This article has everything you need to know about the gastric balloon cost, benefits, risks, side effects, and recovery timeline, so you can decide whether or not they are right for you.
With obesity rates rising, many people have turned to bariatric surgery as a potential solution. As an alternative to other surgical procedures, this procedure offers a cost-effective way of reducing the stomach size while remaining non-invasive.
However, you must understand the gastric balloon procedure and how it will impact your health before making your final decision.
What is a gastric balloon?
The gastric balloon is a small balloon that is inserted into the stomach. It is used as a type of endoscopic treatment for obesity. First, the surgeon will insert the balloon into the stomach with an endoscope; then, it will inflate with either saline or gas. The purpose of the balloon is to restrict the amount of food the stomach can hold, causing the person to feel full sooner and, in most cases, eat less.
The gastric balloon is a simple, effective, and safe procedure for managing obesity. It is used to help people lose weight by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold. The balloon is a small, soft, silicone balloon, about the size of a ping-pong ball, placed in the stomach using an endoscope.
The balloon is connected to a small pump inserted into a pocket in your lower abdomen. The pump is connected to a small plastic bag holding the saline solution to inflate the balloon.
Read also: intragastric balloon therapy
How does it work?
The gastric balloon procedure is performed using local anesthesia and lasts between 20-30 minutes. During the procedure, the physician will empty the contents of the uninflated balloon into a sterile water bottle to check for leaks and then inflate the balloon with approximately 150 ml of saline solution.
Placing a gastric balloon is a minimally invasive procedure, and patients can resume their normal activities immediately following the insertion. Patients may experience mild abdominal discomfort for a few days after the procedure, which medications the physician prescribers can ease. Typically, patients require the removal of their balloons six months later.
Pros of the Gastric Balloon
The gastric balloon is a safe and straightforward weight loss procedure gaining traction in the last few years. It is an alternative to other bariatric procedures such as gastric bypass surgery, sleeve gastrectomy, and lap band surgery. Here are some of the benefits of this procedure:
No Surgery Required
The gastric balloon is non-invasive and does not require surgery or anesthesia. The procedure can be performed in a doctor’s office with local anesthesia.
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Quick and easy to place
Unlike other weight loss procedures, the gastric balloon requires no incisions or anesthesia. Instead, the balloon is placed through a single puncture in your abdomen and then inflated with saline solution to fit snugly against your stomach wall. The balloon is designed to remain in place for up to six months.
Few side effects
The gastric balloon is associated with minimal discomfort during placement, which usually takes less than an hour and can be performed under local anesthesia or light sedation (if you choose). Your doctor may also prescribe pain medication after surgery and during the first few days following the placement of the balloon.
Most patients report feeling fullness or bloating in their abdomen after eating, but this should subside within a week or two as your body adjusts to its new size.
It can Be Used Alongside Other Obesity Treatments.
Regarding weight loss, it’s best to use a combination of therapies instead of just one. That way, you can achieve better results and prevent complications. For example, suppose you’re already using one or more obesity treatments, such as diet or exercise. In that case, a weight loss balloon could be an excellent addition to your regimen.
Read Also: Gastric Botox in Turkey What I Need to Know
Cons of the Gastric Balloon
The weight loss balloon has some pros, but it also has cons. If you are considering getting this procedure, you should know about these drawbacks so you can make an informed decision:
Procedure-Related Side Effects:
Some patients may experience mild side effects related to the procedure, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping or bloating, or constipation.
Lack of Long-Term Weight Loss
Although the gastric balloon can help you lose significant weight, there is no guarantee that you will keep it off long-term. Some studies show that most patients who use the balloon regain the weight they lost after the device is removed.
High Initial gastric balloon Cost
Although the weight loss balloon is a non-invasive procedure with no side effects, it is also a costly option. The procedure cost is comparable to weight loss surgery, and some patients may not be able to afford it.
Poor Results in Certain Patients
Although the procedure is generally safe and effective for most patients, some will not respond well to the treatment. In addition, people with certain medical conditions, such as narrowing the esophagus, may not be appropriate candidates for the balloon.
