Gastric Balloon

surgeries

The gastric balloon, also known as intragastric balloon, is a very effective and simple non-surgical procedure for weight loss, approved by the FDA.

What is the gastric balloon?

The gastric balloon, also known as intragastric balloon, is a very effective and simple non-surgical procedure for weight loss, approved by the FDA.

What does it consist of?

It consists of inserting something known as a “balloon” into the pit of the stomach using endoscopy. Once the “balloon” is in place, the surgeon inflates it with a saline solution to fill the space in the stomach. Subsequently, the inflated balloon sits on the stomach and gives a satiated feeling at a certain point once you have started eating food. This is a simple, non-surgical outpatient procedure with a mild sedative, and most patients go home on the same day.

After the procedure, the balloon can stay in place for up to six months. During that time, the specialists involved in the procedure will help the patient develop new eating habits that will allow them to maintain a healthier weight more easily once the balloon is removed.

The extraction process is similar to the placement procedure, the saline solution contained in the intragastric balloon will be emptied and the balloon will be pulled out through the mouth.

The gastric balloon represents a viable option for overweight or obese patients who, for some reason, are not candidates for a surgical procedure.

Duration of the procedure: Between 20 – 30 minutes.

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Sanitary Registry No. 0328C2015 SSA, issued by the Federal Commission for the Protection Against Sanitary Risks (COFEPRIS)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The saline-filled balloon occupies approximately one-third of the stomach cavity. This decreases the amount of food the stomach can hold. The presence of the balloon also interferes with the emptying of the stomach, so that the food remains in the stomach longer. Together, these effects promote decreased appetite and early satiety with smaller amounts of food.

El balón gástrico Spatz3 tiene muchas ventajas.

1) It is adjustable, which means it is dynamic and can be changed as your needs and appetite change.
2) It is approved for an implementation period of 1 year. The first balloon that has both advantages.

Leaving a balloon in the stomach for longer without changing the volume of the balloon is not likely to result in greater weight loss. The longer implantation time also gives you a longer behavior modification time, resulting in longer lasting behavior changes.

A standard endoscopy is performed with sedation. If no abnormalities are found, the tethered gastric balloon is inserted through the mouth into the stomach, all under sedation. Once inside the stomach, the balloon is filled with sterile saline through a small filling tube attached to the balloon. Balloon placement and adjustment procedures take approximately 15-20 minutes, after which patients are monitored for approximately 1 hour and then sent home.

The intragastric balloon is designed to help with weight loss in people who ideally have 10 kilograms or more of weight to lose, or those with a BMI greater than 27. It is also used for people who are not suitable candidates for surgery for weightloss. The use of the balloon can help reduce weight before any surgery, thus reducing the risks associated with surgical procedures. The Spatz gastric balloon is the ideal non-invasive alternative to gastric bypass surgery, lap band surgery, and other bariatric surgeries.

The Spatz Intragastric Balloon can be placed in the stomach for a period of twelve months. While using the balloon, your doctor will prescribe a course of oral medication to reduce stomach acid (this can reduce the possibility of stomach irritation and damage to the balloon).

It is important for you to understand that the intragastric balloon is a weight loss aid and should be used in conjunction with diet, exercise, and a behavior modification program. How much weight you lose and maintain will depend on how closely you follow your diet and make long-term lifestyle changes. Average weight loss of 16 kg has been reported over 6-month periods with the Spatz balloon. Average weight loss of 25 kg has been reported over 1 year with the Spatz balloon.

The presence of the balloon in the stomach is very likely to cause nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain, of varying intensity, for a few days after placement. Your doctor will prescribe medications to help minimize these potential effects, but these can persist for the first week. There is a chance that you will lose only a small amount of weight or lose nothing while using the balloon. Of course, your commitment to changes in diet and behavior will determine your success. There is also the possibility of unhealthy and uncontrolled weight loss that can lead to adverse health consequences. Be sure to talk to your doctor about this.

There will be discomfort for the first few days after the procedure. From that moment on, the intragastric balloon will give you a feeling of fullness.

You should plan for at least three days of inactivity to recover from the procedure. You will be able to resume normal activity sooner or later, depending on how quickly your body adjusts to the gastric balloon.

The follow-up program is critical to the success of the ball and to learning new lifestyle skills. You will meet with your doctor several times throughout the year. It is very important to meet with your dietitian / nutrition counselor at least twice a month while the gastric balloon is in place. Patients who follow up weekly are more successful! During this time, your progress will be evaluated and you will learn valuable health, nutrition, and exercise principles that will provide a foundation for long-term success.

When you feel less of the effect of the ball (appetite resumption) or when weight loss slows, you can increase the volume of your ball. The effect of the gastric balloon diminishes after 2 to 4 months, which is when you can expect to have your first balloon adjustment. It can be performed as often as necessary with a simple endoscopy procedure. The volume of the balloon can also be reduced in cases of balloon intolerance.

The Spatz3 intragastric balloon is removed in the same way it was placed, through the esophagus and the mouth using endoscopy under sedation. The balloon can be deflated with the inflation tube or by puncture with a needle catheter.

During the first week of the procedure, you should not plan any heavy activities. Once your body has adjusted to the balloon, you can continue your normal activities. Starting a regular exercise program is highly recommended and it will enhance your success.

Small amounts of alcohol are fine. Drinking alcohol increases the risk of ulceration.

You will not feel like eating as much as you used to. Also, if you eat fatty or sweet foods, you may feel bad. Overeating while the gastric balloon is in place can be dangerous.

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Surgery plan All Inclusive

For only USD $ 399 additional to the payment of your bariatric surgery we take care of all the extra details such as:

Ground transportation

Pick up and return to the San Diego or Tijuana airport before and after the bariatric procedure.
Hotel-hospital-hotel transfers.

Lodging in Tijuana, B.C. Mexico

2 or 3 nights in our hospital, depending on the type of procedure to be performed.
1 night stay in one of the 2 hotels associated with Dr. Rene Armenta for your recovery after surgery.
Wi-Fi available at all times for your stay in the hospital and hotel.
US cable TV & Netflix in all hospital rooms.
Free long distance calls to the US and Canada from the hospital.
Includes a companion at no additional charge.
You can choose between the Pueblo Amigo hotel or the Quartz Hotel

Personalized attention throughout your stay

Continuous monitoring of your health status at the hospital.
Availability 24 hours a day by the staff of Dr. Rene Armenta.
English-speaking interpreter who will assist you when required (for foreign patients).

Postoperative follow-up

Support with nutritional recommendations for life.
Direct communication with Dr. Rene Armenta (via email and telephone) after surgery for follow-up.
Access to our private Facebook group for personalized attention and information of interest (constantly updated).
Pre and post-operative support in psychological care, to ensure the long-term success of your lifestyle changes.