A gastric balloon can help you safely lose weight without having to undergo invasive surgery. These temporary medical devices have been used in the U.S. for over a decade and are still being used today.
Many patients who are considering this non-surgical weight loss option ask, “What are the gastric balloon side effects?” Common side effects of nausea and vomiting happen to most people when they have a gastric balloon placed into their stomach. These are usually temporary and resolve once the stomach becomes accustomed to the balloon.
If you have become frustrated trying to lose weight on your own and seeing very little progress, you may wish to consider a gastric balloon. Dr. Williams and Dr. Curtis at the Laparoscopic & Endoscopic Surgery Institute offer gastric balloon procedures in Alpharetta, GA.
What Are The Common Gastric Balloon Side Effects?
The gastric balloon is placed into your stomach using an endoscopic procedure, which means it is lowered down through your mouth and throat using a special medical tool called an endoscope.
Your stomach needs time to adjust to the balloon, which can create side effects that can last several days. The Mayo Clinic reports that about 33% of patients experience nausea and stomach cramps soon after the balloon is placed, and the Cleveland Clinic confirms this and reports that nausea and abdominal pain are common after balloon placement.
Some of the common gastric balloon side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Abdominal pain
- Acid reflux
- Constipation
- Sore throat from endoscopy
Some less common and more serious side effects may include:
- A negative reaction to the sedation medication.
- Injury, tears, bleeding, or infection of the stomach or esophagus caused by poor execution of the endoscopic procedure by an inexperienced endoscopist
Are Gastric Balloon Side Effects Usually Temporary?
Yes. Most patients only experience temporary side effects that last a few days to a week and resolve on their own once the stomach gets used to the balloon.
Some patients find that they need help from their doctor to manage their symptoms and are usually provided with prescription medication that helps control nausea or acid reflux, or given hydration support or guidance about adjustments to their diet.
Let your doctor know right away if you experience the following side effects:
- Severe abdominal pain.
- Chronic persistent vomiting.
- You are unable to keep fluids down.
- You start running a fever.
Are There Long-Term Side Effects of A Gastric Balloon?
Yes. Long-term side effects from a gastric balloon are rare, but some have been reported. Rare but more serious or long-term side effects may include:
- Spontaneous deflation of the balloon.
- Damage to the stomach or ulcers.
- Bowel obstruction.
- A torn or blocked intestine.
- Death (very rarely)
Studies have shown that the risk of serious gastric balloon complications significantly increases when the balloon is left in the stomach longer than the manufacturer’s recommended amount of time. Research shows that removing the balloon on time is essential in reducing the risk for balloon rupture, migration, bowel obstruction, and other serious issues.
What Research Shows About Common Gastric Balloon Side Effects
During the FDA trial for the Orbera intragastric balloon, 258 patients were observed for instances of side effects. Most symptoms started shortly after placement of the balloon and gradually improved over time. The results are shown in the chart below.
| Side Effect | Patients Affected |
|---|---|
| Nausea | 70 |
| Vomiting | 67 |
| Abdominal pain. | 63 |
| Acid reflux | 32 |
Some patients required early balloon removal because they could not tolerate the persistent gastrointestinal side effects. The results are shown in the chart below.
| Reason For Balloon Removal | Patients Affected |
|---|---|
| Ongoing nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or acid reflux that could not be controlled with medication. | 27 |
| Patients asked for the balloon to be removed for reasons other than side effects and due to their personal schedule or upcoming surgery or another medical procedure. | 13 |
| The balloon was overinflated when it was installed. | 4 |
| The patient was not losing the weight they expected. | 3 |
What May Make Side Effects More Likely?
Some patients with certain conditions may be more likely to have side effects that are more serious or that do not eventually resolve. Some of the conditions may include:
- A history of ongoing reflux.
- The patient has had a previous stomach surgery.
- Those with certain gastrointestinal conditions.
- People who have a low tolerance level for vomiting or who easily become dehydrated.
- Patients who do not follow dietary instructions
- Those who do not pay attention to their doctor’s follow-up instructions.
How Are Gastric Balloon Side Effects Managed?
Almost everyone has to deal with side effects after getting a gastric balloon placed because your stomach must adjust to the new addition. These side effects gradually resolve for most people, but in the interim, or in cases of prolonged side effects, they might require some type of ongoing side effect management. Some forms of symptom management include:
- Medication for nausea.
- Changes in diet.
- Medication for reducing stomach acid.
- Guidance for staying well hydrated.
- More frequent check-in visits.
- Early removal of the balloon.
Where Can I Get Help With A Gastric Balloon In Atlanta, GA?
If you are struggling with maintaining a stable weight and want some help, the team at the Laparoscopic & Endoscopic Surgery Institute (LESI) offers gastric balloon procedures and other forms of medically assisted weight loss in Atlanta, GA.
Dr. Michael Williams and Dr. Brandon Curtis are board-certified bariatric surgeons with decades of experience. They will look at your needs and circumstances, and the results you would like to achieve, and determine if a gastric balloon would be a good fit for you.
LESI offers the Orbera weight loss balloon in Alpharetta, as well as other surgical and non-surgical weight loss options to help you improve your health and keep a healthy weight.
Set up your consultation today to learn more!
FAQs
Can My Gastric Balloon Deflate and Leak While in My Stomach?
Yes. It is possible for the gastric balloon to deflate unexpectedly, but this rarely happens. The fluid inside the balloon is not dangerous if it were to leak out, but there are risks involved if the deflated balloon moves through your intestines and gets stuck. This can cause a dangerous blockage or a tear that warrants immediate medical attention. An X-ray can confirm that the balloon has deflated and help determine its location.
How Long Do Gastric Balloon Side Effects Normally Last?
Most of the common side effects after the placement of a gastric balloon usually last around a week. Some patients have symptoms that last much longer or are more severe, which may be managed with medication. Everyone is different, so individual experiences can vary.
How Long Before I Can Go Back to Work After a Gastric Balloon Procedure?
Many patients can go back to work a few days after their gastric balloon is placed. It depends on how quickly your stomach adjusts to having the balloon and any side effects you may be dealing with. If you are still experiencing common side effects, like vomiting or abdominal pain, it would be difficult to return to work.
What Happens if Your Gastric Balloon Is Not Removed when Recommended?
Your gastric balloon should be removed at the recommended time because leaving the balloon in place for too long can increase the risk of more serious events, such as balloon deflation, balloon migration, bowel obstruction, stomach ulcers, and other more serious complications.
