Is the balloon safe for weight loss?

The intragastric balloon aids weight loss by slowing the rate at which food enters the stomach and by stimulating gastric stretch receptors. But lifestyle changes, including behavior modification, exercise and a healthy diet, are crucial for maintaining weight loss once the device is removed.

Does insurance cover intragastric balloon?

In the United States, most insurance policies, including those from Medicare and most major insurance companies, specifically exclude the intragastric balloon from coverage because it is most often used for aesthetic weight loss purposes rather than to specifically treat a patient’s advancing co-morbidities related to …

How much weight can you lose with a gastric balloon?

A gastric bypass patient can lose over 100 pounds, and candidates for the gastric balloon will typically lose 20 – 40 pounds (or 10 – 20\% of their body weight) over the six months the balloon in place.

How is weight loss balloon removed?

How is the gastric balloon removed? Like the gastric balloon insertion, you will be given a mild sedative prior to removing the gastric balloon. Using endoscopic equipment, your gastroenterologist will extract the saline solution from the gastric balloon and then remove the deflated gastric balloon through your mouth.

Why is the gastric balloon not covered by insurance?

In the United States, most insurance policies, including those from Medicare and most major insurance companies, specifically exclude the intragastric balloon from coverage because it has not been around long enough.

Is a gastric balloon worth it?

Gastric balloons are an alternative to bariatric surgery for people with lower body mass indexes. Most patients lose between 20 and 50 pounds over six months (about 10 to 20\% of total body weight). Gastric balloons can be effective, they don’t require surgery, and they can be placed in a matter of minutes.

What are the side effects of gastric balloon?

Risks and potential side effects

• Low weight loss.
• Stomach discomfort.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Belly or back pain.
• Acid reflux.
• Digestion issues.
• Blockage of food entering the stomach.
• Infection.

Do you put weight back on after gastric balloon?

If you return to your old lifestyle after the balloon is removed you will regain weight.

What happens when gastric balloon is removed?

When the gastric balloon is removed, your stomach’s capacity will return to its previous size. Patients who do not commit to the lifestyle changes they made during the 6-month gastric balloon placement may regain lost weight.

What happens if the gastric balloon pops?

The balloon displaces stomach volume which produces a sense of early satiety when eating. Severe adverse complications include gastric perforation (more likely in those with previous upper GI surgeries), gastric obstruction, gastric ulcer, esophagitis, and esophageal perforation.