Types of Gastric Balloons ( Intragastric, Endoscopic, Adjustable ) & How They Differ
Gastric balloons for weight loss are advanced and minimally invasive treatment options. The procedure involves placing temporary water (saline)-filled balloons inside the stomach so that they occupy space in the stomach. This results in reduced appetite and also makes you feel full even for small meals—promoting weight loss.
Gastric balloons are an ideal choice for people who are not eligible for surgery or don’t want to undergo surgery and are struggling to lose weight through diet and exercise alone.
Not only are they non-surgical, but compared to surgical weight loss procedures like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, gastric balloons are reversible or adjustable and cost-effective. However, they are ideal for people who are looking for a short- to medium-term weight loss solution. For a long and sustainable weight loss, bariatric surgery would be an ideal choice.
Types of gastric balloons & how they differ?
There are three different types of effective gastric balloons—Intragastric, Endoscopic, and Adjustable—each having the same goal of appetite control by occupying the stomach space. However, they differ in certain aspects.
Intragastric balloon (IGB)
Here in this invasive procedure a single balloon is inserted into the stomach. Under mild sedation a deflated balloon is sent into the stomach with the help of an endoscope. After reaching the desired position in the stomach, the balloon is inflated with saline water or gas.
As the balloon occupies space, stomach capacity is reduced, which makes you eat less and induces early satiety. Typically these balloons can stay in the stomach for 6 to 12 months. However, this minimally invasive procedure can be reversed at any time if there are any complications. Patients also need to follow specific eating habits and a regular exercise regimen.
Orbera, ReShape, and End-ball balloons are the most widely used IGBs. On average, the Intragastric Balloon (IGB) weight loss procedure helps to lose 10 to 15% of total body weight. The cost of an intragastric balloon in India can be anywhere from ₹2.5 lakhs to ₹4 lakhs depending on the place and hospital.
Endoscopic balloon
This is a procedure-focused approach in which priority is given to the endoscopic placement of the balloon. In this procedure a deflated balloon is inserted into the stomach through the mouth with the help of an endoscope. This procedure doesn’t require any cuts or external scars. The endoscopy allows real-time visualization to position the balloon precisely.
Patients can go home quickly within hours, and recovery is also so short that they can return to regular work within three to four weeks. People who are moderately obese (BMI 27 to 35) and are planning for short-term weight loss goals are ideal candidates for this procedure.
People who are not eligible for bariatric surgery or don’t want to undergo bariatric surgery can opt for this gastric balloon procedure. Often, this is suggested as a pre-bariatric procedure for patients who are planning to undergo bariatric surgery in order to reduce the risk of complications. Orbera balloons are the most widely used endoscopic balloons. The cost of an intragastric balloon in India can be anywhere from ₹2 lakhs to ₹4 lakhs depending on the place and hospital.
Adjustable gastric balloon
This is an advanced weight loss procedure, as it is designed to adjust the balloon after placing it in the stomach. This is the only treatment that offers flexibility, as the volume of the balloon can be adjusted depending on progress and comfort. The good part is that the volume can be increased or decreased without removing the balloon—allowing better endurance and adaptability.
The balloon is inserted with the help of an endoscopy, and a built-in port system is available to adjust the balloon. This balloon is allowed to stay inside the stomach for up to 12 months or more. Of all gastric balloon procedures, this adjustable procedure can be a long-term option.
Spatz3 is an adjustable gastric balloon and was approved by the FDA in 2021—it is the first and only kind that got approval. The cost of a Spatz3 balloon in India can be anywhere between ₹3 lakhs and ₹5 lakhs depending on the place and hospital.
Allurion Balloon
The Allurion Balloon, previously known as the Elipse Balloon, is a non-endoscopic procedure where the patient needs to swallow a capsule. The deflated balloon is enclosed in the capsule and is inflated with saline water after swallowing with an external catheter, making it unique and advanced. This balloon stays in the stomach for around 4 months, and after that, it dissolves and excretes on its own.
On average, people can lose around 10% to 20% of total body weight. There is no need for making any physical incisions or changes to the digestive system that are permanent. Additional benefits include improvement in blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol levels. The cost of an Allurion balloon in India can be anywhere from ₹3.5 lakhs to ₹5 lakhs depending on the place and hospital.
Are there any risks & side effects from balloons
Major risks or side effects are not observed with these procedures. However, here are some common manageable risks and side effects observed following the procedure.
- Temporarily, patients might experience nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
- Other complications include acid reflux or heartburn
- In rare cases, patients may experience deflation or migration of the balloon
Patients must be committed to dietary modifications, regular exercise, and lifestyle changes for long-term results.
There is no doubt that gastric balloons are a very effective and non-surgical-based weight loss option. However, it may not be a suitable solution for extremely obese people. Each type of gastric balloon has its own advantages, though the end goal is weight loss.
If you are overweight and looking for the best weight loss solution, consult Dr. Venugopal Pareek, the best weight loss specialist and expert bariatric surgeon in Hyderabad, to find out the best weight loss treatment that suits your health goals and medical condition.
