Can I use the balloon if I have had a sleeve done before?

Question

Christopher E. McGowan, MD · Answer

Hi, 
Unfortunately, no, you cannot have an intragastric balloon if you've previously had any stomach surgery. This includes gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, lap-band, and fundoplication (hiatal hernia repair). The risk of a balloon complication is highest if your stomach has been surgically altered. Specifically, stomach perforation was only shown to occur in individuals who had prior stomach surgery, which is why it is a strict contraindication.

Edgar Serrano, MD · Answer

No, the gastric balloon is not recommended for people who have had gastric sleeve surgery. The gastric sleeve is a type of bariatric surgery that involves removing a large portion of the stomach. This surgery can cause changes to the anatomy of the stomach, which can make it difficult or impossible to safely place a gastric balloon.
In addition, the gastric balloon is not as effective for weight loss in people who have had gastric sleeve surgery. This is because the gastric sleeve has already reduced the amount of food that can be eaten. The gastric balloon is primarily designed to help people with obesity lose weight by reducing the amount of food that can be eaten. However, since the gastric sleeve has already performed this function, the additional restriction provided by the gastric balloon is not as effective.
If you are considering weight loss surgery, it is important to talk to your doctor about your options. They will be able to assess your individual circumstances and recommend the best surgery for you.
Here are some of the reasons why the gastric balloon is not recommended for people who have had gastric sleeve surgery:
The gastric balloon can interfere with the healing of the gastric sleeve incision.The gastric balloon can cause the gastric sleeve to stretch or tear.The gastric balloon can cause discomfort or pain in people who have had gastric sleeve surgery.If you have any questions about the gastric balloon or other weight loss surgery options, please talk to your doctor.

R. Steven Jones, MD · Answer

Hello. It is currently not recommended to have a balloon if you have had a previous Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Bypass, or Lap Band. Placing a balloon in these settings could cause rupture or bleeding of the stomach or stomach pouch. On the other hand, if someone fails to lose significant weight with a balloon they are still a candidate for the 3 weight loss surgeries mentioned above. Good luck.

Isaac Raijman, MD · Answer

Hi. Thank you for your question. Using any balloon for weight loss purposes after gastric sleeve is not recommended. Not knowing when the sleeve was performed and what the anatomic status of it is, the answer to inappropriate weight loss may reside more on the latter and on diet. You should revisit with the surgeon who performed the sleeve to address those issues.

Best of luck to you

Can I use the balloon if I have had a sleeve done before?

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Answer: Can I use the balloon after gastric sleeve

Answer: Can I use the balloon after gastric sleeve

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Can I use the balloon if I have had a sleeve done before?

Answers (4)

Answer: Can I use the balloon after gastric sleeve

Answer: Can I use the balloon after gastric sleeve

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Orbera Gastric Balloon

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.