Read Also: BMI For Gastric Bypass: What are 7 Benefits For The Bypass
Cost of Gastric Balloon in Turkey
The clinical costs of gastric balloon surgeries vary depending on the procedure and factors like the surgeon’s experience and the type of facility performing it. Gastric balloon surgery costs anywhere between $1200 and $4550 per surgery. However, the procedure has a high chance of success, and the success rate is around 90%.
The cost of gastric balloon surgery varies widely depending on whether you do it in Turkey or at home. In Turkey, the cost is approximately 40% less than if you had it done in America. So if you are considering gastric balloon surgery, then Istanbul is undoubtedly the place to do it.
Read Also: Gastric Bypass cost in Turkey
Cost of a Gastric Balloon in the United States
The cost of gastric balloon procedures in the United States can vary depending on the location and place of treatment. In the United States, most patients have to pay for a weight loss balloon surgery out-of-pocket, as medical insurance companies are still not covering this type of procedure.
Depending on the hospital or clinic, it might range from $3,000 to $7,000, according to the Miami Sleeve Center Website. However, with the recent popularity of this weight loss surgery, more and more hospitals and clinics offer special discounts on the procedure. While the balloon procedure is the most common method and has the highest success rate, it also has the most increased cost.
The banding procedure with the Lap-Band is the second most common and has a lower price. Finally, the gastric sleeve procedure is the least common and has an average cost.
Cost of Gastric Balloon in the UK
weight loss balloon surgery is available on the National Health Service (NHS) for patients with a BMI of 40 or greater.
Patients must be willing to attend weight loss classes and follow a diet to qualify for NHS funding. Many would prefer not to participate in these requirements and opt to pay privately. The surgery can cost around £3,500 in England and Wales–and there are two main types of procedure people can opt for:
- Gastric balloon
The most popular option is this one, where the stomach is made smaller using a flexible silicone balloon inserted via endoscopy. That usually costs around £3,000 on the NHS and over £5,000 privately.
The second option is to have a band fitted around the upper part of your stomach, which reduces the amount you can eat and makes it much harder to overeat. However, the cost is significantly more expensive than a weight loss balloon procedure; this treatment costs between £7,000-£9,500 privately.
What Factors Affect the Cost of the Gastric Balloon in Turkey?
The cost of gastric balloon procedure varies from country to country, and the differences are not only in the price tag but also in the services provided by each hospital. You could pay more if you undergo surgery without conducting sufficient research beforehand. To avoid unpleasant surprises, here is what you need to know before going on a weight loss balloon trip in Turkey:
Type of hospital or healthcare facility
Gastric balloon surgery costs vary from hospital to hospital and between healthcare providers like psychologists, psychiatrists, general practitioners, and other specialists. In addition, the number of years a particular doctor has worked in the field also affects the fees charged for various services.
Experience and choice of the doctor
It is always advisable to go through several consultations with different doctors before settling down with one particular person to understand the costs involved in each case. You should also know their experience levels and professional qualifications before deciding on the gastric balloon in Turkey.
In addition, choosing surgeons who have worked on similar patients is essential to give you an accurate estimate of gastric balloon cost and the expected result.
Post-procedure medical tests
The cost of gastric balloon procedures will vary depending on the number of tests required after the procedure. Some patients might need additional tests, such as an endoscopy or blood test, to check their stomach health after having their weight loss balloon inserted.
That can increase the procedure cost by hundreds per patient, depending on the number and type of tests needed post-procedure.
Specialized equipment
The equipment required for this procedure differs from those used for other surgical procedures, such as laparoscopic or open surgery. The main reason is that no incisions will be made during this process.
Therefore, there will be no bleeding during or after the procedure in Turkey. In addition, some instruments used during this process, such as endoscopy and ultrasound equipment, are used to monitor the procedure’s progress.
Read Also: Cost Of a Gastric Sleeve What You Should Know 2022 Prices
How is Gastric Balloon in Turkey performed?
An endoscope is used to insert the balloon into the esophagus. About 20 to 25 minutes are needed for the procedure to be complete. First, a diagnostic endoscopy is performed to rule out any underlying medical issues that could interfere with the successful placement of the balloon (such as an ulcer).
