At Triumph Medical Products, we've done our best to create a Web site that anticipates and satisfies our customers' needs. With that goal in mind, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions. If you do not find an answer to your question here, contact us at (514) 485-9934 or info@triumphobesity.com

1)How is the Heliosphere IntraGastric Balloon placed?

· The Heliosphere IntraGastric Balloon is placed by gastroscopy (camera through the mouth) into the stomach for a period of approximately 6 months.

2)How is the Heliogast Gastric Band placed?

• The HelioGast Gastric Band is placed laparoscopically (cameras through the abdomen) around the upper pole of the stomach under general anesthesia. It is designed for long term placement

• The Heliosphere is considered a ‘bridge to surgery’ for those patients who are candidates for gastric bypass yet present elevated surgical risks or would like to consider less invasive options. Obesity is defined as a BMI (Body Mass Index) > 30. Morbid Obesity is BMI>40. BMI is calculated as weight in kg/height in meters squared.

• The Heliosphere Intragastric Balloon is placed by a physician trained in gastroscopy on an outpatient basis. The Heliogast Gastric Band is placed by a surgeon under general anesthesia

• The Heliosphere Intragastric Balloon placement takes approximately 10-20 minutes to perform. The Heliogast Gastric Band usually can be placed within an hour under general anesthesia.

• Unlike gastric bypass which changes the patients’ anatomy, the Heliosphere Intragastric Balloon is designed to be placed for approximately 6 months and then removed through endoscopy at which time it is hoped that the patient will have lost weight through the development of proper eating habits
• The Heliogast Gastric Ring is adjustable through a port located at the skin level and is fully reversible through laparoscopy.

• Most of the side effects noted in the literature, were noted with the first generation intra gastric balloons (introduced in the 1990’s) which were liquid filled up to 650 cc. As a result of their weight, they were found in a small percentage of patients to cause acid reflux, short term nausea and vomiting (especially in the first 15 days). Complications can include gastric erosions or ulceration and migration. With the new generation Heliosphere, these side effects and complications have been shown to be greatly reduced.
• With the Heliogast Gastric Ring, side effects can include acid reflux, nausea and vomiting. Complications can include gastric erosions, and rarely obstruction. In general however, most of these side effects are short lived while the patients are becoming accustomed to the implants

• Studies with the Heliosphere IntraGastric Balloon have demonstrated an average weight loss of 15 kgs within 6 months in patients with a BMI above 30. In patients with BMI above 40, weight loss can reach an average of 30-60 kgs

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