Gastric vs Bariatric Balloon: Are They The Same?

Those with a lower BMI (body mass index) may consider a bariatric balloon as an alternative to bariatric surgery. During the course of six months, most patients lose between 10 and 20 percent of their body weight or between 20 and 50 pounds.

Bariatric balloons are also called intragastric balloons, weight loss balloons, gastric balloons, or by the brand name of the device that is used for your procedure. At Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center, we use the Orbera device with our patients because it has been proven to be an effective and safe method of weight loss.

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The Balloon Is Not a Surgical Procedure

A bariatric balloon is a non-surgical weight loss option that can be performed in as little as twenty minutes. Sometimes individuals refer to the procedure as "bariatric balloon surgery", but this is misleading because there is no surgery involved.

The balloon is installed in the patient's stomach through an endoscopic procedure. In short, it is placed down a patient’s throat and into their stomach using a special medical device. It is not painful and is done as an outpatient procedure, so there is no need to spend time in the hospital.

How Does The Bariatric Balloon Get Into The Stomach?

The bariatric balloon is a latex-free, soft balloon-like device that is used to help people lose weight without surgery. During this procedure, a skilled gastroenterologist introduces an endoscope (a thin, hollow tube) into your mouth and lowers the deflated balloon through it.

Infographic: Orbera gastric balloon

The balloon, once placed in the stomach, is inflated with fluid, expanding to a size comparable to that of a grapefruit. You'll feel full sooner due to the balloon occupying space in your stomach. The device's presence in your stomach slows the rate at which food is emptied and stimulates the production of hormones that leave you feeling full long after you've stopped eating.

Bariatric Balloon vs Surgery

If you're looking for an alternative to standard bariatric surgery, this one offers far less pain, fewer risks and complications, and a faster recovery time.

There are several advantages of using a balloon bariatric procedure vs undergoing surgery, including:

  • The bariatric gastric balloon is only temporary;
  • This procedure is not surgery, so there are no incisions or hospital stays involved;
  • The recovery time is usually only a week;
  • The comprehensive program that accompanies the Orbera bariatric balloon procedure helps form healthy habits for life;
  • Patients can experience significant weight loss;
  • Patients can experience improvements or remission concerning underlying health conditions such as diabetes type II, high blood pressure, etc.

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Bariatric Balloon Reviews

Like any weight loss tool or bariatric surgery, the patient's effort is required to achieve successful and sustainable weight loss. The tool is not going to do all the work, but it will make their efforts count for more. Here is what a few patients have said about their experience with the bariatric balloon procedure.

"I have never been able to run. If Freddy Kruger was chasing me, I would be the one he got." I am fascinated that now that I am 50 pounds lighter, I know I can do this. "It took perseverance, but I am proud of myself for accomplishing this weight loss, and now I know I can do other challenging things too. Amanda is down 51 pounds.

"I tried everything I knew about to lose weight. I tried every diet; I tried pills; I tried different alternative therapies; you name it, I tried it. I know a lot of us have tried everything we know to do, but then I found the Orbera balloon. I had never heard of a bariatric gastric balloon before then. The more I researched, the more I knew this was going to work for me. Lindsay, down 54 pounds.

At Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center in New York City, we have accompanied and supported many patients on their bariatric balloon weight loss journey and celebrated many victories when they reached their goals. We invite you to browse our YouTube gallery, where you can find these and more bariatric balloon success stories!

Down 58 Pounds With Bariatric Balloon

Incredible 112-Pound Weight Loss Results

Amazing Results! Bye-Bye 53 Pounds!

How Much Does A Bariatric Balloon Cost?

According to the ObesityCoverage.com website, the national average cost of a bariatric balloon procedure ranges from $6,000 to $9,000. This price may not be inclusive, so it is important to ask questions to find out what your total financial responsibility will be for your procedure.

The cost of your bariatric balloon can vary by geographic location, the specialist who will be placing the balloon, and the accompanying comprehensive weight loss program. The exact price of your procedure will be discussed in detail at your consultation, and we will be happy to address any concerns you may have and answer your questions.

Where Can I Find a Bariatric Balloon Doctor?

If you are looking for a highly-skilled, board-certified gastroenterologist who has performed thousands of endoscopic procedures, you are in the right place!

Dr. Steven Batash is an expert in the field of endoscopy and has performed countless procedures during his career, which has spanned more than 30 years, helping patients become healthier through non-surgical weight loss.

Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center offers two locations to help serve patients in need. Physical locations in New York City and Miami are available to local patients, but we also serve many out-of-state patients as well. You can easily book an appointment online for the location closest to you. We would love to share more details with you about the Orbera balloon and how it can help you meet your weight loss goals.

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We make it work!

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