A gastric balloon, or intragastric balloon, is an inflatable medical device made of silicone placed in the stomach to achieve effective weight loss. It’s a form of non-surgical management of obesity. It has the advantage of being less invasive, temporary, reversible, cheaper, and is an outpatient procedure.
Gastric balloon systems use an inflatable balloon, usually saline or air, to restrict the stomach’s capacity, making the patient feel fuller and faster. The duration for most gastric balloons is typically 6 to 12 months. Learn more about the gastric balloon devices:
ReShape Duo Balloon: also known as “ReShape Integrated Dual Balloon System”. The device is made of 2 balloons connected by a silicone shaft. The ReShape Duo Balloon System is an FDA-approved weight loss treatment, which is different by placing two interconnected balloons in the stomach endoscopically.
Obalon Intragastric Balloon: This balloon is also swallowed and inflated with about 250 mL of air. Up to three oblong balloons can be placed in the stomach. It is the first and only swallowable balloon device approved by the FDA. However, at the end of 6 months, the balloons are deflated and removed by endoscopy.
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Elipse Gastric Balloon: Though not FDA-approved, this balloon does not require endoscopy for placement. The balloon is swallowed like a tablet under fluoroscopy guidance and subsequently inflated with saline water via the tube that is attached to it. The balloon removal also does not need an endoscopy; the balloon spontaneously deflates after about 4 months and is subsequently excreted.
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Spatz Gastric Balloon: Though yet to be approved by the FDA, it’s available in many countries, including Mexico. The Spatz Adjustable Balloon System is available for commercial use in over 32 countries. It is the only intragastric balloon device used for up to 12 months.
Orbera Intragastric Balloon: It is the most frequently used and most studied intragastric balloon and was previously known as BioEnteric Intragastric Balloon (BIB). Orbera is an FDA-approved obesity treatment device that uses one balloon placed endoscopically to induce weight loss.
Heliosphere Bag: The Heliosphere Bag is inserted by endoscopy but inflated with air.
Compare the differences between gastric sleeve vs. gastric balloon. Renew Bariatrics recommends the gastric sleeve in Tijuana for long-term weight loss compared to the gastric balloon.
For obese patients not fit for bariatric (weight-reducing) surgery or those who want a non-invasive procedure, endoscopic intragastric balloon placement has been an option. This process is safe, reversible, and has fewer side effects and complications. Many devices are available for intragastric balloon placement. One such device is the ReShape Duo balloon. ReShape Duo, also known as “ReShape Integrated Dual Balloon System,” is one of the intragastric medical devices available for the endoscopic treatment of obesity. It was approved by the FDA on July 28, 2015 (“ReShape Integrated Dual Balloon System – P140012,” 2015).
As the name implies, the device comprises two balloons connected by a silicone shaft. The balloon is filled and sealed separately. The advantage of the two-balloon system is that if one ruptures, the other keeps it in place and prevents it from migrating down the bowel, causing an obstruction. The indications and contraindications for the ReShape Duo balloon apply to gastric balloons in general.
It is inserted into the stomach endoscopically under mild sedation. Once in place, the two balloons are inflated with about 900 mL of saline (salt water) mixed with methylene blue dye. The 900 mL of normal saline is equally distributed between the two balloons. The purpose of the methylene blue is to color the urine blue or green in case any balloon ruptures.
The way this device works is similar to that of other intragastric balloon devices. It occupies space in the stomach, leaving only a small space for food. This induces a feeling of fullness, leading to a decrease in food consumption and helping achieve weight loss goals. Another suggested method is by delaying gastric emptying.
After a 6-month stay, the endoscopy removes the balloon by aspirating the fluid.
Intragastric devices do not work independently. There is a need to strictly follow the dietary plan as prescribed by your doctor/nutritionist and to engage in appropriate physical activities if optimal weight reduction is to be achieved.
Some degree of discomfort may be experienced following the placement of the balloon, and some patients may experience nausea and vomiting within the first week of placement. Drinking excessive fluids can also worsen these symptoms.
Following the procedure, you will follow a liquid diet and exercise routine for a few days, gradually transitioning from liquids to semi-solid and solid foods.
