The procedure is undertaken during a standard gastroscopy and patients are unaware of the removal taking place.
Removal
The gastric balloon is removed the same way that it is placed. On the day of the procedure, you are lightly sedated. The balloon is punctured so as to deflate and the sterile water is suctioned from the stomach. Grasping forceps are placed down the gastroscope and used to grasp the empty balloon and remove it through the mouth. This procedure normally takes 20-30 minutes.
Patients are normally advised to revert to a liquid diet three days prior to the removal of the balloon. Failure to do may result in the procedure having to be rescheduled.
The video below shows how a gastric balloon is removed from the stomach:
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