Gastric Balloon Weight Loss System
Are you looking for a less invasive but effective procedure to lose weight? One of the most popular non-surgical options that we offer is the Intragastric Balloon, more commonly known as the Gastric Balloon.
Patients on average lose 20-40 lbs. total with the gastric balloon weight loss procedure over the course of 6 to 12 months.
In the endoscopic gastric balloon system, a balloon is inflated in the stomach to temporarily decrease the stomach capacity/volume and induce weight loss. The goal of this therapy is to fill the gap between major weight loss surgery and dieting/exercise. The gastric balloon works best with a structured program as well as lifelong habitual changes.
How Gastric Balloon Works
The Gastric Balloon procedure takes less than 30 minutes and does not require anesthesia. It remains in place for six months with Orbera and up to one year with Spatz. The balloon placement involves inserting a deflated silicone balloon through the mouth, into the stomach. Then it is inflated with air/gas or saline to 500 ml in volume. On average the stomach can hold 1500 ml of volume, making the stomach capacity only two-thirds of what it was before.
Is Gastric Balloon Right for Me?
The stomach balloon does have advantages as an incision-less procedure, but it also has disadvantages in terms of effectiveness, losing weight, and overall success. Like with any procedure, there are pros and cons associated with the 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.
- Lower BMI: Patients with smaller body mass with only 20-30 pounds to lose.
- In some cases, extremely high-BMI patients may need to lose weight with the balloon before being approved for more effective procedures like a gastric sleeve or gastric bypass.
Types of Intragastric Balloon Systems
What Does the Gastric Balloon Package Include?
Mexico Bariatric Center® offers Orbera as well as Spatz 3 gastric balloon options at discounted prices within our all-inclusive package. We are the only facility that offers hospital stay after balloon placement to improve patient care and reduce potential complications as you are monitored by medical staff.
Gastric Balloon Pros and Cons
There is always a chance for any weight loss surgery to face weight gain or failure. The problem with a gastric balloon is after it is removed, there is nothing besides willpower and determination in the way of regaining weight and going back to bad habits.
This is why it is so critical to be 110% committed to making serious lifestyle changes. These include dietary changes, exercise, portion control, post-op diet, and changing your overall life. Conversion of failed stomach balloons can be done through stomach stapling.
Advantages
- No Major Surgery – Less Invasive
- No Cutting, Stomach Stapling, Stomach Removal, or
- Temporary (Reversible)
- Removable
- Limited Risks and Side Effects
Disadvantages
- Possible weight gain after removed
- May cause discomfort
- Diet and exercise regimen required to be truly effective
- Risk of rupture, especially if it stays in the stomach longer
- Bowel obstruction due to the migration of an IGB
Expected Weight Loss
The balloon is primarily recommended for those that are prepared to adopt lifestyle changes for the rest of their life. Patients must be serious and are expected to teach themselves better eating and exercise routines and to continue those practices after the balloon is removed.
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 – an average of 1 to 2 lbs per week. This compares nicely with the expected 50% with gastric banding and 65% with gastric sleeve and gastric bypass.
Do I Qualify for Gastric Balloon?
Here are the general candidacy requirements to see if you qualify for the gastric balloon. There may be more requirements dependent on your medical history and bariatric provider.
NOTE: Many patients return to their doctor/surgeon to convert from gastric balloon to gastric sleeve if weight loss is insufficient.
Calculate Your BMI
Cost of Gastric Balloon in Mexico
A lot of people flock to the gastric balloon because it’s less expensive compared to other bariatric procedures – hoping to find long-term success losing weight.
- United States – $7,000 – $12,700
- Canada – $10,700
- Costa Rica – $4,900
- Thailand – $4,700
- India – $4,450
- Australia – $4,500 – $8,000
- Mexico – Starting at $3,995
Mexico Bariatric Center (MBC) offers the two leading intragastric balloons ORBERA and Spatz3 with a proven track record in Tijuana, Mexico at affordable prices. Gastric balloon prices for insertion, adjustment (only Spatz), and removal are quoted separately. We can provide you with accurate feedback about your candidacy and can help save 60-70% of what you could expect to pay for a gastric balloon in the United States.
Gastric Balloon Health Benefits
The gastric balloon basically gives just enough time to change your lifestyle and eating habits so that once it gets removed, patients must try their absolute best to maintain a healthy lifestyle. For a more effective procedure, check out gastric sleeve surgery!
The low BMI requirements and the non-surgical component make the gastric balloon easier to qualify for. Also, it is one of the only weight loss options currently available for cosmetic reasons – not only health reasons. Another benefit is the gastric balloon may be a better choice for those that want minimal recovery time.
Risks, Side Effects, and Complications
The balloon is primarily recommended for those that are prepared to adopt lifestyle changes for the rest of their life. Patients must be serious and are expected to teach themselves better eating and exercise routines and to continue those practices after the balloon is removed.
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 – an average of 1 to 2 lbs per week. This compares nicely with the expected 50% with gastric banding and 65% with gastric sleeve and gastric bypass.
Balloon Side Effects, Risks, and Complications
If you have any medical risks due to problems with your bowels/intestines (such as bowel obstruction), any esophageal injuries (Esophagitis), balloon migration, and other related issues, you may want to think about a different weight loss procedure. Balloon endosurgery often produces the following side effects immediately following placement;
- Cramping
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Gastro-oesophageal Reflux
- Discomfort
- Risk of balloon deflation while inside the stomach, which can cause obstruction
More Reading
- Orbera vs ReShape Duo vs Spatz – Gastric Balloon Comparison
- Gastric Balloon Cost | Affordable, Temporary Bariatric Surgery
- ReShape Duo Balloon to Offer Alternative to Weight Loss Surgery
- Obalon Gastric Balloon: New Pill Causes Stomach Balloon After Swallowing
- Gastric Balloon Diet to Manage Weight Loss
- Obalon Gastric Balloon System New Generation
References
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/intragastric-balloon/about/pac-20394435
- https://www.ramsayhealth.co.uk/blog/2014/08/21/11-things-you-need-to-know-about-a-gastric-balloon
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23054576
- https://www.orbera.com/how-it-works
* 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 levels 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 or implied.
Last Updated: Jan 2020 by Ron Elli, Ph.D.