After a thorough examination, a deflated silicone elastomer balloon is placed into the stomach if no abnormalities are found. The procedure is complete once the balloon has been placed in your stomach and a filling tube (catheter) attached to it has been filled with a blue liquid.
Next, an inflatable balloon is released from its resting place in the stomach. The procedure is carried out under sedation to ensure the patient’s comfort. The patient is immediately awakened following its completion.
What are the weight loss balloon types
1. The ORBERA balloon
The Orbera balloon is one of the most famous types of gastric balloon. This balloon is usually filled with saline using an endoscope through the mouth. Then, the surgeon will fill the balloon until it reaches the required size, adding some drops of blue dye. This dye is used to monitor the occurrence of any hole in the balloon.
Usually, the balloon size inside the stomach is about 550mm, lasting for about six months; during this period, the patient can lose a good amount of extra weight.
The average cost of the Orbera Balloon in the USA is $8,248, while the Price in the UK is £4,300; keep in mind that in Turkey, the gastric balloon price is more affordable with the same quality and guaranteed results.
2. ReShap Dual Balloon
the Reshape balloon is also known as a double-balloon; the surgeon will place one balloon and the other after a few days. It is suitable for people whose obesity causes them to suffer from chronic diseases.
The reshaped balloon is similar to the Orbera balloon, inserting it into the stomach and filling it with saline solution, except that the size is smaller than the size of the Orbera balloon.
In contrast, the size of the two balloons is about 750 to 900 millimeters, filling the stomach with more than one balloon and producing more weight loss.
3. MEDSIL Balloon:
It is a Russian-made balloon and one of the latest types of stomach balloon that achieves the same purpose as the Orbera balloon. However, you need to remove it after six months, and we use this balloon for those with a 30 and above body mass index.
4. OBALON Balloon
Some people call the Obalon balloon “the triple balloon,” as the surgeon can use three balloons for the patient. However, each balloon is placed in a separate session. In addition, Obalon differs from other types of gastric balloons because it is a swallowable capsule that does not need an endoscope.
After the patient swallows the pill, it is filled with gas through the endoscope in the first session, where the doctor examines x-rays and then works to inflate the balloon by filling it with hydrogen gas to fill the capsule through the small tube connected to it,
After the balloon is inflated, the surgeon will remove the tube, leaving the balloon in the stomach in a procedure that takes no more than 15 minutes. But it takes a second session to insert the second balloon and a third session to insert the third balloon with the same steps.
However, 12 weeks is sufficient for inserting the three balloons or capsules. However, when it is time to extract the balloons, it is done in a single procedure about six months after the date of the first balloon insertion.
The balloon is designed for patients with a mass index of 27 to 32, so the treatment is effective and appropriate. However, it is not suitable for those with a high rate of obesity.
The OBALON balloon price in the USA ranges between $6,000 and $9,000, according to Healthline; again. while the same balloon will cost you in the UK £5500; again, keep in mind that, in Turkey, the cost of gastric balloon procedures is more affordable with the same quality and guaranteed results
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5. The Spatz Balloon
The Spatz balloon is often the most convenient option among the types of weight loss balloons for people who want to lose more weight, as the treatment with the Spatz balloon extends for a year. In addition, it is distinguished by the ability of size adjustment after inserting it into the stomach through the endoscope.
6. Elipse balloon
Before describing the new generation of swallowable gastric balloons, it is necessary to talk about the weight loss balloon and its general function. The balloon is a flexible material shaped like a circle of silicone placed in the stomach. Some types of these materials can be filled with liquid or air and remain in the stomach for six or twelve months.
The Elipse Swallowable Gastric Balloon is easier than a traditional weight loss balloon. However, it is taken like taking medication. In this procedure, the person is asked to swallow this balloon by mouth. Then the doctor inflates the balloon with the device after making sure that the capsule reaches the stomach due to the radiographic examination.
It takes about 10 minutes to inflate the balloon with water to reach the desired size.
