Gastric balloon treatment involves inserting a deflated balloon into the stomach and then inflating it, to help lose weight. by partially filling the stomach, allowing the patient to feel fuller, eat smaller portions, and subsequently consume fewer calories. The balloon is inserted through the mouth, along with an endoscopic camera which will ensure it is safe for the balloon to be placed. Once inside the stomach, the balloon is filled with a saline solution, and the tube is removed, leaving the balloon to sit in the stomach. The procedure will last around 20 minutes and requires a hospital stay of only a couple of hours.
A gastric balloon is not suitable for morbidly obese patients and is generally recommended for those who wish to lose no more than 30kg. Likewise, a gastric balloon itself does not bring weight loss but can accelerate the process in combination with a balanced diet and regular exercise. A gastric balloon can stay in the stomach for around 6 months. The time needed to adjust to the balloon varies from patient to patient, though generally around 3 days of rest are needed before normal activities can be resumed. As one of many bariatric surgery procedures designed to aid weight loss, a gastric balloon is often seen as the first step towards even greater weight loss and further bariatric procedures.
The procedure is non-surgical and minimally-invasive, and therefore a popular option for patients who do not wish to undergo a full surgical procedure. It is also regarded as a temporary and reversible measure, so patients can decide whether they want to proceed with further bariatric surgery procedures or try alternative methods of weight loss.
A gastric balloon is one of the most risk-free bariatric surgery procedures and has relatively few side-effects. Many people report a feeling of nausea or bloating, but these tend to wear off and are usually a sign that the balloon is functioning correctly. Another advantage of a gastric balloon is the fewer dietary restrictions following the procedure. With other more permanent forms of bariatric surgery patients need to drastically alter both what they and eat and how much they eat. On the other hand, patients will also need to put much more effort into exercising regularly in order to achieve their desired weight loss. A gastric balloon is the cheapest of all bariatric surgery procedures.
Which other bariatric surgery procedures can I find abroad?
The gastric balloon is not the only procedure available for patients looking to lose weight. There are many other bariatric surgeries to be considered, with specialist hospitals in countries such as Spain, India, the UAE, and Mexico. Sleeve Gastrectomy Clinics Abroad, Gastric Bypass Clinics Abroad, Gastric Band Surgery Clinics Abroad, For more information, read our Bariatric Surgery Options and Cost Guide .,
| # | Country | Average Cost | Starting Cost | Highest Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | $3087 | $2800 | $3500 |
| 2 | Turkey | $3009 | $1800 | $3500 |
| 3 | United Arab Emirates | $3960 | $3900 | $4000 |
| 4 | Egypt | $3000 | $3000 | $3000 |
| 5 | South Korea | $12299 | $12299 | $12299 |
There are many factors that can affect the costs
Gastric ballon treatment involves inserting a deflated ballon into the stomach and then inflating it, in order to help lose weight. The balloon serves the purpose of limiting food intake by taking up space in the stomach and thus creating a sense of fullness after eating small amounts of food. Gastric balloon treatment is performed on patients who are suffering with obesity or who are morbidly obese. The patient must have a BMI (body mass index) of at least 27 or higher, in order to undergo the treatment.
It is a short-term weight loss treatment and for many patients, the treatment provides an alternative to invasive weight loss surgery. For patients who are morbidly obese and cannot undergo weight loss surgery due to high risk, they will often have gastric balloon treatment in order to decrease their weight so that they can have surgery. The treatment involves inserting the deflated balloon through the mouth and into the stomach with an endoscope and then inflating the balloon with a saline solution. This fills part of the stomach and restricts food intake, creating a feeling of being full, and in turn helping the patient to lose weight.
The amount of weight loss achieved will depend on the lifestyle changes of the patient, as the balloon is designed to aid weight loss in conjunction with a balanced diet and regular exercise. After 6 months, the balloon is removed and the patient should continue to eat healthily and get regular exercise in order to maintain the results form the gastric balloon. Recommended for Patients with a BMI of at least 27 or higher Morbidly obese patients who need to lose weight before gastric band or gastric bypass surgery. Time requirements Number of days in hospital 1 .
Patients can usually leave the same day of the procedure. Average length of stay abroad 1 - 5 days. Patients may experience some pain, nausea or discomfort in the first days after insertion, therefore may need to rest before traveling. Number of trips abroad needed 2. Patients usually make a second trip after 6 to 12 months for the removal of the balloon. Gastric balloon treatment is a short-term weight loss treatment which creates a feeling of being full after eating. Time requirements Number of days in hospital 1 . Patients can usually leave the same day of the procedure. Average length of stay abroad 1 - 5 days. Patients may experience some pain, nausea or discomfort in the first days after insertion, therefore may need to rest before traveling. Number of trips abroad needed 2. Patients usually make a second trip after 6 to 12 months for the removal of the balloon. Time requirements Number of days in hospital 1 .