On average, patients can expect to lose about 16.6kg following the placement of the ReShape Duo Double Balloon System, which equates to a 31.8% reduction in excess weight loss (EWL) at the 6-month mark after implantation. Additionally, 64% of the reduced body weight was maintained 12 months after the implantation (6 months after removal) (Kim et al., 2016).
The ReShape Integrated Dual Balloon System is a safe and effective endoscopic treatment for obesity, leading to considerable weight loss with minimal side effects.
The endoscopic management of obesity is fast growing, with numerous intra-gastric balloon devices being developed. This modality of obesity management has been an option for obese patients who have failed to lose weight following a dietary and lifestyle adjustment and those who prefer a non-invasive procedure to bariatric surgeries.
Among the numerous intragastric balloons available for the endoscopic management of obesity, the Spatz Adjustable Balloon System has demonstrated effectiveness and minimal side effects.
Though yet to be approved by the FDA, the Spatz Adjustable Intragastric Balloon System is available for commercial use in over 32 countries, including Mexico. It is the only intragastric balloon device used for up to 12 months. It has the advantage of being adjustable, i.e., the saline quantity can be adjusted.
It is a silicone balloon inflated with saline (salt water). It includes a filling catheter, which is extractable endoscopically, that permits an intragastric balloon volume adjustment of 400-800 mL. The volume of the intragastric balloon may be modified to improve the patient’s tolerance and increase weight reduction (Kim et al., 2016).
In a 12-month pilot trial, 18 patients with a mean BMI of 37.3 Kg/m2 were implanted with the Spatz Adjustable Balloon System (ABS) for 12 months. The balloon volumes were adjusted for intolerance or plateau in weight loss measurement. Mean weight loss at six months post-implantation was 15.6 kg, with the percent of excess weight loss EWL of 26.4%. At 12 months post-implantation, the mean weight loss was 24.4 kg with a percentage EWL of 48.8% at 52 weeks (Machytka et al., 2011).
In another study conducted in the UK, the mean weight loss was 21.6 kg, while the percentage EWL was 45.7% (Brooks et al., 2014).
Endoscopic treatment of obesity has become an option for patients who are not eligible for bariatric surgery. One such treatment is an intragastric balloon. Once placed in the stomach, the balloon is inflated, occupying about 80% of the stomach capacity, leaving only 20% for food. This leads to early satiety, reduced food intake, and subsequent weight loss. Another suggested method is to slow down the process of gastric emptying.
There are many types of gastric balloons. One of them is an Orbera balloon. It is the most frequently used intragastric balloon and was previously known as the BioEnteric Intragastric Balloon (BIB) (Kim et al., 2016). It is also the most studied intragastric balloon.
The FDA approved using the Orbera balloon on August 5, 2015. It is expected that the Orbera balloon could provide a valuable and less invasive therapeutic approach to bariatric treatment (Kim et al., 2016).
The indications and contraindications for the Orbera Gastric Balloon are similar to those for gastric balloons in general. Orbera balloons are made of silicone material. After placement, it is inflated with 450-700 mL of normal saline (salt water) mixed with methylene blue. If an unexpected balloon ruptures, the methylene blue turns the urine blue or green (Kim et al., 2016).
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The balloon is inserted endoscopically under conscious sedation and removed after 6 months by the same endoscopic procedure.
Following the balloon placement, there may be some discomfort, and some patients may experience nausea and vomiting within the first week of placement. These can, however, be managed with appropriate medications.
Your doctor may place you on a liquid diet for a few days following Orbera balloon placement, gradually transitioning from liquid to semi-solid to solid foods. It is also important to adhere strictly to the dietary and lifestyle modification plans as prescribed by your doctor/nutritionist to ensure optimal weight loss.
In a study conducted by De Castro et al. on patients with Orbera balloon placement, the mean weight loss at 6 months was 14.1 kg, with a mean reduction in BMI of 5.5 Kg/m2 and an average percentage excess weight loss (EWL) of 30.2% (De Castro et al., 2010).
In another study by Giardiello et al., the mean percentage EWL was 20% (Giardiello et al., 2012). Individual differences may influence these variations in percentage excess weight loss in adherence to dietary modifications post-surgery.