The surgeon takes a second X-ray to ensure the balloon is inflated; The surgeon will separate the catheter, place it in the stomach, and remove it from the mouth.
After this 25-30 minute process, the patient starts the appropriate nutrition program from the nutritionist. Finally, the swallowable gastric balloon stays in the stomach for about six months.
At the end of this period, the modified degassing mechanics,m on the balloon op, en s, and the fluid inside are automatically emptied as no removal is required.
The Price of an Elipse balloon in the Uk is around £4,000, according to the Illuminate Website, while the Elipse weight loss balloon will cost you in The USA around $4,800; the Elipse gastric balloon cost in Turkey is £2,500.
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Recovery Process
After the implantation is complete, the medical staff will monitor you for approximately two hours in the surgical recovery room. Before leaving the hospital, you will be given post-operation instructions, including medications, when and how often to take them, and which foods should and should not be eaten.
After you are discharged from the hospital, your doctor will continue to monitor your progress as an outpatient. Follow-up appointments with your surgeon will likely occur every three months for one year after the balloon surgery. During these visits, your surgeon will check the band’s size and ensure it functions correctly.
Visits may decrease over time as you approach your weight loss goal. Take good care of yourself after gastric balloon surgery to ensure a healthy recovery.
Possible Side Effects
Like all surgical procedures, the gastric balloon has potential side effects. However, these side effects are mild and rare, and most patients recover quickly with little or no complications. Possible complications include:
Nausea
Nausea is one of the most common side effects of gastric balloon surgery, and it’s one of the reasons people choose to have this procedure done in the first place. The nausea is caused by the surgical procedure and by stretching your stomach as it fills with saline solution.
Vomiting
Vomiting is another common side effect of weight loss balloon surgery. It usually occurs in the first 24 hours after surgery and is generally mild. However, if you vomit more than once or twice, contact your doctor immediately, as this may indicate a problem with your stomach bleeding or infection in your stomach or throat.
Abdominal cramping
The gastric balloon is a minimally invasive procedure with minimal side effects, but it may cause temporary discomfort. Some patients experience mild to moderate pain in the abdominal area after the surgery. You can control this pain with medication, but if it worsens or lasts more than a few days, you must contact your doctor as soon as possible.
bloating
Bloating occurs when there is an increase in fluid volume in the stomach or intestines, which causes pressure on the walls of these organs. This pressure may cause discomfort but disappear after a few days.
It’s important to drink plenty of fluids and eat light meals while recovering to avoid dehydration, heartburn, or constipation due to excess gas in the digestive system.
Can a gastric balloon burst?
Yes, balloons can explode. It is an intermittent event and is usually associated with overfilling. The most common cause of bursting is an excessive filling of the balloon. Balloons are designed to be inflated to a certain size, and once they reach that size, they will explode.
If you have more than one balloon, it is essential to ensure that the surgeon does not overfill them. If you have more than one balloon and it is overfilled, you may have a problem planting it as it can be difficult to place it properly.
The balloon can pop if placed too high in the stomach or with too much pressure from inside or outside the stomach. Again, this can happen if too much fluid has been used.
Is having a gastric balloon in Turkey safe?
Turkey has become a world leader in weight loss balloon placement. Turkey is one of the top three countries for weight loss surgeries; it’s also home to more than half of the planet’s gastric balloons. In addition, Turkey has the world’s most experienced bariatric surgeons, not to mention a high level of trust between patients and doctors, leading to better outcomes and a higher satisfaction rate.
In addition, studies have shown that patients who choose gastric balloons in Turkey are less likely to suffer from complications than those who prefer them elsewhere.
Conclusion
The benefits of the gastric balloon are that it causes weight loss without a lifestyle change. Patients don’t need to focus on the diet; it can be removed if they choose to do so. It is also cost-effective compared to other weight loss alternatives such as surgery. The biggest drawback is that to remove the device, General anesthesia is needed, and most insurance doesn’t cover the procedure.
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At HayatMed Clinic Turkey, we offer high-quality, specialized, and affordable Obesity treatment services. Visit our gastric balloon category, or go back to the Blog.
