For patients who are not set on undergoing bariatric surgery, there are other options a patient could take that can help them lose weight. There are many ways to lose weight, but there are a few scientifically proven ways to lose a lot of weight. One of those ways is the Intragastric Balloon. The
Intragastric balloon, is on the same stature of bariatric surgeries, because it uses the same primary principle you would find in gastric sleeve and gastric banding.
How Does the Gastric Balloon Work?
The
Intragastric Balloon, or the
Gastric Balloon, is a non-surgical procedure that places a balloon in the stomach, then is inflated. This balloon fills the stomach with a volume of about 500ml. This technique is known as restrictive in bariatrics, meaning the smaller stomach capacity will allow patients to feel fuller faster - helping them reduce their caloric intake.
The procedure itself takes no more than 30 minutes and can be inplace for 3 to 6 months. The procedure begins by inserting a deflated soft, silicone balloon through the mouth, placing the deflated balloon inside the stomach. Then the balloon is inflated with air or liquid, and thus reduces a patient’s stomach capacity.
Who Is a Candidate for Intragastric Balloon?
Intragastric balloon is an especially attractive option because of its lower BMI requirement. With
bariatric surgeries, many surgeons require patients to have 40 or even 35 body mass indexes (BMIs). With the gastric balloon patients can undergo the procedure with just 27 BMI. This means that a wide range patients may be good candidates for this procedure.
Sometimes bariatric surgeons require bariatric surgery prospects to lose weight, thus reducing death and risks while undergoing bariatric surgery. Because of this, morbidly obese patients, people with BMIs in the 50s and 60s, can jump-start weight loss for more intense bariatric surgery procedures later on. Then when the physician is satisfied with the weight they lost, they can remove the balloon and go with a more aggressive approach.
What are the Weight-Loss Results of the Gastric Balloon?
Although the intragastric balloon has not been widely studied, some studies found that in six months patients can lose 35% of their excess weight. This compares nicely to the expected 50 percent with
gastric banding and 65 percent with
gastric bypass.
Advantages:
- No Cutting, Stapling, Stomach Removal, or Major Surgery
- Removable
- Limited Risks and Side Effects
Disadvantages:
- It may cause an uncomfortableness.
- Need to follow a diet and exercise regimen to be truly effective.
Side Effects, Risks and Complications of Gastric Balloon:
The procedure often will produce cramping, nausea, vomiting, discomfort immediately following placement. There is a slight risk of balloon deflation while inside the stomach, which can cause obstruction.
What is the Cost?
Currently, the Intragastric balloon is only available in Canada, Australia, Mexico, South America and parts of Europe. The procedure is not available in the United States, however in the countries the procedure is available, people can expect to pay the equivalent of $4,800.
Our Costs:
Currently,
Dr. Ramos Kelly offers the surgery at $4,500 for the surgery and only $1,400 for the extraction.
