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Pros and cons · Renew Bariatrics
A gastric balloon is temporary and non-surgical. The gastric sleeve is permanent surgery that removes most of the stomach. Here’s how they compare on weight loss, risks, recovery and cost, so you can decide which fits your goals.
Renew offers both. Your doctor will recommend one after reviewing your health history.
Free, no-obligation review
A coordinator will contact you about your options and quote, with no commitment.
Prefer to talk? Call (844) 736-3963, available 24/7.
Prefer to talk? Call 24/7 (844) 736-3963
Quick pros and cons
The best choice depends on your BMI, how much weight you want to lose and whether you want a permanent change.
Placed through the mouth in less than 30 minutes, with no incisions.
43.5% of excess weight lost 10 years after surgery (SLEEVEPASS).
Removed after 6 to 12 months, so nothing is permanent.
About 80% of the stomach is removed for good.
Placement from $3,999 at Renew, plus $2,599 removal.
$4,899 at Renew, all-inclusive.
How they work
Both help you feel full sooner. The balloon takes up space in the stomach for 6 to 12 months and is then removed. The sleeve permanently removes most of the stomach.
Side by side
| Gastric balloonTemporary, non-surgical | Gastric sleevePermanent surgery | |
|---|---|---|
| How it’s done | Placed through the mouth by endoscopy, under sedation | Laparoscopic surgery through small incisions |
| Stomach removed | None | About 80% |
| Permanent? | No. Removed after 6 to 12 months | Yes |
| Your stay at Renew | 1 hotel night | 2 hospital nights, 1 hotel night |
| BMI range at Renew | 25.5 to 40 | 29.5 to 65 |
| Weight loss | 10% to 15% of body weight while the balloon is in | 43.5% of excess weight 10 years after surgery |
| Main risks | Nausea and vomiting at first. 17% to 19% are removed early | Surgical risks, and reflux. Esophagitis was found in 31% of patients at 10 years |
| Cost at Renew | From $3,999 placement, plus $2,599 removal | $4,899, all-inclusive |
Balloon data from the FDA summary of the Orbera trial and the FDA summary of the Spatz3 trial. Sleeve data from the SLEEVEPASS 10-year trial, JAMA Surgery, 2022. The trials measured weight loss differently, so compare the numbers with care.
Results
Complications
A balloon avoids surgery, but it has its own risks. Nausea and vomiting are common at first, and rare serious complications can occur. The sleeve carries surgical risks such as leaks and bleeding, and reflux is common afterward.
Which is right for you?
You have a BMI of 25.5 to 40 and want a temporary, non-surgical option.
You want a first step before surgery, or you don’t want surgery.
You’re ready to follow a diet program while the balloon is in and after it’s removed.
You have a BMI of 29.5 to 65.
You want a permanent change and more long-term weight loss.
You’re ready for surgery and lifelong vitamins and follow-up.
Another option is endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG), which is done through the mouth like a balloon but isn’t designed to be temporary.
Cost
At Renew, balloon placement starts at $3,999, and removal is $2,599 if you have it done with us. The gastric sleeve is $4,899, all-inclusive except airfare. HSA and FSA are accepted, with financing available.
Send your health history and our team will review your options. Virtual consultations are available.
5-star Google reviews. Want to talk with a past patient? Ask your coordinator.
“The nurses and coordinators are AWESOME, they really care about you here!! SWEETEST housekeeper also, she keeps everything so clean! Dr. Perez is the bomb!! Would highly recommend Renew!”
“Dr. Perez and the entire team at Renew Bariatrics! Everything was set up perfectly and went smooth from being picked up at the airport, hospital stay and care and back home. 100% recommend to anyone wanting weight loss surgery.”
“Dr. Perez is a phenomenal doctor! Him and the nursing staff made me feel at home. I wouldn’t want to get the surgery done anywhere else!”
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It depends on your BMI, health and goals. The sleeve leads to more long-term weight loss but is permanent surgery. The balloon is temporary and non-surgical. Your doctor will recommend one after reviewing your health history.
In the FDA trials, balloon patients lost about 10% to 15% of their body weight while the balloon was in. In the SLEEVEPASS trial, sleeve patients had lost 43.5% of their excess weight 10 years after surgery. The studies measured weight loss differently.
At Renew, balloon placement starts at $3,999, and removal is $2,599 if you have it done with us. The gastric sleeve is $4,899, all-inclusive.
Yes. Some patients use a balloon as a first step before surgery. Ask our team about timing.
A balloon avoids surgery, but it has its own risks. Nausea and vomiting are common at first, 17% to 19% of balloons were removed early in the FDA trials, and rare serious complications can occur.
The balloon is placed in less than 30 minutes, and you stay 1 hotel night. The sleeve includes 2 hospital nights. Most people feel better within a few days of a balloon, though nausea can last longer.
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Double board-certified surgeons with 9,000+ surgeries.
Prefer to talk? Call 24/7 (844) 736-3963
Free, no-obligation review
Form loading. Prefer to talk? Call (844) 736-3963, available 24/7.
No commitment. A coordinator will contact you.
