One of the most common questions when it comes to weight loss surgery revolves around the cost. How many different diet and exercise routines have you tried? How much have you already spent trying to lose weight? When you really sit down and consider the pros and cons, most people jump directly to considering the pros of weight loss, better eating habits, and the con of a large sum of money. Most people don’t always consider the medical factor, and while it pains us to think about it, sometimes a weight loss procedure can be the ultimate difference between life and death. If you’re looking for a safe, non-surgical way to jumpstart your weight loss journey, a gastric balloon could be the perfect solution. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about gastric balloon pricing, from what’s included in the cost to how it compares to other weight loss solutions.
What is a Gastric Balloon?
The Gastric Balloon procedure involves inserting a saline filled balloon into the stomach to limit the amount of food you can consume. During this procedure, a silicone balloon is placed in the stomach and inflated with saline. It helps you lose weight by leaving less room in your stomach, limiting the number of calories you can consume, and also helps you feel full longer. Losing weight can reverse and reduce many obesity-related diseases and conditions. The more weight that is lost, the more the risks of serious health problems are reduced. The gastric balloon is temporary and can be removed.
Who is a Good Candidate?
In order to receive a Gastric Balloon, you’re required to have a body mass index of 27 or higher, making this the lowest requirement of the bariatric procedures. If you have tried dieting and exercise to lose weight but have been unsuccessful or you suffer from symptoms related to your weight, you may be a good candidate for a gastric balloon procedure also called an intragastric balloon. The gastric balloon is preferred by individuals who firmly believe they can maintain a healthy diet and exercise but need short-term restrictions to help start the process. It is also useful for those not qualifying for another form of weight loss surgery. The Orbera Gastric Balloon is best suited to patients with a BMI between 30 and 40 who are interested in losing between 20 and 40 pounds. It is an ideal weight loss solution for people preparing for an important event such as a wedding or reunion, post-baby weight loss, and for anyone committed to a healthy lifestyle who is tired of struggling with fad diets.
Understanding the Cost of Gastric Balloon Surgery
The cost of a gastric balloon can go up as high as $12,000 to $14,000 in the United States and Canada while in Mexico ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. The cost of the gastric balloon weight loss procedure is less expensive than the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and other weight loss surgeries. This makes it a more affordable option for cash-pay recipients. A self-pay gastric balloon in the United States can be as high as $18,000, especially if insurance does not cover any of the costs for that gastric balloon.
Factors Influencing the Cost
The price tag associated with gastric balloon surgery can be influenced by factors such as the type of balloon used, the surgeon’s fees, hospital or facility fees, anesthesia costs, and pre-and post-operative care. The price for the balloon system is based on factors like surgeon’s credentials, qualifications, and expertise, what the pricing includes, and insurance policy (if you choose to go through your health care provider).
Read also: Is the Intragastric Balloon Right for You?
Average Costs
On average, you can expect to pay around $8,150 for the procedure in the United States, though costs typically range from $7,000 to $9,000 depending on your location and provider. A gastric balloon procedure at Bariendo costs $7,495 nationwide, which is more affordable than the national average. The total Price for Orbera Gastric Balloon is $7,225. The cost of the gastric balloon ranges from $6,750 to $8,250 and this includes: Cost of Balloon Implant, Placement and Removal of Balloon, Clinical Follow up, Anesthesia Fee, Facility Fee.
What's Included in the Cost?
When considering a gastric balloon, it’s important to ask what’s included in the cost. Most gastric balloon procedures include the basics: the initial consultation, balloon placement, and balloon removal after six months. Understanding exactly what’s covered helps you compare providers accurately and avoid surprise expenses.
- Initial consultation and pre-procedure testing: A comprehensive evaluation to ensure you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
- Gastric balloon placement and removal: Both are quick, non-surgical outpatient procedures performed by experienced endobariatric specialists.
- 12 months of follow-up care: Regular check-ins with the medical team to monitor progress and provide expert guidance.
- Personalized support from registered dietitians: Ongoing nutritional counseling to help you build sustainable, healthy habits.
- Smart scale for at-home tracking: A tool to help you monitor your progress and stay on track with your weight loss goals.
It’s important to note that the cost of prescription medications is not included.
Gastric Balloon Costs in Mexico
Tijuana, Mexico is an attractive healthcare destination that offers more affordably priced weight loss procedures. The average cost of gastric balloon in Mexico is approximately $2,900-$4,600 which usually comes in an “all-inclusive surgery package”. At Mexico Bariatric Center, gastric balloon costs are all-inclusive packages.
- Orbera Gastric Balloon - starting at $2,995
- Spatz3 Gastric Balloon - starting at $3,295
What’s Included in the Gastric Balloon Cost in Mexico Bariatric Center?
Read also: Is the Intragastric Balloon Right for You?
- Private Ground Transportation
- Accredited Hospital with ICU
- State-of-the-Art Equipment
- 4.5 Star Hotel (1 night pre-op)
Insurance Coverage
The gastric balloon procedure is not covered by medical insurance. Despite its approval by the FDA, insurance does not cover the cost of a gastric balloon because it is considered an elective weight loss procedure. Although the procedure has a much lower cost overall than other forms of bariatric surgery, it is also not covered by most insurance carriers. In the United States, the gastric balloon is considered “experimental.” Whether the Orbera Gastric Balloon is covered by insurance will depend on your insurance plan and the details of your policy. Some insurance plans may cover the cost of the procedure, while others may not. It is best to check with your insurance provider to determine if the procedure is covered and to understand any out-of-pocket costs.
