Gastric Balloon in Mexico

Intragastric Balloon (IGB)

A Non-Surgical Procedure That Supports 2x Faster Weight Loss

orbera, gastric balloon, mexico bariatric center, bariatric surgery in Tijuana, Mexico

For patients who are not set on undergoing bariatric surgery, there are many non-surgical options available for patients who need help losing weight. The gastric balloon is an endobariatric procedure, meaning it is performed endoscopically using a small camera to insert a balloon in the stomach the esophagus.

The goal of endoscopic procedures is to fill the gap between undergoing surgery and pharmacotherapy, diet, and exercise. The Intragastric Balloon Weight Management System uses a non-surgical approach but fulfills the same primary principle of other bariatric surgeries.

This procedure works by inflating a balloon in the stomach through the endoscope using an endoscope – a small tube to insert the balloon with a camera. The purpose of the gastric balloon is to make people feel full through creating restriction, similar to gastric sleeve surgery and gastric banding. The presence of the balloon in the stomach also delays the food discharge and patient stays full longer.

Intragastric Balloon also called tummy balloon or belly balloon is typically part of a structured weight loss program incorporating a healthy gastric balloon diet and exercise.

Types of Intragastric Balloons

There are several leading types of intragastric balloons including:

  • 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)
Apollo’s Orbera balloon is the leading and most widely used device. 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. The Obalon device can be placed 3 (each one is 250 ml) at a time.

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 and monitored after the procedure.

Why Patients 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.

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).

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 one year in case of Spatz).

Who Is a Candidate for Intragastric 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 the intragastric balloon. Then when the physician is satisfied with the weight loss, they can remove the balloon and proceed with a more aggressive procedure.

Gastric Balloon Diet Guidelines - Click Here

Gastric Balloon Surgery

Starts at $3,695* $3,195*

Inquire Today

Prices for the insertion, adjustment (Spatz) and removal (Typically, six months apart) of the balloon are quoted separately.

Dr. Rodriguez Lopez
Dr. Rodriguez Lopez

Gastric Balloon Results and Expected Weight Loss?

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 ResultsObera Gastric Balloon

  • 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 ResultsReshape Duo Gastric Balloon

  • 6 Month (At Time of Removal): Percentage of Excess Weight Lost: 31.8% Mean.

Spatz IntraGastric Balloon Results

  • 12 Month (At Time of Removal): Percentage of Excess Weight Lost: 46% Mean.

Compare results of Orbera vs. ReShape Duo vs. Spatz, the three leading intragastric balloons. Also, compare results of 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

Gastric Balloon Complications, Risks, and Side Effects

The gastric balloon complications often produce 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.

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Gastric Balloon is a Reversible Procedure

Gastric Balloon Cost

Currently, the Intragastric Balloon is only available in Mexico, United States, Canada, Australia, South America and parts of Europe. The procedure is available in the United States for around $8,000.

In other countries, such as getting the gastric balloon in Tijuana, Mexico, people can expect to pay the around $5,800. read more

Cost of Gastric Balloon at Mexico Bariatric Center

Currently, Mexico Bariatric Center offers two intragastric balloon procedures; Orbera and Spatz. Please contact us today to learn more about our services.

The Gastric Balloon cost starts at $3,195 at Mexico Bariatric Center.

See our Cost Comparison for all Bariatric Procedures We Offer at Mexico Bariatric Center

* 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.