Gastric Balloon Surgery Cost in India

What is Gastric Balloon Surgery?

For those who are obese and searching for alternatives to diet pills, gastric balloon or intragastric surgery is a very successful and efficient weight loss technique. The minimally invasive intragastric balloon method is reversible and is one of the most favored procedures for weight loss in young people. Intragastric balloon surgery is considered one of the safest and most successful weight-loss procedures available. The procedure's 99.7% success rate attests to its efficacy and safety.

In gastric balloon procedure, the doctor will insert a space-occupying device into your stomach during the weight loss balloon surgery in order to decrease the capacity of your stomach. Because of the stomach's smaller size, people are less likely to overeat as they feel fuller sooner after a meal.

What are the Types of Gastric Balloons and Their Surgery Cost?

There are mainly two types of gastric balloons and they are,

• Endoscopic: The endoscopic gastric balloon is a saline-filled silicon balloon that is placed inside your stomach with the help of an endoscope to help you lose weight. This can cost around INR 150000 to INR 182000.
• Allurion: The Allurion Balloon is a weight-loss device that comes in pill form that you can consume and that a medical expert will convert into a gastric balloon in your stomach. It is the only gastric balloon that may be inserted and removed without the need for endoscopy or general anesthesia. Less than 20 minutes are needed for the entire process. This can cost around INR 150000 to INR 202000.

How to Get Prepared for Gastric Balloon Surgery?

Proper planning before surgery can help reduce your tension and make the whole procedure move smoothly. Here are some tips on how to be prepared for gastric balloon surgery,

• Your informed consent will be obtained once a healthcare professional has gone over the procedure's risks, advantages, and available options with you.
• Usually, they will put you on an acid-blocking drug to stop acid reflux both during and after the surgery.
• You will be placed on a clear liquid diet a few days before the treatment in order to help empty your stomach.
• You have to be fully empty of your stomach before the balloon is inserted. Consequently, before the treatment, you have to abstain from eating for at least six hours and limit your liquid intake to four hours.

What are Some Diagnostic Tests Recommended Before Gastric Balloon Surgery?

The most common diagnostic tests can be,

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test is done to count white and red blood cells. The cost of CBC can be anywhere between INR 400 to INR 550.
• Ultrasound of the gallbladder: to check for gallstones. This test can cost around INR 900 to INR 2000.
• Pulmonary function test (PFT): To assess lung function. This test can cost around INR 700 to INR 1000.
• Echocardiography: to assess cardiac health. This test can cost around INR 1500 to INR 2800.
• Gastrointestinal (GI) assessment: to gauge the health of the digestive system. This test can cost around INR 2000 to INR 4500.
• Chest X-ray: to determine general cardiovascular health. This test can cost around INR 500 to INR 1000.
• Mental health assessment: to determine suitability for surgery. This test can cost around INR 700 to INR 1200.
• Sleep studies: to screen for disorders connected to sleep, such as sleep apnea. This test can cost around INR 2000 to INR 3000.

What are The Benefits of Gastric Balloon Surgery?

Gastric balloon surgery has multiple benefits like

• It is not a complicated surgery, but a small, quick treatment.
• The balloon has an excellent lifespan and is flexible.
• It is an inexpensive operation in comparison to other major surgeries.
• This has comparatively fewer or nonexistent problems in contrast to the larger surgeries.
• Effective weight loss depends on eating the right foods and exercising regularly.
• The procedure just takes 30 minutes, and the recuperation time is much quicker.

What are Some Risks and Side Effects of Gastric Balloon Surgery?

Healthcare professionals frequently prescribe medication to avoid or control moderate gastrointestinal side effects, which are common. Typically, symptoms subside after a week or so, but occasionally they do not. Among them are:

• Persistent gastrointestinal problems that last longer than a week and are not treated with medicine affect less than 3% of the population.
• Hyperinflation occurs spontaneously in certain individuals. The balloon malfunctions and overfills itself at some point after the initial inflation during hyperinflation.
• Although most balloons that migrate into your intestines will pass through without incident, it is possible for a balloon to become lodged there and obstruct your digestive tract.
• Additionally, some persons develop esophageal ulcers as a result of trauma sustained during balloon insertion or removal.

Some of the other minor side effects are,

• Temporary abdominal pain.
• Indigestion.
• Temporary sore throat.
• Acid reflux.
• Nausea.
• Constipation.

What is the Recovery Timeline Look Like After Gastric Balloon Surgery?

After the gastric balloon surgery, you can leave the hospital the same day or spend the night under observation to monitor your body's response. Here’s a recovery timeline mentioned below to help you understand completely. 

• The majority of patients have good balloon tolerance and just a small percentage experience temporary nausea, emesis, or discomfort that may be managed with medication.
• After a week from the surgery, you can get back to your regular activities.
• For the next two to three days, you might feel full or queasy; in this case, you should take antacids and antiemetics.
• The antacid drug will be taken continuously until the balloon is positioned.
• After two weeks on a liquid diet, you will progressively return to a regular diet. You will be able to accept a wider variety of foods on a daily basis, however, the amount you can take at one meal will be significantly smaller.
• For a year, a consistent follow-up is necessary to attain significant weight loss.

What is the Estimated Cost of Gastric Balloon Surgery In India?

