Keys to Santa Cruz Medical Services: the intragastric balloon

Key concepts to broaden the general public’s understanding of this technique

Many people have questions about how the intragastric balloon works and what effects it has. To find out if a person needs this type of intervention and what are its effects, what are its advantages and what advice should be taken into account, from Servicios Médicos Santa-Cruz, in Seville, seven key questions are answered to broaden the knowledge about this technique, so that one can decide safely and confidently before an intervention that can be very beneficial for health.

When is intragastric balloon treatment indicated?

The intragastric balloon technique is a therapeutic technique that is usually recommended for patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 29. However, factors such as abdominal perimeter and biological markers that justify it must also be taken into account. It is therefore essential to meet the patient in person, in a previous consultation, to assess the suitability and appropriateness of the treatment.

What is the intragastric balloon procedure like?

It is a simple outpatient technique that is performed by high endoscopy and under sedation. In fact, at Servicios Médicos Santa-Cruz, intragastric balloon interventions are always performed according to established standards and following a global medical assessment that includes a blood test, ultrasound and gastroscopy.

What are the advantages of the intragastric balloon over other techniques?

One of the main advantages of the intragastric balloon technique compared to other techniques is that it is a totally reversible procedure, simple to perform and does not require hospitalization.

Since it is a conventional endoscopy, the postoperative period and scars are avoided, and recovery is quick, with the patient spending the night at home with total peace of mind.

What is the process like once the procedure is over?

The patient should be aware that during the first three or four days he/she may experience symptoms and signs such as vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain.

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However, medication will be prescribed and nutritional guidelines will be provided to reduce the discomfort, although these are completely normal, and will end when the stomach gets used to or adapts to the presence of the balloon.

With the intragastric balloon technique, weight loss is almost immediate, and it is noticeable from the first days. However, in order to achieve the desired weight goal, the active participation of the patient through medical, nutritional and psychological follow-up is very important.

At Santa-Cruz Medical Services, the aforementioned multidisciplinary follow-up is included, always helping the patient to maintain a correct diet while redirecting the harmful behaviors he/she maintained until they become healthy.

What additional services does Santa-Cruz offer?

The intragastric balloon is indicated for a wide patient profile, although there are cases in which the patient needs or prefers other techniques or another type of intervention. For this purpose, the clinic also performs techniques with excellent results, such as the apollo, the pose, the gastric sleeve, the gastric bypass or the gastric band. In patients with mild or moderate overweight, a nutritional follow-up is provided according to their possibilities.

What differentiates Servicios Médicos Santa-Cruz from other centers?

The main difference with respect to most other centers is that Servicios Médicos Santa-Cruz has a long history of more than two decades of experience. On the other hand, in the clinic it should be noted that obesity has always been part of the medical vocation, being the center formed by specialists in the digestive system, and the health of the patient takes precedence over any other aspect.

What types of patients are the most common at Santa Cruz?

There is no specific profile. At Santa-Cruz Medical Services we receive all types of patients, although what is fundamental is the motivation and degree of commitment of each one. “The goal is the well-being of the patients who trust us every day.”