Gastric Balloon

A gastric balloon is a medical device used to assist people in losing weight. The balloon is inserted into the stomach and then filled with a liquid or air to fill the stomach and increase the feeling of satiety. This allows the patient to consume less food and lose weight. The balloon is usually left in the stomach for a period of six months and can be periodically monitored and adjusted during this time. The use of a gastric balloon may be suitable for patients who have difficulty reducing their weight in other ways, such as through diet and exercise. However, the use of a gastric balloon should only be done under the supervision of a qualified medical professional.