Patients can usually leave the same day of the procedure. Average length of stay abroad 1 - 5 days. Patients may experience some pain, nausea or discomfort in the first days after insertion, therefore may need to rest before traveling. Number of trips abroad needed 2. Patients usually make a second trip after 6 to 12 months for the removal of the balloon. Gastric balloon treatment is a short-term weight loss treatment which creates a feeling of being full after eating.,
Patients will meet with their doctor to discuss their options and to decide if gastric balloon treatment is the best option for them.,
Before the procedure begins, the patient is usually given IV (intravenous) sedation and may also be given a numbing solution for the throat via a spray. An endoscope with a camera attached is then passed through the mouth and down to the stomach. The balloon is then passed down to the stomach and placed into position. Once positioned, the balloon is then filled with a saline solution, usually approximately 500cc. Methlyene Blue dye is also usually placed into the balloon so that in the event of the balloon deflating, the patient will notice this early on as the dye will change the color of urine.
Anesthesia Sedation Procedure duration The Gastric Balloon Treatment takes 20 to 30 minutes. The balloon is inserted through the mouth to the stomach with an endoscope, and then inflated with saline solution.,
Post procedure care, the balloon is removed, usually after 6 to 12 months. The balloon can be removed endoscopically via the mouth. Possible discomfort in stomach for the first few days after insertion is to be expected. Patients will then adjust to the feeling of fullness after a few days.,
Following are the best 10 hospitals for Gastric Balloon Treatment in the world:
| # | Hospital | Country | City | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aakash Hospital | India | New Delhi | $2800 | |
| 2 | Sikarin Hospital | Thailand | Bangkok | --- | |
| 3 | Acibadem Taksim | Turkey | Istanbul | $3200 | |
| 4 | Lilavati Hospital and Research Center | India | Mumbai | --- | |
| 5 | Seoul National University Bundang Hospit... | South Korea | Bundang | --- | |
| 6 | Hospital Universitari Sagrat Cor | Spain | Barcelona | --- | |
| 7 | HELIOS Hospital Schwerin | Germany | Schwerin | --- | |
| 8 | Revital Aspach | Austria | Aspach | --- | |
| 9 | Matilda International Hospital | Hong Kong | Hong Kong | --- | |
| 10 | Premier Medica | Russian Federation | Moscow | --- |
Following are the best doctors for Gastric Balloon Treatment in the world:
| # | DOCTOR | SPECIALITY | HOSPITAL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dr. Sumeet Shah | Bariatric Surgeon | Rockland Hospital, Manesa... | |
| 2 | Dr. Ajay Kumar Kriplani | Bariatric Surgeon | Fortis Memorial Research... | |
| 3 | Dr. Rajnish Monga | Medical Gastroenterologist | Paras Hospitals | |
| 4 | Dr Jameel J K A | Bariatric Surgeon | Apollo Hospital Chennai | |
| 5 | Dr. Anirudh Vij | Bariatric Surgeon | Pushpawati Singhania Rese... | |
| 6 | Dr Rajat Goel | Bariatric Surgeon | Primus Super Specialty Ho... | |
| 7 | Dr. Rajan Dhingra | Medical Gastroenterologist | Artemis Hospital | |
| 8 | Dr. J. C. Vij | Medical Gastroenterologist | BLK-MAX Super Specialty H... |
Gastric balloon is designed specifically for those with a lower body mass index than other surgical. Patient with gastric balloon will typically lose 20 – 40 pounds (or 10 – 20% of their body weight) over the six months the balloon in place.
The placement of the gastric balloon is carried out as an outpatient procedure. The procedure is performed endoscopically under sedation. The deflated gastric balloon is attached to an endoscope, a narrow lighted tube with a camera attached, which is guided through your mouth and into the stomach. Gastric Balloon procedure takes 20 to 30 minutes.
The balloon takes up space in the stomach, which limits the amount of food you can eat. It also makes you feel fuller more quickly.
Intragastric balloons are left in place for up to 6 months and are then removed using an endoscope. At that time, a new balloon may be placed, or not, depending on the plan determined by you and your doctor
Continue to eat 3 regular meals each day and try not to leave more than 3-4 hours between meals. It is advised to get your dietary guidance after Intra-gastric balloon insertion.
The balloon is placed inside the stomach and then removed after a six-month period. This temporary placement of the balloon does not equate to temporary weight loss. One of the most important components of a successful gastric balloon procedure is medical guidance and support to help patients make permanent lifestyle changes.
The gastric balloon can be left in place for up to six months – it's not a permanent solution and your stomach will return to normal after it's removed.
Potential complications of a gastric balloon ruptured: The balloon displaces stomach volume which produces a sense of early satiety when eating. Severe adverse complications include gastric perforation (more likely in those with previous upper GI surgeries), gastric obstruction, gastric ulcer, esophagitis, and esophageal perforation.
The blue dye in the gastric balloon acts as a “warning system” and leaks from the balloon and are absorbed and changes your urine color temporarily to green, this is a warning sign that you should seek immediate medical attention for removal of your gastric balloon.
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The information on this page was reviewed and approved by Mozocare team. This page was updated on 02 Apr, 2022.