What is Gastric Balloon Surgery?
Gastric balloon surgery, also known as intragastric balloon procedure, involves placing a deflated balloon into the stomach through endoscopy. Once inside, the balloon is inflated with saline solution, occupying space in the stomach and creating a feeling of fullness, which helps patients eat less and lose weight. It's typically a temporary measure, remaining in the stomach for about six months, and is often recommended for individuals struggling with obesity who haven't had success with diet and exercise alone.
What are the Types of Gastric Balloons and Their Costs in Kolkata?
There are two types of gastric balloons and they cost different amounts. Here’s a brief overview of each type:
- Endoscopic Gastric Balloon: The endoscopic gastric balloon is inserted into the stomach through the mouth using an endoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached. Once in the stomach, the balloon is inflated with saline solution to reduce the stomach's capacity and promote feelings of fullness. The cost of an endoscopic gastric balloon is INR 1,00,000 to INR 2,00,000 in Kolkata.
- Allurion Gastric Balloon: The Allurion gastric balloon is a swallowable balloon capsule that is ingested orally and then inflated in the stomach with a thin catheter. Unlike the endoscopic balloon, it does not require any endoscopic procedure for placement or removal. It may cost you around INR 2,80,000 to INR 3,50,000 in Kolkata.
Which Diagnostic Tests are Required After Gastric Balloon Surgery?
Prior to any procedure, doctors typically recommend a few tests; this also applies to gastric balloon surgery. Among the tests that are frequently recommended are,
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test helps the doctor get a count of the white and red blood cells in your blood. A complete blood count can cost anywhere between INR 400 to INR 550.
- Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): This test measures the 14 different substances in your blood to identify any underlying conditions. A comprehensive metabolic Panel can cost anywhere between INR 3800 to INR 5800.
- MRI scan: MRI offers excellent visualization of gastric balloons in obese patients. It can show the degree of filling and any leaks in the gastric balloon. An MRI scan can cost you around INR 4200 to INR 5500.
- Lipid profile: A blood test for cholesterol, also known as a lipid profile, measures the amount of cholesterol and other fats in your blood. A lipid profile can cost anywhere between INR 380 to INR 550.
- Thyroid Function Test: This test helps doctors check the function of thyroid glands in the body. A thyroid function test can cost anywhere between INR 420 to INR 500.
- CT Scan: This test provides the surgeon with detailed images of your bones and other body parts. A CT scan costs somewhere between INR 1600 to INR 5800.
- Coagulation Tests: This test helps evaluate the time for blood clotting. Coagulation tests can cost anywhere between INR 1599 to INR 3900.
- Abdominal Ultrasound or CT Scan: It helps the surgeon get a look into your stomach. An abdominal ultrasound can cost anywhere between INR 1400 to INR 1800.
- Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Endoscopy: During a gastrointestinal endoscopy, an endoscope is used to allow your surgeon to visually inspect your upper digestive tract. GI endoscopy can cost anywhere between INR 4400 to INR 7400.
What is the Procedure and Cost of Gastric Balloon Surgery?
As discussed, gastric balloons are of two types. Each type of gastric balloon has its own placement procedure. Here are the steps mentioned below to help you understand easily.
Endoscopic gastric balloon
- The endoscopic unit performs the intragastric balloon operation as an outpatient surgery. Throughout the process, you will be anesthetized.
- A tiny tube known as a catheter is inserted into your stomach and down your neck during the surgery. The catheter has an intragastric balloon inside of it.
- The doctor will then insert an endoscope, which is a flexible tube fitted with a camera, down your throat and into your stomach. Your doctor can see through the webcam while they saline the balloon.
- The process takes approximately thirty minutes. Usually, one to two hours after the procedure is completed, you can return home.
Allurion gastric balloon
- First of all, the patient has to swallow the balloon, no anesthesia required.
- Then the doctor will check the balloon location with the help of X-ray and inflate the balloon with saline solution by using a catheter.
- Again an X-ray is performed to ensure the balloon is filled correctly.
- It takes around 30 minutes to complete the procedure and you can return home on the same day.
Are There Any Tips to Get Prepared for the Gastric Balloon Surgery?
Yes. To be well informed about the procedure, its benefits and risks or complications can help you get prepared properly. Here are some common preparation tips:
- Ask questions from your doctor and make sure to know everything about the procedure.
