Have you heard of gastric balloon surgery? If you want to lose weight quickly with weight loss methods and are looking for the least harmful way, the gastric balloon will be the right option for you.
| Operation Duration | Length of hospitalization | Recovery Time |
| 20-30 minutes | Outpatient | Few days |
In this method, surgeons reduce the stomach volume without cutting and shrinking the stomach. As a result of the reduction in stomach volume, you will feel full more quickly. So you eat less food, and as a result, you will lose weight. The gastric balloon can help you meet your long-term weight loss goals. This procedure is more straightforward than other weight loss methods such as gastric bypass and gastric sleeve. This procedure is beneficial in weight loss and doesn’t require surgery.
In this method, experts insert an empty balloon orally into the stomach. After placing the balloon in the stomach, surgeons fill it with saline or air. The balloon procedure is less invasive than other weight loss methods and other bariatric surgery methods. This is a non-surgical procedure where you will get good results in the long run. This treatment in no way changes the structure of your digestive system. Therefore, it isn’t permanent, which is one of the most significant advantages of the procedure.
A gastric balloon is a medical device that surgeons insert orally into your stomach and inflate with salt water. The balloon takes up space in your stomach, helping you feel full faster and eat less. It often uses as a short-term weight loss treatment with a diet and exercise program. A bariatric surgeon typically performs the balloon procedure, which takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Generally, surgeons perform the process with light sedation and don’t require an incision. After the specialists place the balloon, they fill it with saline until it reaches the size of a grapefruit. The balloon stays in place for about six months, during which time it expects to follow a prescribed diet and exercise program to help you lose weight.
Contraindications include previous surgical procedures, especially in the abdomen’s upper half, non-specific intestinal inflammation, and gastric pathology in general. In particular, complications such as severe gastric ulcers and gastric rupture have been described in these contexts. Ileus, caused by a ruptured balloon that has advanced into the small intestine, is also a severe complication.
What is Gastric Balloon?
A gastric balloon or intragastric balloon usually involves the insertion of a balloon filled with air or liquid into the patient’s stomach to reduce food intake and, above all, to lose weight. The intragastric balloon is suitable for highly obese people preparing for advanced bariatric surgery. It is among the popular treatments for excess weight.
Intragastric balloon insertion, which involves the placement of a saline-filled silicone balloon in the stomach, will result in subsequent weight loss. This method will help you lose weight by limiting the amount of food you can eat so you feel full faster. This is a gentle method suitable for patients suffering from extreme obesity. However, after this procedure, you must change your lifestyle and diet and start sports.
An endoscopic gastric balloon is a good option if your Body Mass Index (BMI) is between 30 and 40. To go through this procedure, you must be willing to make healthy lifestyle changes, take all medical precautions, and engage in behavioral therapy. You must not have had stomach or esophageal surgery. Gastric balloons aren’t the right choice for everyone who is overweight. The screening process will help your doctor determine whether the procedure will benefit you.
The operation of this method lies in facilitating a reduced diet. The degree of weight reduction with the help of balloons varies between 10 and 20 kg. It is up to the observance of smaller food portions that this system helps. However, it is essential to determine how long the weight loss continues after the surgeon removes the balloon. This will depend on maintaining a varied lifestyle in terms of diet and physical activity.
Experts recommend this method, especially for super-obese patients. This procedure may require preparation for the gastric band procedure. For patients with a BMI greater than 50, the risk of surgery is so high that surgeons recommend prior reduction with a gastric balloon. For patients not indicated for bariatric therapy, the intragastric balloon is a minimally invasive and effective tool suitable for treating obesity. This method can have a lasting effect only if a professional diet, behavior, and lifestyle change under the surgeon’s direction.
In summary, it is crucial to understand that this system only works as an aid to weight loss. The balloon doesn’t reduce weight; you must combine it with a modified diet and exercise program. Weight loss depends on how well the patient follows these prescribed programs. Weight reduction ranges from about 15-25 kg, and BMI decreases by an average of 4-6. However, the important thing is that the patient gains new nutrition and exercise habits, changes lifestyle, and gains healthy self-confidence and joy. How long the patient will remain at a lower weight after treatment depends on how they adapt to the new diet and exercise regimen.
Who Should Have Gastric Balloon Procedure?
The balloon procedure, also known as the intragastric balloon procedure, is a type of weight loss surgery that involves surgeons placing a balloon in the stomach to help people feel full faster and eat less. Surgeons recommend this procedure for people who are typically overweight or obese and cannot lose weight through diet and exercise alone.