The gastric balloon surgery cost in India starts from INR 150000 and can go up to INR 250000.  However, this price varies based on the type of balloon implantation, the severityof the condition, and treatment of any other complications, if there is any, the fees charged by the surgeon, the clinic or hospital where the procedure is done, and any extra costs for lab work or anesthesia. This is why it is best to consult your surgeon directly regarding the cost estimate.

India provides the most affordable and high-quality medical procedures, such as gastric balloon surgery. India offers medical treatments at a 70–80% lower cost than the United Kingdom, the United States, and other wealthy nations. 

What are Some Benefits of Gastric Balloon Surgery?

The benefits of gastric balloon surgery can often change based on the type of balloon used. Some of the common benefits are,

Endoscopic balloon surgery:

One of the main advantages is that they offer a safe and efficient way to shed a substantial amount of weight without requiring surgery. This makes intragastric balloons a good substitute for people who would not be a good fit for bariatric surgery or who would rather use non-surgical techniques.

Moreover, there are no incisions or stitches needed with intragastric balloons, making them less invasive. Using an endoscope, a unique silicone balloon is inserted into the stomach during intragastric balloon implantation.

Allurion balloon surgery:

Allurion balloon surgery is known to deliver much faster results. You can lose almost 7 kgs within just 30 days. This procedure is also much safer as it does not require any endoscope or anesthesia. 

Another benefit is the convenience. The balloon is inserted within 15 minutes. The same follows for balloon removal. After roughly 16 weeks, the Allurion Balloon spontaneously deflates and exits the body. Many people remain unaware that the balloon has disappeared.

What are Some Risks and Complications of Gastric Balloon Surgery?

Most often, after undergoing a gastric balloon treatment, patients may have transient symptoms while the balloon becomes used to their stomach. The sensation of having something heavy in the stomach, nausea, vomiting, cramping in the stomach, diarrhea, and lower back pain are some of these symptoms. It's crucial to remember, though, that as the body adjusts to the balloon, these gastric balloon side effects usually go away in one to two weeks.

It is important to note that severe complications from gastric balloons are uncommon but can happen. These could include dangers associated with the sedation used during the treatment, endoscopic hazards like bleeding or infection, stomach tissue tearing or esophageal tearing, balloon deflation, stomach ulceration, intestinal perforation, and bowel blockage.

What are Some Factors that May Affect the Gastric Balloon Surgery Cost in India?

Multiple factors can affect the gastric balloon surgery cost in India. The following variables affect how much treatment costs vary:

• Type of Gastric Balloon: Type of gastric balloon is one of the major factor which impact the cost of the procedure. Endoscopic gastric balloon is much less expensive than the allurion gastric balloon. 
• Individualized treatment programs: The needs and circumstances of every patient vary, which affects the price. The total cost of the treatment is influenced by variables such as individual patient needs, underlying medical issues, and extra operations required for best outcomes.
• Patient's health status: Patients who have problems or underlying medical issues may need more frequent check-ups or medical procedures, which will increase their expenses.
• Prior medical procedures or treatments: It is possible for some people to have had medical procedures or therapies that have affected their intragastric balloon surgery. To accommodate these pre-existing conditions, more actions might be required, which would raise expenses.
• Geographical location: The location and particular medical institution might have an impact on healthcare expenditures. The cost of the intragastric balloon treatment is one example of the varied healthcare costs that may be incurred by different towns or areas.
• Services and amenities provided: The level of facility quality, the experience and skill of the medical staff, and the extra facilities provided can all affect the final cost.
• Fees for Bariatric Surgeons: Your bariatric surgeon's costs are a significant component of your gastric balloon cost in India. Surgeons with extensive training, expertise, and board certification who can produce top-notch outcomes should be consulted. 
• Hospital for Surgery: One important consideration is to have your gastric balloon surgery performed by trained medical professionals at an accredited surgical facility.
• Surgical-Related Costs: Pre- and post-operative costs are included in the expenses associated with the procedure. Pre-operative expenditures are influenced by the candidacy and medical history of the patient. Routine medical examinations and testing are also part of this to make sure you're a good candidate for the treatment.

Is the Cost of Gastric Balloon Surgery in India Covered Under Insurance?

Yes, if it is performed for medical reasons. But, the coverage may vary depending on various plans and policies. This operation might not be covered by some plans, while others might only pay a percentage of the treatment costs. It is advisable to check the insurance policy or get in touch with the insurance company directly to find out the scope of coverage. They are able to offer comprehensive details on the conditions of the coverage, including co-pays, deductibles, and limits.

It is crucial to remember that there may be limitations, such as medical requirements, a BMI range, or a history of unsuccessful non-surgical weight loss attempts, in order to be eligible for weight loss operations like gastric balloon surgery. To ensure you have accurate information and understand any financial obligations, it is advised that you consult with the insurance provider or medical center providing the treatment.

Why Should One Choose Credihealth for Gastric Balloon Surgery in India?

Credihealth is a first-rate facility that provides patients with the best bariatric surgery services available. To provide you the finest results possible, we have a team of exceptionally talented and knowledgeable surgeons that specialize in weight loss surgery. We will make sure that you experience a surgical experience like never before.

With the help of our website, which offers in-depth details on medical facilities, physician biographies, and patient testimonials, you can make wise judgments. With our help, scheduling appointments is simple, cashless treatment is available, and you'll get individualized advice throughout the duration of your healthcare journey.