Obesity rates have skyrocketed in the United States, and historically, the only help available for effective treatment was bariatric surgery. This is not a viable option for many individuals, and the process of qualifying for surgery is long and often difficult.
Thankfully, today, individuals with obesity have less invasive options for medical intervention to help them lose weight. One of these options is an intragastric balloon, which is a medical device that is temporarily placed in the stomach to promote weight loss.
Today, we are going to talk about gastric balloons, how they work, their benefits, and how much more affordable the gastric balloon cost is compared to surgical options.
What Is The Purpose Of A Gastric Balloon?
An intragastric balloon is a medical device that resembles a sphere-shaped balloon and is used as a safe and effective treatment for obesity.
It is placed in an individual’s stomach during an endoscopic procedure and filled with liquid saline solution to occupy a large portion of the available stomach capacity. It remains in the patient’s stomach for a period of between six and nine months (depending on which balloon system is being used) and is then removed.
The individual follows a doctor-supervised program for an entire year where they will learn effective weight loss strategies, and receive nutritional counseling, and other types of comprehensive support.
What Is Involved In The Gastric Balloon Procedure?
First, you will have a thorough consultation with your doctor, where you will go over your current state of health, medical history, and weight loss goals. The doctor will explain the procedure from start to finish and make sure it is the right fit for you.
Then, before the balloon is placed, you will have some basic medical tests to ensure there will not be any issues during the balloon placement. Once you set up the date for your balloon placement, the doctor will give you instructions to follow beforehand to prepare for the procedure. This usually involves a special diet for a few days in advance and then nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before your balloon placement.
5 Basic Steps Of A Gastric Balloon Placement
- You will be mildly sedated to help you relax during the 20 to 30 minutes it takes to place the balloon;
- The doctor will then use an endoscope, which is a thin, flexible tube with a camera, to guide the deflated balloon into your stomach through your mouth and throat;
- Once the balloon is in place, it is filled with a sterile saline solution. The inflated balloon takes up space in your stomach, helping you feel full more quickly and eat less;
- The endoscope is removed, and you are taken to a special recovery area for observation while you are waking up from the sedation;
- After a few hours, you will be discharged to go home and recover. It is normal to feel some discomfort, nausea, or cramping initially as your body adjusts to the balloon, but these symptoms typically subside within a few days.
Over the next six to nine months, while the balloon is in your stomach, you will work closely with your medical weight loss team, which normally consists of your doctor, dietitians, counselors, etc. They will help you by providing guidance on healthy eating habits, exercise, and lifestyle changes that help you reach and maintain a healthy weight.
After six or nine months have passed, the balloon will be taken out using a procedure similar to how it was put in. You will be sedated, and the balloon will be deflated and then gently removed through your mouth with an endoscope.
After the balloon is removed, you will continue to follow your program and work with your support team for the remainder of the 12-month program. This will help you maintain your weight loss and strengthen the healthy behaviors you have developed since the balloon was placed.
How Does The Balloon Help You Lose Weight?
The gastric balloon takes up much of the stomach’s capacity, which helps patients regulate their food portions. Since there is little room left in the stomach, they can only eat very small amounts of food during one meal.
The balloon also helps them feel perpetually full, so they don’t get hungry as often, which keeps them from eating between meals. Patients also learn how to listen to their bodies, understand when they are hungry, and make the best food choices.
The balloon is a temporary tool that will help them control their food intake while they learn how to modify their behavior and make healthier lifestyle choices that promote sustainable weight loss.
How Much Does A Gastric Balloon Cost?
Currently, in the United States, there are two gastric balloon systems available that have been approved by the FDA: the Orbera and Spatz3 balloons. Each has its own unique traits, but they both work by restricting the patient’s food portions.
Gastric balloon costs can vary for many reasons, which may include the geographic location of the weight-loss center, the doctor, the balloon system used, and other patient-specific considerations.
When you are comparing gastric balloon costs, it is important that you are comparing them accurately. Ensure that you understand what the price quoted includes because some doctors publish the base cost and then have other fees listed separately, but they are necessary to the procedure and not optional. The cost should include the balloon device, the insertion and removal, sedation, the 12-month program, possibly ongoing support, or more. Some doctors offer “all-inclusive” pricing, which can make it easier and more straightforward.
How Does The Gastric Balloon Cost Compare With The Cost Of Bariatric Surgery?
Intragastric balloons have many advantages over bariatric surgery, including:
- The self-pay gastric balloon cost is significantly less than surgical alternatives;
- Gastric balloon procedures are safe and offer lower risks than surgery;
- The recovery is much quicker;
- Gastric balloons are temporary, and there are no permanent alterations made to your stomach or digestive system.
Take a look at this chart of gastric balloon costs and how they compare to the cost of surgery.
| Weight Loss Method | Av. Cost |
|---|---|
| Orbera Gastric Balloon | $8,150 |
| Spatz3 Balloon | $8,150 |
| Gastric Lap Band Surgery | $15,200 |
| Gastric Sleeve Surgery | $19,300 |
| Gastric Bypass Surgery | $24,300 |
| Duodenal Switch Surgery | $27,324 |
Do Medical Insurance Carriers Cover Gastric Balloon Costs?
Currently, insurance carriers do not cover gastric balloon costs; however, a gastric balloon is one of the lowest-cost self-pay non-surgical weight loss options available today.
Most weight loss centers offer financing options that help patients obtain affordable monthly payments. Also, you may be able to use an FSA or HSA flexible healthcare spending account to offset some of the cost.
What Is The Gastric Balloon Cost At Reveal Weight Loss?
At Reveal Weight Loss, we are pleased to offer our patients competitive and transparent pricing for gastric balloon procedures. We offer both the Orbera and Spatz3 balloons to ensure the best fit for each patient’s needs and circumstances.
Our gastric balloon costs fall below those of many other weight loss centers, and we often run specials, so be sure to check out our pricing page when booking your consultation.
Ready To Lose Weight And Become Healthier?
Contact Reveal Weight Loss and set up a consultation today to learn more about the benefits of a gastric balloon. Our knowledgeable professionals can help determine if a balloon is a good fit for you or if you might benefit from another non-surgical weight loss option.
We will work with you to craft a program that will best help you achieve sustainable weight loss. During your consultation, we can share detailed information about the services we can provide, including pricing, so you can make an informed decision. We would love to accompany you on your journey to improved health.
