Endoscopic Intragastric Balloon

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Procedure Description

The Endoscopic Intragastric Balloon procedure is a non-surgical weight loss method where a saline-filled balloon is inserted into the stomach to occupy space and reduce the volume available for food intake. This balloon works as a temporary tool for patients aiming to achieve significant weight loss by promoting portion control and encouraging healthier eating habits. Unlike traditional surgical options for weight loss, the intragastric balloon does not require incisions, making it an attractive option for those seeking a minimally invasive approach.

The procedure involves the insertion of a deflated balloon through the mouth and into the stomach using an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a camera. Once in place, the balloon is filled with saline or gas, which inflates it to an appropriate size that takes up approximately one-third of the stomach’s volume. This limited capacity helps patients feel full after eating smaller portions, thereby reducing their overall food intake.

Typically, the balloon remains in the stomach for six months, after which it is removed in a similar endoscopic process. During the time the balloon is in place, patients are advised to follow a specific diet and exercise regimen to maximize the weight loss benefits. The balloon serves as a supportive tool that, when coupled with lifestyle changes, can result in substantial weight loss and improved health outcomes. The procedure is generally recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 to 40 who have struggled with weight loss through traditional methods and who seek an alternative to surgery.

Procedure Duration

The Endoscopic Intragastric Balloon procedure is relatively quick and typically completed within 20-30 minutes. Patients are usually placed under mild sedation, and an endoscope is used to guide the balloon into the stomach. This outpatient procedure means that patients are usually discharged the same day, following a brief recovery period in a monitoring area to ensure the sedation has worn off and there are no immediate complications.

Following the procedure, there is an initial adjustment period as the body acclimates to the presence of the balloon. Patients may experience nausea, vomiting, or cramping for the first few days, which is a normal response as the stomach adapts. Medications are often provided to alleviate these symptoms, and they generally subside within a week. Medical professionals advise patients to begin with a liquid diet immediately after the procedure, gradually transitioning to soft foods and then to regular meals as tolerated.

The balloon is designed to remain in place for a period of six months, after which it is removed through a similar endoscopic procedure. The removal process is also quick, with the balloon being deflated and extracted in about 20-30 minutes. Post-removal recovery is minimal, though patients are encouraged to maintain the healthy habits adopted during the treatment period to sustain their weight loss results.

Benefits

  • Non-Surgical Weight Loss: Achieves weight loss without incisions, reducing the risks associated with surgery.
  • Quick Recovery: Minimal downtime compared to surgical options, allowing for a faster return to daily activities.
  • Temporary Support: Ideal for those who need short-term assistance in kickstarting weight loss and adopting healthier habits.
  • Improved Health Outcomes: Helps in reducing comorbidities associated with obesity, such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
  • Support for Lifestyle Changes: Provides a supportive phase for patients to adjust to portion control and healthier food choices.

Potential Destinations

  • Mexico: Known for its reputable medical tourism industry, Mexico offers affordable, high-quality healthcare facilities with experienced specialists in weight loss procedures. Major cities like Tijuana and Cancun are popular for such treatments, combining medical expertise with proximity to the U.S.
  • Turkey: Istanbul and Ankara are home to advanced medical centers with experienced teams in bariatric and endoscopic procedures. Turkey is renowned for its healthcare quality and cost-effectiveness, making it an appealing destination for weight loss treatments.
  • United Arab Emirates (UAE): Dubai and Abu Dhabi boast state-of-the-art facilities and internationally trained physicians. With its luxury hospitality and emphasis on high-quality care, the UAE is a top destination for medical tourists seeking a comfortable and efficient healthcare experience.
  • Thailand: Bangkok and Phuket are highly regarded for their medical tourism infrastructure, particularly for elective and weight loss treatments. Thailand’s medical centers are well-equipped and offer competitive pricing, along with a welcoming environment for international patients.
  • Brazil: Brazil’s reputation in medical tourism is growing, with a strong emphasis on weight loss and cosmetic procedures. Facilities in cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro provide high-quality care at competitive prices, making it a choice for those seeking experienced professionals in endoscopic weight loss procedures.

Risks & Considerations

  • Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, particularly in the initial days following the procedure. These symptoms typically subside as the body adjusts.
  • Balloon Deflation: Although rare, the balloon can deflate prematurely. If this occurs, there is a risk of it passing into the intestines and causing an obstruction, which would require medical intervention.
  • Insufficient Weight Loss: While the procedure aids in weight loss, it does not guarantee success. Results largely depend on adherence to dietary and exercise recommendations.
  • Temporary Nature: The balloon is designed for short-term use, generally six months. Once removed, maintaining weight loss requires ongoing lifestyle changes.
  • Possible Acid Reflux: Some patients may experience acid reflux or discomfort, which can often be managed with medication but may persist throughout the duration of the balloon's presence in the stomach.

How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital

Selecting a qualified healthcare provider and facility for an Endoscopic Intragastric Balloon procedure is crucial to ensure safety and positive outcomes. Prospective patients should research the credentials and experience of doctors, prioritizing those with specialized training in bariatric and endoscopic procedures. Many reputable hospitals and clinics maintain certification with international healthcare standards, which can provide additional assurance of quality and safety.

In addition, reviews from other patients who have undergone similar procedures can offer valuable insights. It's also important to consider the hospital’s aftercare services, as post-procedure support plays a key role in achieving long-term weight loss success. For international patients, facilities with a dedicated medical tourism team can help coordinate care efficiently, from initial consultation through follow-up support.

To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote

Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?

The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.

What happens during egg retrieval?

When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment  where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.

What happens to the eggs?

In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle.  Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.

How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?

The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.

Embryoscope©

Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.

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