Obesity remains rampant across the United States and other countries worldwide. Advancement in IntraGastric Balloon (IGB) Weight Loss System can solve the problem for many people with weight problems.
A balloon is a non-surgical procedure inserted through the mouth and throat into the stomach to partially fill it up. As a result, the patient feels full faster and stay full longer. The individual learns portion control, and with support can develop sustainable healthy habits for successful long-term weight loss.
How Gastric Balloon Work
It is shown that gastric balloon leads to three times more weight loss than diet and exercise alone. Traveling abroad for weight loss surgery can be a better option than having surgery in the United States. Being overseas for weight loss surgery is cheaper and more affordable. The surgeons overseas also have more experience in bariatric surgery compared to the United States.
Types of Gastric Balloon Around the World:
Aside from Obalon, the other systems are inserted into the stomach with an endoscope with mild sedation. Obalon is a new device that can be swallowed instead. All balloon systems are saline-filled except Obalon that is gas-filled. Also, all devices are FDA-approved except Spatz3, which is approved overseas. Only the Spatz3 balloon is adjustable and can be kept in the stomach for 12 months. The rest are kept for six months or less (Obalon is 90 days).
Post-Operation
In the first few days (3 to 5 days), there is a feeling of nausea and cramp that goes away shortly. Medicine can be used to minimize the uncomfortableness. Gastric or bowel obstruction or spontaneous deflation can occur.
To qualify, you must be over 18 years and a BMI of 30 to 40. If the balloon is used to jump-start weight loss for the patient to be able to get a surgical procedure like, gastric sleeve or bypass, the BMI can be more.
To use this tool most effectively,
- Hydration – water, water, water
- Exercise – lower and upper body
- Protein – 60 mg per day for women and 80 mg per day for men
- No snacking or grazing
- Supplements
- Support from Dietitians, etc. Gast
Cost of Gastric Balloon Abroad
The average cost of gastric balloon surgery depends on where you have the surgery, hospital, and surgeons. The cost of gastric bypass can range from $3,000 to $13,000. When people choose to have this surgery in another country they can save themselves thousands (Mexico Bariatric Surgery costs about 1/5 to 1/3 the cost of the United States).
| Country | Price |
|---|---|
| Mexico | $3,000 – $4,000 |
| United States | $7,000 – $12,700 |
| Canada | $7,500 – $13,000 |
| Australia | $4,500 – $8,000 |
| India | $3,500 – $5,500 |
| Thailand | $3,700 – $5,700 |
| Costa Rica | $4,000 – $6,000 |