Regarding the improvement of comorbid conditions, Crea Pata et al. conducted a study on 143 patients who underwent intragastric balloon placement (Orbera). The incidence of metabolic syndrome decreased from 34.8% to 14.5% at 6 months after the balloon was inserted and to 11.6% at 12 months after removal (Crea Pata et al., 2009).
In the same study, the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) reduced from 32.6% to 20.9%, hypertriglyceridemia reduced from 37.7% to 14.5%, hypercholesterolemia reduced from 33.4% to 16.7%, and hypertension incidence decreased from 44.9% to 30.4%, all at 6 months post insertion of the balloon. HbA1c blood concentration (a measure of blood glucose control) shifted from an average per procedure value of 7.5% to 5.7%, 5.6%, and 5.5% at 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months post-insertion (Crea Pata et al., 2009).
Orbera Gastric Balloon, formally known as the BioEnteric Balloon, is an efficient and safe endoscopic treatment of obesity with a significant weight reduction and minimal side effects. It also has the advantage of causing improvement/resolution of comorbid conditions associated with obesity.
Intragastric balloon devices are commonly used in various countries as an alternative or preliminary approach to weight loss programs for managing obesity. These devices offer several benefits, such as cost-effectiveness, accessibility, reversibility, and non-invasiveness, compared to bariatric surgeries. They are effective in promoting weight loss and addressing associated health conditions.
While bariatric surgery remains the most effective method for managing morbid obesity and for obese patients who have not responded to dietary and lifestyle changes, the utilization of intragastric balloons has offered relief for individuals who are not suitable candidates for surgery or prefer non-surgical options.
Currently, Renew Bariatrics only provides the Orbera or Spatz in Mexico. Get a free consultation about weight-loss surgery in Mexico.
In a pivotal study conducted in the US, where 185 patients underwent a combination of lifestyle modifications in addition to the Obalon, three balloons were inserted at contact, 3 weeks, and 9 or 12 weeks, respectively. The average percentage of total body weight loss (TBWL) at 6 months was 6.9%. The weight loss balloon seems well tolerated, with fewer accommodative symptoms than those observed with other fluid-filled balloons (Bazerbachi et al., 2017).
In a study conducted among obese pediatric patients, the average percentage of excess weight loss EWL after 18 weeks post balloon ingestion was 20.1% (De Peppo et al., 2017).
According to Kim et al., indications for gastric balloon are as follows:
Gastric sleeve surgery in Mexico is the leading choice for those seeking to travel for their medical care. Gastric sleeve surgery provides the high expected weight loss and low risks.
Gastric sleeve surgery is similar to gastric balloon, but is more invasive. Both utilize the same method of action to induce weight loss.
Gastric bypass surgery in Tijuana, Mexico is a leading option for those seeking a more invasive and powerful bariatric option. Gastric bypass surgery comes in various options Renew Bariatrics we provide: RNY Gastric Bypass Surgery and Mini Gastric Bypass Surgery.
Gastric balloon procedure is available at our hospital facilities in Tijuana. Weight loss surgery in Tijuana is a great option for those seeking a brief visit from San Diego in top tier medical facilities.
Gastric balloon procedure is available at our hospital facilities in Cancun, Mexico. Weight loss surgery in Cancun is a great option for those traveling from nearby, including gulf states like Flordia or Texas.
At Renew Bariatrics, we emphasize the principle of early satiety with the gastric balloon Tijuana providers offer, ensuring patients achieve their weight reduction goals. Renew Bariatrics has some of the best bariatric surgeons in Mexico who are dedicated to providing comprehensive care throughout their journey with the gastric balloon procedure.
Gastric balloon placement should be avoided in the following conditions.
Gastric balloon cost in Tijuana, Mexico will vary depending on the type of procedure and other factors.
To learn more about the cost of bariatric surgery please contact our knowledgable staff today. Learn about your bariatric surgery options with our surgeons.
In another study, the percentage of EWL after 1 year of insertion (6 months after removal) was found to be 14% to 50.9% (Kim et al., 2016). This wide variation in percentage EWL is due to the difference in the effectiveness of various types of gastric balloons.
The gastric balloon is one of the endoscopic weight loss treatments for obesity. It’s a safe and effective procedure that may serve as a bridge to bariatric surgery.
Ready to take the first step towards learning more about the gastric balloon? Contact us at Renew Bariatrics today and let us help you start your weight loss journey!
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