Gastric balloon procedure
Operations | Anaesthetic | Procedure Time | Hospital Stay | Stay In Tunisia | Back To Work | All Inclusive Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intra-gastric ballon surgery | General | 0:30-1:30 hour(s) | 2 night(s) | 4 night(s) | 7-10 day(s) | £ 2900 |
Obesity leads to metabolic, cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory and rheumatic complications. Bariatric surgical techniques have been shown to be effective and are indicated for patients with a BMI of 40 or 35 with co-morbidities. The gastric balloon is a means of temporary weight loss. Various polyurethane balloons were used in the 1980s. Their effectiveness was not demonstrated and the occurrence of severe and frequent complications led to their withdrawal from the market. In 1987, a quality standard for intra-gastric balloons was defined. In fact, they must be smooth, radio-opaque, resistant, and easy to apply and deposit, and have a proven effectiveness on weight loss. The gastric balloon creates a temporary reduction of gastric volume that leads to a quicker feeling of satiety.
This technique is recommended for people who are not able to lose weight, despite nutritional assistance. This procedure is indicated for people who are overweight (BMI> 27) or obese (BMI 30-35) and have undergone their first ineffective diet. There are different types of gastric balloons; They can be filled either with a sterile saline solution containing methylene blue which will stain the urine in case of leakage, or by air, or by a mixture of saline solution and air. The intra-gastric balloon of 3 or 6 months may be recommended for patients with a BMI <35 while adjustable balloons may be reserved for patients with a higher BMI.
The ideal candidates for this technique are patients who have already followed a medical diet , but they have gained weight, or people who are not able to continue their diet for more than 2 or 3 months. Besides, this procedure is recommended for people with good health profile wishing to lose weight. However, it is not advised for people who suffer from severe liver disease, severe cognitive or mental disorders, etc. Also, pregnant women who are breastfeeding are not qualified for this type of procedure. On the other hand, this technique should not be considered as an easy way to lose weight, or a miracle intervention. As with other approaches, patients should commit themselves to change their diets and to practice a suitable physical activity.
- Discover other Weight loss interventions:
- Gastric banding surgery
- Gastric bypass
- Sleeve gastric surgery
Gastric Balloon price
The price of a Gastric Balloon in Tunisia coupled with a week of recovery or vacation in a 5 stars hotel is at least % cheaper than the sole procedure in Europe and for the same medical quality.
| Operations | Our price | UK price | Making you save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intra-gastric ballon surgery cost | £ 2800 | £ 4667 | 40 % |
How is intra gastric balloon performed?
There are two different methods to place a gastric balloon but both are preceded by a high endoscopy to check the absence of pre-existing pathology that may contraindicate the setting up of the device. The first technique is performed under local anesthesia. The surgeon inserts the gastric balloon through the mouth then the esophagus, and it will eventually become swollen in the stomach. It is then filled with saline solution with methylene blue prior to the insertion, by this same catheter an average of 550ml. As a result, it will detect a leak in case of urine staining. The inflated ball will occupy a substantial place in the stomach and the patient will feel full and thus eat less. The device is removed after 10 months.
The second method is carried out without anesthesia. An intra-gastric balloon pill is swallowed and then it will be inflated in the stomach using a sterile saline catheter and saline fluid. It is ingested under radiographic control. The process does not exceed 30 minutes. For instance, the Ellipse Balloon, wrapped with polyurethane, is a temporary weight loss aid for adults over the age of 18 who are obese or overweight. The Ellipse balloon fills the patient's stomach who feels satiated and eats less. Four months later, it will be expelled naturally without any procedures of withdrawals.
The gastric balloon technique does not require surgery. In fact, there is no pain and no scarring since there are no incisions.
Post-operative effects and recovery after gastric balloon surgery
The intra balloon surgery is often performed on an outpatient basis, but hospitalization may be necessary in case of poor tolerance. The patient is controlled for a few hours before leaving the clinic. The postoperative instructions mainly concern the eating habits; first week a liquid diet, second week a mixed diet, third week a tender diet, and for the fourth week, the patient can resume a normal diet.
Gastric balloon Resulats
The intra-gastric balloon technique induces non-univocal variations of some peptides involved in the regulation of appetite such as ghrelin, leptin and adiponectin and a decrease in the secretion of cholecystokinin and peptide P. It also induces an increase in the volume of the proximal stomach, increases gastric compliance, and it reduces gastric emptying. Indeed, the balloon induces changes in the regulation of eating behaviour The gastric balloon causes short-term significant weight loss in a majority of patients. The weight loss induced by the balloon seems to reinforce the motivation of the patients who must keep up with a multidisciplinary follow-up aiming at the modification of alimentary and behavioural habits.
Advices before and after gastric balloon surgery
Before the intra-gastric balloon, the surgeon will examine the patient’s health condition, weight, medical analysis, etc in order to establish the most appropriate method that fits their need and expectations. The most important instructions to follow are after performing the gastric balloon surgery. The patient should eat very slowly and allow 30 to 45 minutes for a meal. They have to put small amounts on the plate and cut them in small pieces. The patient must take small bites, about a teaspoon, and chew them slowly. Once the bite is swallowed, it is advised to wait 20 seconds to prevent vomiting. In addition, soft drinks (water, sodas ...) and effervescent drugs are formally prohibited.