft foods—over the next couple of weeks.

Why Choose Reem Hospital for Gastric Balloon in Abu Dhabi?

Reem Hospital stands out as a premier destination for gastric balloon treatment in Abu Dhabi, offering the perfect blend of comfort, care, and expertise:

• Expert team with extensive European and international bariatric experience, our consultants specialize in gastric balloon procedures, ensuring world-class care close to home.
• Cutting-edge, non-surgical option. Our procedure is minimally invasive, avoiding incisions and reducing recovery time, ideal for jumpstarting weight loss with less risk.
• Comprehensive aftercare in Abu Dhabi, from early liquid-only diet to gradual transition back to solids, our multidisciplinary team supports you through every stage for the best results.
• Tailored nutrition and lifestyle coaching – Personalized meal plans, regular follow-ups, and multivitamin monitoring (A-Z supplements recommended) to prevent deficiencies and ensure long-term success.
• Proven safety & efficacy. Balloon placement duration of up to 6 months, with average total body weight loss between 10–14 kg, reinforced by diet and behavioral change.

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