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, or more commonly known as the Gastric Balloon.
In the Gastric Balloon procedure, a balloon is inflated in the stomach to temporarily decrease the stomach capacity/volume and induce weight loss. The goal of this procedure is to be somewhere in between major weight loss surgery and dieting/exercise. The gastric balloon works best with a structured program and lifestyle changes.
Type of Surgery
Gastric Balloon (Orbera & Spatz Duo)
Procedure Duration
15 to 30 Minutes
Hospital Stay
1 Night recommended
Method of Weight Loss
Restrictive
Expected Weight Loss
20 -40 lbs. in 6 months or 1 year
Recovery Time (Off Work)
2 to 5 days
How Does Gastric Balloon Work?
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.
Restricts stomach capacity
Overeating becomes uncomfortable
The presence of the balloon in the stomach makes overeating extremely uncomfortable, which ultimately can help form healthier lifetime habits and better portion control. It also delays the food from discharging hunger hormones, making patients feel more satisfied and keeps you feeling full longer.
Our All-Inclusive Gastric Balloon Package
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.
Private Ground Transportation
Accredited Hospital with ICU (1 nights)
Network of Bariatric Certified Surgeons
State-of-the-Art Medical Equipment
24/7 Surgical Team and Nursing Staff
4.5 Star Hotel (1 night)
Pre-Op + Post-Op Nutrition Program
Online Support Group
U.S. Surgeon Liaison
No Hidden Fees
Want more information?
Types of Gastric Balloon
There are several types of intragastric balloons:
- ORBERA® Managed Weight Loss System – made by Apollo Endosurgery, Inc. (FDA-Approved)
- Orbera stays in the stomach for up to 6 months
- Spatz3 Adjustable Balloon System (COFEPRIS-Approved)
- Spatz3 stays in the stomach for up to 12 months
- ReShape Duo Balloon System (FDA-Approved)
- ReShape Duo stays in the stomach for up to 6 months
- Obalon® Intragastric Balloon System (just received FDA Approval)
- Obalon stays in the stomach for up to 6 months
Balloon Comparison:
– Orbera vs. ReShape Duo vs. Spatz
– Gastric Balloon vs. Obalon
Apollo’s Orbera balloon is the leading Gastric Balloon procedure available. This system gives patients enough time to change lifestyle and eating habits so that once it’s removed, the habits remain and continue to practice healthy practices. As the most widely used weight loss non-surgical device the Orbera results in:
- 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.
*These results may not be common and individual results may vary
The Spatz3 balloon is the only balloon that can be adjusted after the first 3 months. The Spatz3 Gastric Balloon Device is a non-surgical dual balloon system that is proven to increase weight loss results throughout its entire duration of the placement. During the length of time, the balloons are implanted, patients continue to increase the size to offer more restriction up to 750 ml. It can stay in the stomach for as long as 1 year.
- 12 Month (At Time of Removal): According to Spatz Medical, the average weight loss is reported at 16 kg (35 lbs) to 25 kg (55 lbs) with the Spatz balloon and program.
The ReShape Duo is a newly developed device that is more like a complete weight loss program. TIt does not cure obesity, however, it can stimulate weight loss. This non-surgical technology utilizes a dual-balloon system to increase the restriction and decrease capacity within the stomach.
- 6 Month (At Time of Removal): According to a study by ReShape Medical, patients who had the dual balloon procedure and followed the program lost an average of 14.3 lbs. over the course of 6 months that the balloon was inserted.
Obalon Balloon System
A new weight loss system called the Obalon Balloon has joined forces to the obesity epidemic to improve the weight loss compared to other balloons. After swallowing, the device inflates inside the stomach and will stay there for up to three months before being removed.
What makes it unique? The pill-shaped balloon gets inserted one at a time onto the esophagus. Patients can have up to 3 balloons in place at one given time.
- 6 Month (At Time of Removal): Obalon Doctors reported patients losing an average of 21.3 lbs. during the 6-months that the balloon was placed.
Calculate Your BMI
Do I Qualify for Gastric Balloon in Mexico?
Here are the general candidacy requirements to see if you qualify for gastric balloon. There may be more requirements dependent on your medical history and bariatric provider.
Your body mass index (BMI) is between 30 and 40. (BMI = 27+ in Mexico)
It is not currently advised if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.
You’re willing to commit to healthy lifestyle changes.
You have not had any previous stomach or gastric surgery.
Many patients return to their doctor/surgeon to convert from gastric balloon to gastric sleeve if weight loss is insufficient.
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.
Expected Weight Loss with Gastric Balloon
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.
Gastric Balloon Pros and Cons
Advantages of Gastric Balloon
- No Major Surgery – Less Invasive
- No Cutting, Stomach Stapling, Stomach Removal, or
- Temporary (Reversible)
- Removable
- Limited Risks and Side Effects
Disadvantages of Gastric Balloon
- Possible weight gain after removed
- May cause discomfort
- Diet and exercise regimen required to be truly effective
- Risk of rupture, especially if the it stays in the stomach longer.
- Bowel obstruction due to the migration of an IGB
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.
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, and other related issues, you may want to think about a different weight loss procedure. 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.
When the Gastric Balloon Doesn’t Work
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.
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.