Gastric balloon treatment involves inserting a deflated balloon 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 day
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 balloon.
COMPARE GASTRIC BALLOON TREATMENT PRICES AROUND THE WORLD
| Country | Cost |
|---|---|
| Thailand | 5343€ |
| United Arab Emirates | 3176€ |
| Poland | 2890€ |
| Mexico | 2602€ |
| Turkey | 1498€ |
HOW TO FIND QUALITY TREATMENT ABROAD
BEFORE GASTRIC BALLOON TREATMENT ABROAD
Patients will meet with their doctor to discuss their options and to decide if gastric balloon treatment is the best option for them.
HOW IS IT PERFORMED
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.
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER GASTRIC BALLOON TREATMENT
Post procedure care
The balloon is removed, usually after 6 to 12 months. The balloon can be removed endoscopically via the mouth.
Possible discomfort
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.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT GASTRIC BALLOON TREATMENT
Potential risks
- Deflation of the balloon
Not recommended for
- Patients with a healthy BMI
Side Effect
- Nausea
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