Gastric Balloon Surgery | Ohio, Kentucky, & Indiana

What Is a Gastric Balloon?

While sometimes called gastric balloon surgery, a gastric balloon is actually a non-surgical weight loss option designed for individuals seeking an alternative to traditional bariatric surgeries. It is a temporary weight loss device that is placed in the stomach to occupy space, promoting a feeling of fullness with less food intake and thereby assisting with weight reduction.

This minimally invasive procedure is known by several names, including the intragastric balloon, stomach balloon, or weight loss balloon. No matter how you refer to it, a gastric balloon offers patients the opportunity to kick-start their weight loss journey with significant initial results.

How a Gastric Balloon  Works

The gastric balloon is a revolutionary tool for non-surgical weight management. Approved by the FDA for patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30-40, it is neither a diet, a pharmaceutical, nor a surgical procedure. It’s a unique approach that fits well into the lifestyle of those seeking a less invasive yet effective solution for weight control.

A gastric balloon functions by occupying space in the stomach. This limits the amount of food one can eat and creates an early sense of fullness during meals. Additionally, by residing in the stomach, it continuously stimulates the stomach walls, which helps reduce feelings of hunger.

Gastric Balloon Procedure Details and Duration

Many people are looking for solutions to their weight issues that do not involve surgery. Gastric balloons have been in use word-wide for many years, and have an excellent safety profile. Additionally, the procedure does not involve any incisions. Learn how it works below.

Step 1: Consultation and Eligibility

• Determine if the gastric balloon is appropriate based on BMI (30-40) and overall health.

Step 2: Pre-Procedure Preparation

• Undergo a brief pre-procedure assessment to ensure readiness for the balloon placement.

Step 3: Balloon Placement

• A deflated balloon is inserted endoscopically through the mouth and into the stomach.

Step 4: Balloon Inflation

• Once in place, the balloon is filled with a saline solution to the correct size to ensure it occupies the right amount of space in the stomach.

Step 5: Monitoring and Adjustment

• After the procedure, patients are monitored for a short period to ensure stability and comfort.

Step 6: Follow-Up Program

• Patients participate in a 6-month follow-up program involving dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes supported by medical professionals.

Step 7: Balloon Removal

• The gastric balloon is removed in a similar non-surgical, endoscopic procedure after 6- 8 months.

Step 8: Post-Removal Support

• Post-removal,  the JourneyLite team will work with you, creating a plan to maintain the weight loss and encourage healthy habits.

Benefits

The gastric balloon is an innovative approach to weight loss, and with FDA approval for the Spatz 3 and Orbera systems, it has become an even more attractive option for those with a BMI of 30-40. Here’s how these systems stand out:

• • Non-Surgical and Minimally Invasive: The balloon is placed via an endoscopic procedure under sedation—no surgery, no incisions, and it involves a faster and easier recovery.
  • Customizable Weight Loss with Spatz: Spatz 3 is the only adjustable gastric balloon on the market, allowing for personalized treatment. If a patient experiences intolerance, the volume can be adjusted to alleviate discomfort without removing the balloon. Alternatively, fluid can be added to the balloon to increase its size and improve weight loss.
  • Effective weight Loss: Gastric Balloons have been shown to help patients lose an average of 25-50 lbs, with a 40% excess body weight loss. Patients using Orbera lost over three times more weight compared to those with diet and exercise alone.
  • Support for Lasting Change: At JourneyLite, this procedure comes with a comprehensive follow-up program to support the patient’s journey, fostering sustainable lifestyle changes for long-term weight management.
  • Proven Safety Record: Gastric balloons have been used worldwide for many years with an excellent safety profile.>
  • Health Benefits Beyond Weight Loss: Weight loss with gastric balloons is associated with improvements in obesity-related health issues, such as diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, and high cholesterol.

