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Gastric Balloon - Is a Numbing Spray Better Than Sedation?

asked 1 year ago by anon
Latest answer by Ricardo M. Bonnor, MD
Question viewed 262 times
Tags: age 25-34, female, best, breathing, numb, sedation, throat, worried

I will be having a gastric balloon inserted into my stomach in 1 months time. This will be followed by a gastric bypass in 6 months time.

I have the option of a throat numbing spray or what I assume is semi-sedation. I would be awake but apparently not able to feel anything.

Any advice on what is best? I'm not scared of the pain so much as the thought of not being able to breathe as the tube is put down my throat.

Thanks,

2 answers to Gastric Balloon - Is a Numbing Spray Better Than Sedation?

+4

Hmmm, Very Interesting....

The good new is that this may not be an "Either/Or Question"! Gastric balloons are most commonly placed endoscopically.  That means the surgeon or gastroenterologist will put a long tube (endoscope) down your throat that has a camera at the end (so they can see!).  They can then pass the balloon down into your stomach and inflate it under direct vision.  Before I do endoscopy, I generally give a spray numbing solution to the back of a patient's... more
Lloyd Stegemann, MD

Corpus Christi Bariatric Surgeon
+2

Gastric Balloon - spray vs sedation or both?

Typically most surgeons and gastroenterologists use both spray and intravenous sedation to make the patient feel comfortable and as close to pain free as possible. The spray is to reduce the gagging that may occur with scope insertion in the mouth and the IV sedation is to cause relaxation, pain control and amnesia. The gastric balloon is a good option for some weight loss in preparation for a more definitive surgical procedure.
Ricardo M. Bonnor, MD

Houston Bariatric Surgeon

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