There are clear and well-publicised problems and health risks that are associated with being obese. Carrying too much weight, can increase the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or a number of other health problems.

Obesity is a problem that rules the day-to-day lives of many people. It’s no easy matter losing weight, and once you’ve lost the weight it is often difficult to keep it off. However with a gastric balloon remarkable results can be achieved within a short space of time. The gastric balloon is a simple way to lose weight and change your relationship with food forever.

The gastric balloon procedure is not an operation, the balloon is inserted via the mouth and oesophagus. The gastric balloon means that you do not have to undergo surgery, which can be risky. Insertion is usually done under sedation and is a quick procedure lasting about ten to fifteen minutes. After a short recovery period from the sedation, you are able to return home. You may experience some nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps for a few days, and you will need to take it easy until your body adjusts to the presence of the balloon, but you can return to normal activities very quickly.

The gastric balloon “floats” in the stomach, giving you a feeling of satiety and fullness. The balloon is designed to partial fill your stomach so that you feel fuller quicker, get less hungry, and more importantly alter your relationship with food. For best results you will need to follow the dietary advice of the dietician, and by also increasing your physical exercise you will notice improvements in your overall fitness and your health.

The gastric balloon is removed after six months. During the six months that the balloon has been in place you will have been able to adjust your eating habits and lifestyle to enable you to maintain a healthy and stable weight.

Constipation

Constipation is when stools become hard and lumpy and can be difficult to pass, or it is a feeling of not being able to empty your bowels completely. It is a very common condition that can affect people of all ages.

Causes of constipation

• Medication
• Bowel disease
• Diet
• Age
• Lifestyle
• Ignoring the natural urge to go
• Pregnancy

Complications of constipation

• Haemorrhoids – by constantly straining to pass stools it can lead to haemorrhoids also known as piles, which form in the lower rectum and anus.
• Faecal impaction – this is when hard, dry stools collect in the rectum and causes an obstruction. This can lead to a number of problems such as faecal incontinence, rectal prolapse, swelling and bleeding of the rectum.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is the passing of watery stools. It can either be acute or chronic. Acute diarrhoea last five to ten days whilst chronic diarrhoea lasts for more than two weeks.

Causes of diarrhoea
Acute diarrhoea is normally caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Chronic diarrhoea can be a sign of a more serious condition such as irritable bowel syndrome or crohns disease.

Complications of diarrhoea

• Dehydration
• Blood in stools
• Vomiting

If these complications occur a doctor should be consulted immediately.

Heartburn
Heartburn also known as GORD (Gastro – oesophageal reflux disease) this occurs when stomach acid goes back into the oesophagus.

Causes of heartburn
The main cause of heartburn is a problem with a muscle called the lower oesophagus sphincter. Often the sphincter becomes weakened and this allows acid to pass from the stomach back into the oesophagus, this inevitably results in heartburn.

Complications of heartburn

• Oesophageal ulcers – these can make swallowing difficult and cause pain and bleeding.
• Oesophageal stricture – this is when scar tissue is formed because of repeated damage to the oesophagus. This can cause narrowing of the oesophagus which could make swallowing painful.

Information provided by Katie Stubbs