The specific criteria for who is a good candidate for the gastric balloon procedure may vary depending on the particular system used and the person’s overall health. However, gastric balloon applications generally recommend for people with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or above who are considered obese. Some procedures may have a lower BMI requirement, such as a BMI of 27 or higher for people with certain health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
As part of the assessment, the surgeon will ask the patient to discuss their motivation for weight loss control. During the consultation sessions, the doctor will also introduce other weight loss methods that may be more suitable for you. In general, check out the ideal candidates for a gastric balloon:
- Those who need to lose weight before performing other surgery procedures. This helps reduce the risk of surgery.
- Those who want to use non-surgical methods to lose weight.
- Those who are looking for a reversible weight loss method.
People want a minimally invasive treatment that can perform with little interruption to their daily lives. Additionally, these individuals are committed to long-term weight loss and lifestyle changes. Therefore, they must be willing to be under the supervision of a nutritionist.
We should also state that this procedure isn’t complicated, but still, this procedure isn’t suitable for some people. People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol cannot do this. In addition, people considering balloon surgery should not have a history of stomach or esophageal surgery. Because the entire flow of this surgery is related to the esophagus and stomach, the person who has the surgery may experience severe problems.
What are the Risks of the Gastric Balloon Process?
In general, experts consider the gastric balloon procedure to be a safe and effective method in the short term. However, it may have side effects due to endoscopy or tranquilizers. About one-third of people who have a balloon in their stomach immediately experience pain and resulting nausea, esophageal reflux, indigestion, abdominal bloating, and diarrhea. However, these symptoms are usually felt in the first few days after balloon placement and can treat with medication. Serious risks are limited once the balloon is placed in the stomach and has to remove.
In addition, in sporadic cases, balloon placement can lead to fatal complications. There is also the possibility of bursting or moving within the digestive tract and causing intestinal obstruction, which is considered a surgical emergency. Depending on the type of material inside, leakage or bursting of the balloon sometimes manifests as blue urine. Other risks and complications of a balloon include ulcers or holes in the stomach that sometimes require surgery to repair. Check out the risks of gastric balloons in general:
- Low weight loss: Gastric balloon leads to less weight loss than newer weight loss methods such as other types of bariatric surgery. For example, up to 90% of excess weight will be effectively removed with the gastric sleeve, while the amount lost in the balloon will be much less (less than 30%).
- Stomach discomfort: The stomach is usually upset because there is a foreign body in the stomach. You will always notice the presence of the balloon in the stomach by moving and changing direction. This method isn’t at all suitable for people with stomach ailments.
- Nausea and vomiting: For the same reason, we can associate the presence of a balloon in the stomach with more nausea and vomiting. You eat a small amount of food, but the same small amount causes an unpleasant feeling of nausea and vomiting.
- Abdominal or back pain: If you eat a lot or exercise, you may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain. Sometimes you may experience stomach pain and discomfort while you sleep.
- Acid reflux: It has been reported that more than 80% of people who have applied a balloon have gastric acid reflux day and night. In obese people, reflux usually occurs spontaneously, and its amount and density will increase with ballooning.
- Digestive problems: Since this balloon occupies the stomach, the efficiency of the stomach decreases. This reduces the efficiency and power of digesting food in the stomach. Post-balloon indigestion can have devastating effects on the intestines.
- Blockage of food entering the stomach: Sometimes, the balloon can prevent the digestion of food and its passage from the stomach to the esophagus. This can increase the risk of gastric rupture, pain, and other similar conditions.
- Infection: In rare cases, there is a possibility that the balloon may damage the stomach wall and increase the chance of infection.
- Balloon rupture: After the balloon is placed in the stomach, experts fill it with saline. Rarely, surgeons may overfill the balloon. Therefore, the balloon may burst in the stomach. In case of rupture of the balloon, it is expelled naturally through the large intestine. You should contact your doctor immediately if you have severe pain or feel like the balloon has burst.
What Will You Encounter During a Gastric Balloon Consultation?
During a consultation for the gastric balloon procedure, you can expect to have a detailed discussion with your surgeon about your medical history, current health, and weight loss goals. The surgeon will likely ask about any past or present medical conditions, medications you take, and any allergies you have. They may also ask about your diet, exercise habits, and previous attempts to lose weight.
The doctor may also perform a physical exam to assess your overall health and determine if you are a good candidate for the gastric balloon procedure. This may include measuring your height and weight, blood pressure and pulse, and abdomen checking for abnormalities.
