Are Malaysians Really Swallowing Balloons To Shed Pounds?

By Lara Kramer  •  25 Jul 2024 in Features

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The quest for weight loss is one that plights countless individuals worldwide, and does not spare Malaysians, who are now turning to what is one of the most innovate yet NOVEL weight loss methods to date—coming from someone who once sat in ice baths in the hopes of burning extra calories.

Indeed, as highlighted in the headline, the latest trend is a rather unusual, non-surgical solution: Gastric balloons.

What are gastric balloons?

Gastric balloons are essentially silicone devices filled with saline, designed to create a feeling of fullness when placed in the stomach. The process begins with the patient swallowing a capsule that contains the deflated balloon.

Once the capsule reaches the stomach, the balloon is inflated, simply expanding to occupy space and reducing the stomach’s capacity to hold food. This helps patients feel full more quickly and, thus, consume fewer calories.

This method, though costly, is said to offer a promising alternative to more invasive bariatric surgeries… With prices ranging from RM15,000 to RM30,000, depending on the clinic’s location.

The popularity surge

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The appeal of gastric balloons lies in their non-surgical nature and the relatively quick recovery time. Unlike traditional bariatric surgeries such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, the gastric balloon procedure is minimally invasive. The entire process, including both placement and removal of the balloon, takes only about 20 minutes!

This method is seen by some as a modern take on bariatric surgery, offering a temporary but effective solution for weight loss. Typically, the balloon remains in the stomach for six months, during which patients are expected to adjust their eating habits and lifestyle.

Apparently, gastric balloons have been around for quite some time, but it’s only becoming a trending topic among us Malaysians now as a handful of local influencers have been employing the method.

The real question is, does it work?

Scientific reasoning supports the effectiveness of gastric balloons. By creating a sense of fullness, patients are likely to eat less, leading to a calorie deficit, which, as we know, is essential for weight loss.

On average, patients can expect to lose between 10 to 25 kilograms, though results vary based on individual adherence to the accompanying weight loss program.

However…

It’s crucial to understand that this method (as you would imagine) is not a magic bullet. Long-term success hinges on the patient’s commitment to maintaining healthy lifestyle changes post-procedure.

Without such commitment, there’s a high risk of regaining lost weight once the balloon is removed and the stomach’s capacity returns to normal. Yeah, pretty much like a crash diet.

Potential Risks And Side Effects

Pictured above is a list of the most commonly reported complications.

While gastric balloons offer a promising solution, they come with potential side effects. Common issues in the first few days post-placement include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. These symptoms typically subside as the body adjusts to the foreign object, often with the help of over-the-counter pain medication.

More serious risks include balloon deflation and migration. If the balloon deflates, it can slip into the lower stomach or bowel, causing obstruction. Yikes.

Symptoms of such complications include severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and progressive bloating. To prevent balloon migration, one tip is to sleep on the left side, helping the balloon stay in position.

Medical professionals emphasise that gastric balloons should be part of a broader weight loss strategy that includes dietary changes and regular physical activity. The procedure requires patients to meet certain criteria, such as having a body mass index (BMI) between 27 and 50 and being willing to commit to long-term lifestyle changes.

Additionally, individuals with previous stomach or oesophageal surgeries are generally not suitable candidates.

In conclusion…

Gastric balloons represent an intriguing, though costly, option for weight loss in Malaysia. They offer a non-surgical, relatively quick path to weight reduction, appealing to those wary of more invasive procedures.

However, the success of this method largely depends on the patient’s dedication to maintaining a healthier lifestyle.

Given the potential risks and side effects, consulting with a medical professional is probably the best way to ensure safe and effective use of this weight loss method.

Would you consider this approach? While we’re not medical professionals, it’s clear that any unconventional weight loss method warrants thorough consultation with a healthcare provider!