Obesity is real and it is really a threat to one’s life. There are so many weight loss programs in the market today but not one can really solve it permanently. One option to say goodbye of your excess fats is through Gastric Bypass Surgery. But is it really safe and effective? Another alternative is the Gastric Balloon, but how does it work? How does it make people lose weight?
Obese people who have a BMI (Body Mass Index) over 40 are qualified for gastric bypass surgery, and anything less than that means you are eligible for gastric balloon. It is really a simple process where a balloon made of silicone is inserted into the stomach orally. It allows short term weight loss over a period of about six months, and often is somewhat cheaper when compared to gastric bypass surgery price.
What is involved in Gastric Balloon surgery?
The procedure is performed by a specialist gastroenterologist along with a trained nursing staff. The silicone balloon is inserted into the stomach through the mouth. The physician inserts a gastroscope (endoscopic camera) into the stomach to see if there is no problem at all or any abnormalities then the physician go on with the insertion of the balloon through the mouth down to the stomach. Once it is inside the stomach then it is filled with a sterile saline solution through a small tube that is attached to the balloon. Once filled the physician gently removes the tube leaving the balloon inside the stomach
The procedure usually takes 20 minutes and after that a professional nursing staff will monitor you in the recovery area. It does not involve any surgery at all. You can go back to your room after a few hours in the recovery room.
This balloon is use for six months. It is not recommended to leave it in the stomach longer than six months. If you are advice to have it more than six months then your physician usually removes it and then puts a new one.
Side effects are mild, patients might feel nauseated, loss of appetite and vomiting within 24 to 48 hours after the insertion of the gastric balloon. Physicians usually prescribed a medicine to take care of it. The saggy skin that can sometimes result from rapid weight loss is often cared for by the use of gastric bypass plastic surgery, which is the same type of cosmetic procedures you would get as plastic surgery after gastric bypass.
Price of Gastric Balloon Surgery in United Sates and Abroad
Average price in the United States for Gastric Balloon is $31,809. It is less expensive that gastric bypass cost, but still quite expensive compared to other countries. In fact you get to save up to 92% if you have the procedure outside the United States. According to publicly available gastric bypass surgery statistics, the most popular countries whom people from United States seeks Gastric Balloon are India, Mexico, Poland, Philippines, Costa Rica, Brazil and Czech Republic. Poland has the lowest price which is $2,673 approximately 92% savings compared to the price if you have it in United States.
So whether you do it in your place or abroad, just make sure that you have done your research well and that you are in good hands. Beside money is nothing if we talk about health. Health always comes first before anything else so decide wisely.