- Avoid taking NSAID medications a week before the surgery.
- Take a balanced diet to prevent pre-surgical complications.
- Stop smoking and alcohol intake.
- Drink plenty of water and keep your body hydrated.
- Arrange transportation for the day of the procedure beforehand.
- Stay positive and keep your body and mind relaxed.
How to Maintain Weight After the Placement of a Gastric Balloon?
Maintaining proper weight after the placement of a gastric balloon involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medications and dietary modifications. Here are some tips to help you maintain weight after the placement of a gastric balloon:
- Consult a proper nutritionist to get the dietary guidelines.
- Use smaller plates, bowls, and utensils to help control portion sizes.
- Chew your food slowly and mindfully, allowing your body to recognize when it's full.
- Focus on consuming a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Limit your intake of high-calorie, high-fat foods, sugary beverages, and processed snacks.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
- Keep track of your weight regularly to ensure you're maintaining your desired weight range.
- Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
- Find activities you enjoy, whether it's walking, swimming, cycling, or dancing, and make them a regular part of your lifestyle.
What are the Benefits of Gastric Balloon Surgery?
Endoscopic and Allurion balloons both have different types of benefits. Here are some benefits:
Endoscopic Balloon Surgery:
- Minimally Invasive Weight Loss: Offers a non-surgical approach with reduced risks compared to traditional surgery.
- Quick Recovery Time: Patients typically resume normal activities within a few days after the procedure.
- Temporary Solution: The balloon can be removed after a certain period, allowing patients to return to their normal eating habits.
- Effective Weight Loss: Clinical studies show significant weight loss due to reduced stomach capacity.
- Improvement in Co-morbidities: Often leads to improvements in conditions like type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
Allurion Balloon Surgery:
- Non-Surgical Procedure: Involves swallowing a deflated balloon capsule, eliminating the need for surgery.
- Convenient Swallowing like a Pill: Offers a simple, non-invasive option for weight loss treatment.
- No Endoscopy Required: Placement and removal are done without the need for an endoscopic procedure.
- Short Treatment Duration: Designed to stay in the stomach for about six months, facilitating rapid weight loss.
- Comprehensive Support Program: Includes dietary counseling and lifestyle coaching for enhanced results.
What are the Risks and Complications Associated with Gastric Balloon Surgery?
Like any procedure, gastric balloon surgery also comes up with minimal risks and complications though it is a very safe and effective procedure. Some adverse effects are:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Gastric obstruction which may lead to abdominal pain
- Minimal chances of gastric ulcers which can cause irritation or erosion of stomach lining.
- Chances of developing (GERD) such as heartburn or acid reflux.
- Signs of infection such as redness, itching, fever.
- Although uncommon, there is a risk of the gastric balloon migrating within the stomach or intestines, which may require endoscopic retrieval or surgical intervention.
What Factors May Affect the Final Cost of Gastric Balloon Surgery in Kolkata?
Various factors usually affect the final cost of gastric balloon surgery in Kolkata. Some of the common factors are:
- Cost of Consultation: Varies based on surgeon experience; more experienced surgeons typically charge higher fees.
- Patient's Age and Condition: Older or compromised health patients may incur higher total costs due to increased care requirements.
- Hospital Type and Location: Accessibility and recent infrastructural developments affect procedure costs in Bengaluru.
- Type of Balloon: The selection of two available balloon types contributes to the overall cost.
- Diagnostic Tests: Pre-procedure clinical examinations increase the overall treatment cost.
- Complications: Surgical complications necessitate additional treatment, impacting the overall cost.
- Diet and Nutrition Costs: Doctor-provided dietary recommendations and monitoring devices are included in the final bill.
Why Choose Credihealth for Gastric Balloon Surgery in Kolkata?
Credihealth is one of the leading healthcare companies for weight loss surgeries in Kolkata including gastric balloon surgery. Credihealth houses a team of highly expert doctors and medical staff in order to provide the best in class treatment for everyone at affordable prices. Credihealth allows patients to choose the best expertise on their own based on their location.
Credihealth promised to help you in many ways. Here are some common benefits of choosing us for Gastric balloon surgery in Kolkata.
- Associated with top notch hospitals
- Highly skilled and experienced doctors
- Best in class technology
- Insurance support
- Personal assistance to each patient
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