Financing Options
For individuals who do not have insurance coverage or wish to pay out of pocket, self-pay options are available for the intragastric balloon weight loss procedure. At Bariendo, flexible financing options are offered to make the gastric balloon procedure more accessible. Applying for financing is quick and simple, and many patients qualify with instant approval. Self-Pay Financing is Available As Low As $184 Per Month.
Is Gastric Balloon Surgery Worth it?
For many patients, the gastric balloon is a valuable investment in their health and weight loss journey. Many people who have struggled with traditional diet and exercise plans find that the gastric balloon offers the extra support they need to kickstart weight loss and create lasting change. When you factor in these intangible benefits alongside the health improvements, the gastric balloon represents tremendous value. Additionally, the psychological benefits are immeasurable.
Gastric Balloon vs. Other Options
The gastric balloon is a temporary, non-surgical procedure that helps patients lose around 10% of their body weight in six months. By comparison, ESG Stomach Tightening (Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty) is a permanent solution that reduces stomach size with sutures, leading to an average of 18% weight loss. Weight loss medications, like GLP-1 agonists (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) are other non-surgical options, but they require long-term use to maintain results and can become costly over time.
Gastric Balloon vs. Gastric Sleeve
Gastric Balloon vs. Gastric sleeve surgery is one of the most common weight loss surgeries. In this procedure, a surgeon removes part of your stomach. Gastric balloons and gastric sleeve surgery both restrict how much food you can eat. But a gastric sleeve involves surgery and changes the shape and size of your stomach permanently.
Read also: Inspiring Health Transformation
Gastric Balloon vs. New Weight Loss Medications
New weight loss medications help reduce your appetite and food cravings. They can also make you feel fuller. These medications are effective while you take them.
Benefits of Gastric Balloon
While the gastric balloon itself only remains in place for months, the benefits can last much longer when paired with ongoing healthy lifestyle changes. Losing weight can lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, as well as improvements in obesity-related health conditions. Patients also experience increased energy, improved motility, and greater self-confidence.
Types of Gastric Balloons
At the present time, Spatz3, Orbera, ReShape Duo, and Obalon balloon systems are available to patients.
Spatz3
When it comes to Weight Loss Balloons, there’s only one balloon that’s worth your consideration, the Spatz3. As the only Adjustable Gastric Balloon on the market, the Spatz3 is the only stomach balloon that can navigate the two most common complications with the Gastric Balloon Procedure. Due to unique adjustability, the volume of the balloon can be decreased to avoid early balloon removal and extend treatment time. With excess weight loss of 53.6%, this is in a league of its own.
Obalon
The Obalon six-month gastric balloon system is a swallowable, intragastric balloon for weight loss. The Obalon system is recommended for adults aged 22 and older with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 to 40 kg/m2 who have not been successful with diet and exercise alone. The procedure involves swallowing a small capsule attached to a tiny tube that contains a balloon that is inflated with gas once it reaches the stomach. Up to three balloons may be placed during the first three months, with the entire treatment lasting six months. The average weight loss after treatment with Obalon is around 15 lbs. In one study, those who swallowed gas-filled balloon capsules lost 1.9 times more weight than their counterparts who relied on diet, exercise and lifestyle changes alone.
What to Expect After the Procedure
There will be discomfort during the first few days after the procedure. From then on, the gastric balloon will give you a feeling of fullness. For the first week of the procedure you should not plan any heavy activities. Once your body has adjusted to the balloon you can continue your normal activities. It is very likely that the presence of the balloon in the stomach will cause nausea or vomiting for a few days after placement, the intensity of which can vary. The gastric balloon procedure does not require a hospital stay.
Finding a Provider
When it comes to a surgery of this nature, proximity can be a critical factor. A local provider ensures easy access to pre- and post-operative care, which is essential in ensuring a successful procedure and recovery. It’s also worth noting that selecting a provider in your vicinity can sometimes entail cost savings. Online databases, forums, and healthcare specialist consultations can also provide direction in your search.
Pros and Cons
Before opting for gastric balloon surgery, it’s important to understand the potential benefits and drawbacks. On the one hand, the procedure can result in significant weight loss, improved overall health, and a reduced risk of comorbidities. However, one must also bear in mind the potential drawbacks of the procedure, such as temporary side effects and the need for significant lifestyle changes. Understanding these pros and cons will allow you to make an informed decision about whether this procedure aligns with your personal health goals and lifestyle.
Alternatives to Gastric Balloon
While gastric balloons have gained popularity as a non‑surgical way to jump‑start weight loss, they aren’t the only option available.
Gastric Bypass Surgery
Gastric bypass is a well‑established procedure that reduces the size of your stomach and reroutes the small intestine, effectively limiting both food intake and calorie absorption. This approach not only helps you lose significant weight but also improves obesity‑related conditions such as type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery
Also known as sleeve gastrectomy, this procedure involves removing a large portion of the stomach to create a sleeve‑shaped, smaller stomach. With a reduced stomach volume, you feel full faster and consume less food. This less invasive option offers a quicker recovery and fewer dietary restrictions.