Balloon Deflation

The deflation process varies by balloon type:

• Swallowable balloon (Elipse™): Deflates spontaneously within 24-48 hours after 16 weeks due to stomach acid.
• Endoscopic balloons (Orbera™, Spatz3™): Deflated in 3-5 minutes under sedation using a catheter.
• Intragastric balloons (Heliosphere BAG™): Deflated in 15-20 minutes using a special needle system.
  

Balloon Removal

• Swallowable balloons: After deflation, they shrink and pass naturally within 24-48 hours. If not passed within 72 hours, endoscopic intervention is required.
• Endoscopic balloons: Removed orally under sedation in a 20-30 minute procedure, patient discharged after 2-3 hours of observation.

FollowIup Programme

• Nutrition plan: Liquid diet for the first 3 days, then 1,000-1,200 calorie puree diet for the next 4 days. • Check-ups: Fortnightly in the first month, then monthly for the next 6 months. Regular blood tests and 3-month stomach function checks.
• Long-term success requires a nutrition programme and behavioural therapy.