Gastric Balloon in Mexico
Are you looking for a less invasive procedure to lose weight? One of the most popular and effective non-surgical options we offer is the IntraGastric Balloon or Gastric Balloon. Like with any other bariatric surgery, there are pros and cons to the gastric balloon.
The goal of this non-surgical procedure is to fill the gap between bariatric operations and diet/exercise. Gastric balloon is typically part of a structured program, with diet and exercise.
In the Gastric Balloon procedure a balloon is inflated in the stomach to temporarily decrease the stomach capacity/volume and induce weight loss. The “stomach balloon or weight loss balloon” does have advantages as a less-invasive procedure, but it also has disadvantages in terms of effectiveness, losing weight, and overall success.
Mexico Bariatric Center® offers Orbera as well as Spatz 3 all-inclusive packages at discounted prices. We are the only facility that offers hospital stay after balloon placement for better patient care as they are monitored by medical staff.
How Does the Gastric Balloon Work?
The Gastric Balloon is a non-surgical procedure that places a balloon in the stomach. The process involves:
- Inserting a deflated soft, silicone balloon through the mouth, inside the stomach.
- The balloon is inflated with air or liquid to a volume of about 500 ml, and thus reduces a patient’s stomach capacity to about 1000 ml.
Inflated balloon creates restriction and gives the patient a feeling of fullness, like gastric sleeve and gastric banding. Smaller stomach capacity helping them reduce their caloric intake. Presence of the balloon in the stomach also delays the food discharge and patient stays full longer.
The procedure itself takes no more than 30 minutes and can be in place up to six months (up to a year in case of Spatz).
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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.
Alternatively, many balloon patients return to their bariatric provider to convert to gastric sleeve surgery to get to their goal weight.
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
Cost of Gastric Balloon in Mexico
A lot of people flock 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 $3,695
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 gastric balloon in the United States.
Starting price for gastric balloon in Tijuana is $3,995 $3,695*
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 habits 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.
Orbera IntraGastric Balloon Results
Apollo’s Orbera balloon is the leading Gastric Balloon procedures available. 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
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.
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 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, eating habits, post-op diet, and changing your overall life. Conversion of failed stomach balloon can be done through stomach stapling.
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
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
* 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 or implied.
Last Updated: Jan 2020 by Ron Elli, Ph.D.