Intragastric Balloon | Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the balloon procedure cost?
Approximately $200/month
Will I gain the weight back after removing the balloon?
Studies show a much lower chance of recurrence after balloon removal than diet alone. Diet stimulates your body into thinking its starving. This then activates mechanisms to regain weight. Balloon fools your body into thinking its full, preventing those mechanisms from being activated.
How much weight would I lose?
The average weight loss is 40lbs. The highest recorded is 97lbs.
Are there any activity restrictions with the balloon in?
No. You can perform any activity as your normally would without the balloon.
How heavy do I have to be to qualify?
As long as you have a BMI over 27, then you qualify.
Will people close to me know I have the balloon?
No. There are no visible scars or marks because there is no surgery and its completely discrete. No one will know unless you tell them.
What is the recovery time?
Once your nausea subsides. Approximately 3 days and you can return to work.
Yes, but the nutrionists will be helping you modify your diet to help you lose weight and keep it off.
Do I have to talk to nutrionist every week?
Yes. Modifying your lifestyle is one of the most critical aspects of the balloon success. The balloon makes it easy for you to modify your lifestyle with the nutrionists. Those that follow the nutrionists significally do better than those without the support.
Can I do more than one balloon?
Yes, you can do serial balloons sequentially.
What if the balloon breaks?
The balloon is filled with a special blue dye. You will get blue urine which will mean the balloon is broken. This is a signal to come into the clinic to get the balloon replaced. If left untreated, the balloon will eventually go down the GI trac and be excreted in your stool. However 1% of balloons may get stuck, therefore requiring surgery. Hence any ruptured balloons be best removed as soon as possible and replaced.