In addition, you and your doctor will also discuss the specific procedure, including the potential risks, benefits, and stage of recovery. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions about the transaction.
You should ensure you have all the information you need to help your specialist determine if this procedure is correct for you and make an informed decision. This is why you must be honest and thorough during the consultation.
How Should You Prepare for Gastric Balloon Procedure?
The gastric balloon procedure is an alternative and effective non-surgical method to reduce stomach volume and weight loss. In this method, an air-free soft silicone bag enters the stomach from the mouth and passes through the esophagus. The air or filling fluid in the balloon varies between 500 and 800 ccs, depending on the size of the patient’s stomach and the type of balloon. Preparation before gastric balloon surgery is critical. Some medical examinations and tests are prerequisites for surgery, including:
- Blood tests to check the general condition of the body, including assessing cholesterol
- Pregnancy test
- ECG
- Lung test
- Endoscopy of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum
- Helicobacter pylori test
- Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity
- Chest x-ray
- Psychological counseling
After these tests, your surgeon will give you instructions to follow. In most cases, according to the doctor’s instructions, you should refrain from eating and taking medication a few hours before the operation. Therefore, before the process, it is necessary to consult a specialist doctor carefully and take recommendations seriously.
How is Gastric Balloon Procedure Performed?
Like any other surgery, this procedure has steps and techniques to be performed. The surgeon will explain these steps to you during the consultation sessions. Check out the gastric balloon steps in general:
- Anesthesia
Professionals usually use local anesthesia for the procedure. The anesthesiologist may also prescribe medications to make you feel more comfortable. After being under anesthesia, the surgeon begins the process.
- Process
Although the type of balloon you choose will be different, the surgeons’ method of placing them in the stomach is the same. The balloon enters the gastrointestinal tract and stomach from the mouth. To do this, surgeons attach a flexible tube to a deflated balloon and place it inside your mouth. A tiny camera at the end of the box allows the surgeon to guide the box. The surgeon guides the tube through the esophagus until it reaches the stomach. A special throat spray is applied to the back of the throat to facilitate this process.
The specialist will fill the balloon with saline or air immediately after inserting it into the stomach. The surgeon removes the insertion tube through the stomach and mouth, and the operation is over. This whole process takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Your throat may be numb and sore during this process. You might be a little confused. You will generally go home the same day after the procedure. However, it would be good for you to have someone with you.
What to Consider After Gastric Balloon Procedure?
Be sure to visit your doctor regularly after inserting the balloon into the stomach. The procedure has some subtleties. But you can get a better result at subsequent visits and referrals and under the guidance of the surgeon and the nutritionist. Here are some things to consider after the gastric balloon procedure in general:
- Your position during sleep and rest is critical. Make sure you lie on your left shoulder and avoid sleeping on your right shoulder or palm in an arched position. Keep your head slightly above body level to feel more comfortable sleeping on your left shoulder.
- Nutrition is also critical. Eat light meals for the first month. Eating slowly, using small bites when eating solid foods, and chewing the bite is entirely necessary. Don’t drink liquids during meals; consume about ten glasses of water daily.
- Always leave an hour between food and drink. Avoid gaseous liquids. Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee, chocolate, artificial juices, soft drinks, and even diet-type beverages.
- Divide meals into three main meals. Don’t eat anything between meals.
- Eat meat, fish, or chicken (boneless). Vegetables and fruits consume at all meals, and as wide varieties as possible consume according to the season. Don’t lie down after eating.
- Avoid eating fatty foods such as pasta, pizza, sausages, desserts, chocolate, ice cream, fatty meats, and mayonnaise. Use dietary sweeteners to sweeten liquids. Choose fillet or boiled white meat.
- Use low-fat dairy products. Use whole-grain diet bread.
- Use the fruit itself instead of the juice. It is necessary to take two multivitamin pills a day.
What is the Recovery Process After Gastric Balloon?
Balloon surgery, like other surgeries, requires due care in the recovery phase after surgery. Take a look at the recovery process after a gastric balloon in general:
- In general, complex food can damage the gastric balloon for weight loss. These foods can include hard foods such as uncooked vegetables, meats such as steaks, and spicy foods.
- Using at least 8 to 10 glasses of water during the day is necessary. It is also forbidden to use other beverages such as tea, coffee, carbonated beverages such as soda, alcoholic beverages, and very hot or cold drinks. Following these points in the first weeks after the surgery is more important.
- To reduce the severity of pain and nausea and to avoid serious problems, you should use the drugs prescribed by your surgeon correctly.