Risks

As with any medical intervention, the gastric balloon procedure comes with potential risks and side effects. While the gastric balloon has a strong safety profile, it’s important to consider the following:

• Nutritional Deficiency: Since the gastric balloon limits food intake, there’s a potential risk of not getting enough nutrients from the reduced food portions. At JourneyLite, experienced dietitians are available to work closely with patients, ensuring they receive a well-balanced diet tailored to their new dietary needs.
• Tolerance Issues: Some individuals may experience discomfort or intolerance to the balloon’s presence, leading to nausea or vomiting. The Spatz balloon’s adjustable nature allows for modifications in size to improve tolerance.
• Perforation: Any time an instrument or device is passed down the esophagus, there is a very small risk of perforation of either the esophagus or stomach. Although we have not experienced this complication at JourneyLite, there have been some reports of it occurring.
• Weight Regain: As with any weight loss treatment, there is a risk of regaining weight after the balloon is removed, particularly if long-term lifestyle changes are not maintained.

Types of Gastric Balloons

Orbera 

What it is: The Orbera Intra-Gastric Balloon is an intra-gastric balloon that helps with portion size, fullness, and hunger. It’s a soft, flexible, expandable device that is placed non-surgically with an endoscopy under sedation. An intensive follow-up program for the next six months will help patients lose, on average, 25-50 lbs.

Duration: Six months into the program, the Orbera intragastric balloon is removed, again, with a non-surgical procedure. Medical weight loss options are available after removal to ensure the development of necessary behaviors to keep the weight off.

Results:The US Orbera clinical trial showed 40% excess body weight loss, and Orbera patients lost 3.1x more weight than patients in the medical weight loss arm of the trial. After the procedure, your hunger will also be reduced because your stomach feels like it has food in it when it is actually empty, except for the gastric balloon.

Spatz

What it is: The Spatz 3 adjustable gastric balloon, approved by the FDA in 2021, is designed for individuals with a BMI of 35-40 or a BMI of 30-35 with an obesity-related medical issue. Distinguished by its adjustability, Spatz 3 offers a flexible approach to non-surgical weight loss.

Duration: Unlike traditional balloons with a 6-month limit, the Spatz balloon can remain in place for up to 8 months, providing an extended period for more significant weight management and lifestyle changes.

Results: In FDA trials, the Spatz adjustable balloon demonstrated superior weight loss and higher success rates than any other gastric balloon, whether saline or gas-filled.

Expected Weight Loss After Gastric Balloon

Gastric balloon results vary based on factors including lifestyle changes, diet, and initial body weight, but patients typically experience significant weight loss.

• Average Weight Loss: Patients can lose anywhere from 12% to 40% of their excess body weight within six months of having the balloon placed.

• Long-Term Success: The success of the gastric balloon also depends on the commitment to a healthier lifestyle. Comprehensive support including dietary guidance, physical activity recommendations, and behavior modification strategies are crucial and provided as part of the program. This holistic approach helps sustain weight loss beyond the initial period after the balloon is removed.

Patients considering the gastric balloon should be committed to lifestyle changes that will support their long-term weight management goals.

Gastric Balloon Surgery Pricing

Investing in a gastric balloon procedure at JourneyLite is an investment in your future health, happiness, and well-being. We are dedicated to making these life-changing procedures as accessible as possible.

The gastric balloon procedure at JourneyLite costs $6,500. We offer self pay options and a range of financing plans you can explore here.

Why Choose JourneyLite?

Selecting the best facility for your gastric balloon procedure is essential for achieving your weight loss goals. Here’s why patients choose JourneyLite:

Highly Experienced Surgeons: Our team is renowned for their expertise in the gastric balloon procedure, having successfully helped thousands of patients on their journey to weight loss.

Accredited Excellence: We are proud to be an MBSAQIP-Accredited Bariatric Surgery Outpatient Center of Excellence, as designated by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. This accreditation recognizes our commitment to providing the highest standards of care in weight loss procedures.

Conveniently Located: JourneyLite serves patients across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, with accessible locations in Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Indianapolis, and Northern Kentucky. Our centers are strategically placed to ensure comprehensive and compassionate weight loss care is never far away.

Book Your Gastric Balloon Consultation

Don’t wait to transform your life. Schedule your gastric balloon consultation with JourneyLite today and discover how we can help you take control of your health and well-being.