Does gastric balloon really work?

Gastric balloons are an alternative to bariatric surgery for people with lower body mass indexes. Most patients lose between 20 and 50 pounds over six months (about 10 to 20% of total body weight). Gastric balloons can be effective, they don’t require surgery, and they can be placed in a matter of minutes.

How much does the balloon pill cost?

The balloon pill costs about $4,000, a fraction of what a gastric bypass surgery costs, and is much less invasive.

How overweight do you have to be for gastric balloon?

Body Mass Index You need to have a BMI of 27 and above to you to be qualified for gastric balloon. This makes it also preferable for lighter people who may not be ideal candidates for other forms of bariatric procedures. Despite this, gastric balloon is very risky for a person with a BMI of 60 and above.

Is the balloon pill safe?

Side effects include indigestion, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. There are also risks related to placing the tube and with the stomach opening where it is placed, such as stomach discomfort or pain, leakage around where the tube is placed, and infection.

Who is a good candidate for a gastric balloon procedure?

You could be a good candidate for the gastric balloon procedure if you: For some types of balloons, such as the ReShape Balloon, you must have a health risk associated with obesity (also known as a “comorbidity”) like diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnea. For other balloon types, like the Orbera balloon, no comorbidities are required.

How does a gastric balloon procedure affect weight loss?

The gastric balloon procedure (aka, “endoscopic intragastric balloon”) leaves 1 to 3 inflated silicon balloons in the stomach for 6 months, making less room for food. As a result: You will feel full sooner while eating, so you will eat less and lose weight You will lose about 30%…

How many balloons do you need for a gastric balloon?

Between 1 and 3 inflated balloons in the stomach (depending on the balloon type chosen) leave less room for food and cause patients to feel full sooner and eat less. The gastric balloon procedure is performed differently depending on which balloon type you choose:

How is the intragastric balloon procedure done at Mayo Clinic?

You may also be required to start a physical activity program. The intragastric balloon procedure is done in the endoscopy unit as an outpatient procedure. You’ll be sedated for the procedure. During the procedure, the doctor advances a thin tube (catheter) loaded with the intragastric balloon down your throat into your stomach.