Gastric balloon Options Worldwide

The gastric or intragastric balloon is a short-term medical device aimed to help patients lose excess weight without surgical intervention. It is temporary, but enough effective method to get rid of obesity along with diet and physical activity.

A soft silicone balloon is inserted into the stomach with the help of an endoscope (tubular instrument passed through the mouth and throat). In the stomach, the balloon is filled with saline occupying the bigger part of the intragastric space. This gives the impression of satiety because the stomach is partially full. As a result, the individual eats less food in one sitting and begins to lose weight.

The balloon is situated in the stomach for 6 months, after which it is removed. It can be inserted for a second time after a break of 2 months. To achieve the maximum effect of this bariatric procedure, the patient needs to keep a diet.

The balloon insertion takes an hour. The procedure requires hospitalization — the patient stays in a hospital for a day and then comes back home. 

This method is not suitable for people with a very high body mass index (BMI). The recommended BMI for an intragastric balloon procedure starts from 30.

An intragastric balloon can also be used as a preparation for bariatric surgery to reduce the risk of complications. Some weight loss surgeries increase the risk of complications if the patient has severe obesity. In this case, the balloon can reduce excess weight to acceptable standards that allow doctors to perform bariatric surgery with less risk.

The balloon bariatric procedure is especially suitable for people who want to avoid surgery.

• installed through an endoscope without intervention
• temporary option (6 months)
• can be reused
• can be used as preparation for bariatric surgery
• low risk of complications
• does not affect the digestive system
• weight loss is slower than after bariatric surgery.

• inflammatory bowel disease 
• esophagitis
• gastric and duodenal ulcers
• stomach tumors
• lower gastrointestinal bleeding
• congenital pyloric stenosis, atresia, and stenosis of the small intestine
• large hiatal hernia (esophageal opening of the diaphragm)
• mental disorders
• alcohol and drug addiction
• constant intake of aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, drugs that irritate the stomach, anticoagulants (medications that reduce blood clotting)
• pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Learn more about the contraindications here.

The recovery time takes 3 days. After this period, the patient can return to work. Immediately after the gastric balloon procedure, the patient will need to limit food intake. During the first few days, the diet should consist only of liquid food. In 2 weeks after the procedure, the person can begin to try semi-solid, and then solid food.

The intragastric balloon implies that the patient will change the lifestyle and eating habits to healthier ones. The balloon makes it much easier because it consumes a lot of space in the stomach and reduces the amount of food intake.

The procedure for intragastric balloon installing also involves checks by a surgeon to avoid all sorts of complications.

In 6 months, the balloon will be removed from the stomach in the same way as it was installed. If the patient wants the process to be repeated to achieve a better result, then the balloon can be inserted again after a short break of 2 months.

The intragastric balloon procedure causes fewer complications in contrast with other weight loss surgery methods. The most common among them are:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• abdominal pain.

The gastric juice destroys the balloon gradually, so the balloon can be put into the stomach for 6 months, and then it must be taken out. If a patient wants to continue balloon treatment, the procedure will be performed again but only in 2 months.

The procedure's effectiveness depends on the eating habits and the patient’s diet. The gastric balloon shows high efficiency in people with not very high BMI, in particular:

• lose about 20-50 pounds of excess weight
• decrease body weight by 20%
• decrease body mass index by 5%.

Usually, the stomach balloon surgery cost includes consultation with a doctor and the procedure itself. In some clinics balloon packages and programs are available.

The balloon weight loss surgery cost varies depending on:

• country

Each country offers different prices for the procedure. It depends on state economic development level and average price policy. Asian nations offer 3-4 times lower bariatric balloon cost in comparison with European ones.

• city

The price for gastric balloon differs from city to city within a particular country. Larger and more economically developed megapolises offer 2 times higher balloon weight loss surgery cost than the smaller cities. However, the quality of the procedure is on the same level.

• private or state hospital

Clinics are divided into private and state ones. The bariatric balloon cost in state hospitals can be 2 times lower than in private clinics. But the management quality in state centers is also lower. It depends on the country where a hospital is located. Specify the information on at the clinic contact center and read gastric balloon surgery reviews when choosing a hospital.

• doctor’s qualification

The best bariatric doctors undergo international training and have vast experience. The balloon weight loss surgery cost is higher when a specialist with an excellent reputation performs the procedure.

Submit a request on Bookimed web site. A medical doctor specialized in gastric balloon will contact you. S/he will answer all your questions and give all necessary information.

According to your preferences, a doctor will compose a treatment program. It will include the exact balloon weight loss surgery cost in your particular case.

Bookimed is an independent healthcare platform for searching the best treatment options. Bookimed does not represent any specific clinics. Its services are free for a patient and is paid for by the partner medical centers.