The Gastric Balloon: A Tool To Help Achieve Weight Loss

The cost of the Gastric Balloon: the procedure can range from $6,000 to $9,000 and is the cheapest of all weight loss procedures. 

The most common side effects after a gastric balloon procedure are: weakness, nauseas, abdominal pain, spasms, acid reflux, heartburn, bad breath, heaviness, gassiness, fullness and burps.

With a gastric balloon for weight loss, you can eat normal, healthy foods in modest portions to maximize the benefits of the gastric balloon.

While gastric balloons are not covered by insurance yet, there are financing options as well as tax deductions available.

Physically, you must be fit enough to get a gastric balloon. You will be asked not to drink or eat anything six to 12 hours before your procedure. This is to prevent nausea, a common initial side effect of gastric balloon implantation along with vomiting and cramping.

In pregnancy with a gastric balloon it’s recommended to remove the balloon during the pregnancy. While having a gastric balloon during pregnancy is possible, it’s not advised due to the potential that the patient will not be getting enough nutrients for themselves or the baby.

In cases of gastric balloon and pancreatitis, the presentation of the pancreatitis doesn’t occur until late in the procedure and is considered a rare complication.

Gastric balloon and smoking are not compatible as the combination of the two can have major health consequences such as lung problems, stomach ulcers and lower life expectancy.

Gastric balloon and liquid diet are two related concepts as it is necessary to follow a strict liquid diet after the insertion of the Spatz gastric balloon to help the balloon to adapt.

Gastric balloon and food restrictions are common during the first few days after insertion. You’re likely already aware that right before your gastric balloon is inserted and right after, you’ll need to observe a liquid diet for a short period. The liquid diet is comprised of clear liquids with no added sugars. This typically only lasts for about three days.

Gastric balloons for weight loss are non-surgical weight loss balloons that work by making you feel fuller. The balloon is made of silicone and is inserted into your stomach during a non-invasive, outpatient endoscopic procedure that takes less than half an hour. At minimum, people tend to lose 10% to 15% of their starting body weight by the time their gastric balloon for weight loss is removed. Others experience twice that amount and can lose up to 30% of their starting weight.

Gastric balloon pros and cons: by one side, gastric balloon is a non-invasive insertion, removable procedure at any point and have a mesurable weight loss results. On the other hand,  you can experiment side effects after the procedure and 10% of people don’t tolerate the balloon. 

Gastric balloon removal costs are usually not covered by insurance and while there are plans for financing, many look for creative means to pay for their gastric balloon insertion and removal.

The stomach balloon for weight loss for the same reason that other bariatric procedures result in weight loss—the stomach believes it is full. When your stomach feels fuller faster than usual, you naturally consume fewer calories. This naturally results in weight loss.

How do you sleep after gastric balloon: After the first few weeks, you should be cleared to sleep normally. This means sleep on your back or on your side. Back or side sleep will allow your body’s natural digestive processes to function while you are resting.If it doesn’t matter which side you sleep on, then your left side is the best side to sleep on as some studies show that it reduces reflux. Importantly, either side is fine as long as you’re comfortable.

There are several foods that you cannot eat with the gastric balloon: carbonated beverage,caffeine,alcohol,potato chips, snack cakes,candy,cookies, fried foods,donuts,pastries,white rice, French fries,bread,steaks,hamburgers,fatty cheeses.

Drive with a gastric balloon is not allowed. Plan for at least 3-4 days of inactivity after you get your gastric balloon inserted. If all goes well and you’re off of any medications you were given, then you should be safe to drive.

It is safe to fly with a gastric balloon. For example, some wonder if you will have any issues getting through security with a gastric balloon. The answer is ‘no’. Because the gastric balloon is silicone, there isn’t any possibility that a metal detector or an X-Ray machine will pick up the gastric balloon.

Can you work with a gastric balloon. As you recover, you will need to plan to not work after a gastric balloon procedure especially if your job is strenuous. It’s typical for it to take up to 4-7 days before you can and should return to work. While you are at home, you should plan to rest after gastric balloon insertion.

There are people who are not ideal candidates for a gastric balloon. To be able to insert a gastric balloon you need to meet the following requirements: body mass index or BMI of 27-30. It depends on where you live, some areas require the minimum BMI to be 30 to 40 and no prior history of weight loss or esophageal surgeries. Finally, good overall physical health.