Gastric Balloon in Mexico
Are you looking to lose weight but looking for a less invasive procedure that provides results? Fortunately, if you are not set on undergoing bariatric surgery, there are many options you can take that can help them lose weight. One of the most popular is the Gastric Balloon in Mexico. The goal of non-surgical procedures like the gastric balloon is to fill the gap between surgical procedures and diet/exercise.
The Intragastric Balloon Weight Management System is one of the ways and is the same primary principle of bariatric surgeries.
How Does the Gastric Balloon Work?
The Intragastric Balloon, or the Gastric Balloon, is a non-surgical procedure that places a balloon in the stomach, and then is inflated. The process begins by inserting a deflated soft, silicone balloon through the mouth, placing the deflated balloon inside the stomach. Then the balloon is inflated with air or liquid to a volume of about 500 ml, and thus reduces a patient’s stomach capacity (about 1000 ml).
Inflating a balloon in the stomach is to make people feel full and create restriction as you would find in the gastric sleeve and gastric banding. Presence of the balloon in the stomach also delays the food discharge and patient stays full longer.
This restrictive technique which provides a smaller stomach capacity allowing patients to feel fuller faster – helping them reduce their caloric intake. The procedure itself takes no more than 30 minutes and can be in place for three to six months (up to year in case of Spatz).
Gastric balloon, also called tummy balloon or belly balloon, is typically part of a structured program, with diet and exercise.
Everything you need to know before you get the Gastric Balloon [Pros and Cons of Gastric Balloon]
Types of Gastric Balloon
Orbera Gastric Balloon
There are several leading intragastric balloons:
- ORBERA® Managed Weight Loss System – made by Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. (FDA-Approved)
- Spatz3 Adjustable Balloon System (COFEPRIS-Approved)
- ReShape Duo Balloon System (FDA-Approved)
- Obalon® Intragastric Balloon System (just received FDA Approval)
Currently, Mexico Bariatric Center offers the two leading intragastric balloons with a proven track record: Orbera and the Spatz3. MBC is the only company that offers stay at the hospital for patients to be cared for and monitored after the procedure.
Balloon Comparison:
– Orbera vs. ReShape Duo vs. Spatz
– Gastric Balloon vs. Obalon
Why Choose Gastric Balloon
- Non-surgical: The balloon is inserted orally into your stomach in a fast and efficient manner.
- Non-invasive: This procedure requires such mild work that many can go home the same day.
- Temporary: The balloon only remains within the stomach for 6 months (one year for Spatz) before removal.
Who is a Candidate for Gastric Balloon?
Intragastric balloon is an especially attractive option because of its lower BMI requirement. With bariatric surgeries, many surgeons require patients to have body mass indexes (BMIs) of 35 or even 40. With the gastric balloon patients, can undergo the procedure with a BMI of only 27. This means that more patients may be suitable candidates for this procedure.
Sometimes bariatric surgeons require bariatric surgery prospects with high BMIs to lose weight, thus reducing risks and potential complications while undergoing bariatric surgery. Patients who need to lose a significant amount of weight before certain bariatric procedures jump-start the process with gastric balloon. Then when the physician is satisfied with the weight loss, they can remove the balloon and proceed with a more aggressive procedure.
Prices for the insertion, adjustment (Spatz) and removal (Typically, six months apart) of the balloon are quoted separately.
Expected Weight Loss of Gastric Balloon
Although the intragastric balloon has not been widely studied, some studies found that (publish data), in six months, patients can lose up to 35% of their excess weight. This compares nicely with the expected 50% with gastric banding and 65% with gastric sleeve and gastric bypass.
Orbera IntraGastric Balloon Results
Apollo’s Orbera balloon is the leading and most widely used device.
- 6 Month (At Time of Removal): Total Body Weight Lost: 12% Median, with a 9.3% to 21% Range.
- 12 Months (6 Months After Removal): Excess Body Weight Lost: Ranged from 11% to 51% Lost.
- 36 Months (30 Months After Removal): About 6% Lost of Total Body Weight.
ReShape Duo Balloon Results
- 6 Month (At Time of Removal): Percentage of Excess Weight Lost: 31.8% Mean.
Spatz3 Balloon Results
The Spatz3 balloon is the only balloon that can be adjusted (normally after 3 months to 750 ml – leaves stomach size similar to gastric sleeve) and can stay in the stomach as long as 1 year.
- 12 Month (At Time of Removal): Percentage of Excess Weight Lost: 46% Mean.
Compare Orbera vs. ReShape Duo vs. Spatz, the three leading intragastric balloons. Compare IntraGastric Balloon vs. Obalon Pill.
Advantages of Gastric Balloon
- No Cutting, Stapling, Stomach Removal, or Major Surgery
- Removable
- Limited Risks and Side Effects
Disadvantages of Gastric Balloon
- May cause discomfort
- Diet and exercise regimen required to be truly effective
- Risk of rupture, especially if the balloon stays longer in the stomach.
- Bowel obstruction due to the migration of an IGB
Potential Side Effects, Risks, and Complications of Gastric Balloon
The procedure often produces cramping, nausea, vomiting, gastro-oesophageal reflux and discomfort immediately following placement. There is a slight risk of balloon deflation while inside the stomach, which can cause obstruction.
What is the Cost of Gastric Balloon?
Currently, the Intragastric Balloon is only available in U.S., Canada, Australia, Mexico, South America and parts of Europe. The procedure is available in the United States for around $8,000. In other countries, such as Mexico, where the system is available; people can expect to pay the equivalent of $5,800. read more
Our Costs:
Currently, Mexico Bariatric Center offers the intragastric balloon procedure with Orbera and Spatz. Please contact us today to learn more about our services.
* Prices are subject to change. Not valid on blackout dates. Prices depend on the surgeon, surgery, additional fees, and schedule. Prices may rise because of BMI level and previous abdominal surgeries. The prices shown here are for gastric balloon implementation only.
** All of the testimonials are covered in our disclaimers. Individuals results will vary; there is no guarantee stated nor implied.
More Reading:
Orbera is FDA-Approved Managed Weight Loss System
Spatz3 Adjustable Balloon System
Gastric Balloon Diet to Manage Weight Loss
Obalon Gastric Balloon System New Generation
Last Updated: Oct 29, 2017, by Ron Elli, Ph.D.
Contact US
For additional questions please don’t hesitate to contact us using the below contact form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.