- In the first three days, it is possible to consume little fluid due to extreme nausea or fear, and as a result, it is possible to put pressure on the kidneys. Your doctor will give the necessary instructions.
- After your liquid diet, you should switch to light foods. Your eating time should be long and comfortable. You should take food in small portions and chew the bites thoroughly.
- It would be best if you didn’t drink fluids between meals but increased fluid intake during the day and at night.
- You should avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee, carbonated liquids, industrial juices, carbonated and energy drinks, and diet.
- You should not rush using solid materials and do it on time and according to the plan.
- It would be best if you gave up some habits, such as eating and watching TV while studying.
- Sports activities accelerate the body’s metabolism, which should begin a month after the procedure.
- If you drink tea, you should be pale and drink no more than two glasses daily. Avoid drinking undiluted juices other than watermelon juice. Milk should be low-fat, and if you are lactose intolerant, you should use lactose-free milk.
- Protein has a special place in diets. The minimum daily protein consumption in the post-balloon diet is 60 grams, which is a little difficult to consume in the first days, but when you add broth or buttermilk to your diet, you will provide this amount of protein.
- You should use protein supplements prescribed by your doctor. Usually, from the third week, semi-solid foods and purees are included in the diet of patients. For this purpose, you can use mashed potatoes, carrots, cauliflower, and boiled eggs. It is safe to add some milk or olive oil to these purees.
How Long After Gastric Balloon Will You See the Final Result?
You may not see the final result of the gastric balloon for a few months after the procedure. In this procedure, surgeons typically leave the balloon in place for six months.
Weight loss after the procedure is usually gradual. The weight you lose can vary depending on several factors, including your starting weight, diet, and exercise habits. Some people lose a significant amount of weight with balloon surgery, while others may lose less.
It is important to remember that this procedure isn’t a quick fix for weight loss and should consider as part of a comprehensive weight loss plan that includes changes in diet and exercise habits. It is also important to note that the results of any weight loss procedure, including the balloon procedure, are subject to change and aren’t guaranteed.
How Much Does Gastric Balloon Cost?
You should consider many points for gastric balloon costs. One of the most important of these is the method you will choose. In addition, the center you choose for this operation may also affect the price of the process. The quality of consumables and equipment is another factor. Of course, a balloon operation’s tremendous and impressive effect on the patient is much more valuable than the payment fee. Considering the health and well-being that this application adds to one’s life, we can say that using it is an expense and a kind of investment.
As mentioned, gastric balloon prices can cover a wide range. Perhaps one of the most important factors is the center where you perform this surgery. You should not forget that being insured affects the transaction’s price and the type of health insurance. You can contact the clinic or surgeon for the most accurate and transparent prices.
In Which Countries is the Cheapest Gastric Balloon Procedure Performed?
Typically, as in any case, the cost of a gastric balloon is much cheaper in countries where the exchange rate or supply is high.
It is difficult to identify specific countries where balloon procedures are consistently the cheapest, as costs can vary significantly in a given country depending on the factors mentioned above. Additionally, the price of the gastric balloon procedure may not be the only factor to consider when deciding where to have the design. Other factors should also be considered, such as the quality of health services and the qualifications and experience of healthcare providers.
It is essential to do extensive research and discuss the costs and other aspects of the balloon procedure with a healthcare professional before making a decision. It can also be helpful to shop from several providers and get quotes to compare costs. Remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best option, and it’s essential to prioritize your safety and the quality of care you receive. Here are the gastric balloon costs by country:
| COUNTRY | COST |
| United States | $6000 to $9000 |
| Brazil | $4000 to $6100 |
| China | $7500 to $10000 |
| Japan | $7700 to $9000 |
| South Korea | $7000 to $11000 |
| India | $3100 to $6000 |
| Argentina | $4250 to $6150 |
| Mexico | $2900 to $4900 |
| Germany | $4500 to $7700 |
| Turkey | $2300 to $3400 |
| Colombia | $2700 to $5000 |
| Italy | $4500 to $8100 |
| France | $4600 to $7800 |
| Spain | $4850 to $8860 |
| Taiwan | $3000 to $5100 |
| Venezuela | $2500 to $4750 |
| United Kingdom | $5000 to $9100 |
| Netherlands | $4500 to $7500 |
| Egypt | $2800 to $4800 |
| Peru | $3100 to $5200 |
| AVERAGE COST | $2300 to $11000 |
Attention: For Information Purposes Only
Please note that the content of this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always consult a specialist surgeon for personal guidance.
References
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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28707286/
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