Non-surgical
procedure
A gastric balloon is a non-surgical alternative to many popular bariatric procedures, such as the gastric bypass or duodenal switch surgery. This alleviates the need for incisions or extensive recoveries.
Reversible
treatment
Once you have successfully adapted to your new and improved healthy lifestyle, the balloon will be removed in one of our surgical suites under sedation.
Adjustable
gastric balloon
Some gastric balloons are adjustable, meaning its volume can be modified during the treatment period to improve results or comfort.
Multidisciplinary
approach
To achieve the best possible benefits before your procedure, you will be working with our nutritionist, and a bariatric psychologist to start with your lifestyle changes.
Highest standards
in medical care
We adhere to strict medical protocols and international quality standards. Every detail of our facility is designed to ensure your safety, comfort, and overall well-being throughout your entire treatment.
Extensive experience
and quality care
Tijuana is home to renowned bariatric surgeons with extensive experience. Patients can expect personalized, top-quality care backed by years of surgical expertise and commitment to long-term success.
We support you on your psychological journey
Psychological therapy is key when receiving gastric balloon treatment as it helps you build new healthy, and sustainable habits to achieve results. Our professional psychologists will support you every step of the way during this life-changing process.
Weight loss plan
from our nutritionists
Our team of specialists put together nutrition plans with recipes and easy-to-follow steps to help you lose weight and build healthy habits that last and support your results. These plans are created with your needs and goals in mind, so you can achieve your weight loss goals safely and effectively.
Complementary
fitness plan
To achieve the results you desire, regular movement matters. That’s why our fitness specialists will build a workout plan that supports your weight loss goals and progress, while taking into account the challenges bariatric patients often face.
What is the average weight loss with the intragastric balloon?
According to studies performed, average weight loss after six months has been of about 15 to 25% of the patients’ excess weight. After about one year, patients have been able to maintain about 70% of their initial weight loss.
How is a gastric balloon different from other treatments?
A gastric balloon is a non-surgical alternative to many popular bariatric procedures, such as the gastric bypass or the gastric sleeve. This removes the need for incisions or extensive recoveries. Given the fact that the balloon is eventually removed, the procedure is also reversible.
Are there risks of having a gastric balloon placed?
The placement of a gastric balloon is a relatively safe procedure with a low risk. However, like all medical procedures, uncommon but potential complications can occur, including:
• Sedation: In rare cases, some patients may have an adverse reaction to the sedation used.
• Over-inflation: If too much saline is used to fill the gastric balloon, it can result in abdominal discomfort, vomiting, nausea or swelling of the stomach. These symptoms may occur as early as one week after the procedure. Removal of the balloon is often necessary to address these complications.
• Punctured esophagus: As with any endoscopic procedure, there is a minimal risk of the esophagus being punctured by the instrument. This complication is extremely rare.
• Stomach blockage: In extremely rare cases, the balloon may rupture, deflate and cause a blockage in the digestive tube. The intragastric balloon is filled with a dye that will change the color of your urine if deflated. It is important to contact your doctor right away should this occur.
• Stomach ulcer: To reduce the risk of a stomach ulcer, your doctor may prescribe an anti-ulcer medication, which is usually taken the entire time the balloon is in the stomach. This occurs because the balloon will naturally rub against the mucous of the stomach.
While complications during or after the procedure are extremely rare, it is important to be well-informed when choosing a surgical or medical center. You should ensure that your procedure is performed at a facility with top-level preparation, superior certifications, and a proven track record of safety, such as LIMARP. At our center, we take every precaution to minimize risks and ensure that your procedure is performed under the safest conditions possible.
We will provide full education on any potential risks and explain exactly how we protect your health while following strict safety protocols throughout your treatment. Our team’s expertise and attention to detail give our patients confidence and peace of mind, making serious complications exceedingly unlikely.
What are the benefits of the gastric balloon procedure?
Compared to other surgical weight loss procedures, the gastric balloon procedure provides patients with many benefits, including:
• Non-surgical treatment
• Reversible treatment
• No incisions or sutures
• Minimal recovery
• Fast and effective results
It is important to note that the weight loss is limited compared to that of other procedures.
How is life after the gastric balloon?
With the gastric balloon in place, you will feel full sooner after meals, helping you eat less and lose weight effectively. During this time, it is important to adopt long-term healthy eating habits. You will work closely with a LIMARP dietitian and a specialist trained in the weight loss system to maximize your results. These new habits will not only support your weight loss goals but also help you maintain a healthy weight over time. Most patients experience the greatest weight loss within the first six to eight months.
When the balloon reaches the end of its lifespan, after one year, you will return to LIMARP for its removal in one of our surgical rooms under sedation. A special diet will be followed prior to removal to facilitate the procedure. It is essential to continue your healthy eating habits and exercise routine after the balloon is removed to maintain your results long-term.
What to expect during the gastric balloon recovery?
Once the procedure is successfully completed and you have been discharged, you can return home. If your companion is able to drive, this is the recommended option.
Due to the endoscopic nature of the procedure, it is normal to experience a sore throat for a day or two after placement. You may also feel nausea or a sensation of fullness. Most patients are able to return to work and their normal routines within approximately three days, although this may vary.
You will need to follow a transition diet to help your body adapt to your new eating habits. For the first few days, only clear liquids should be consumed. For the remainder of the first week, a full-liquid diet may be followed, including items such as thicker broths, yogurt, and natural fruit juices. From days 7 to 14, you will transition to blended meals as a step toward reintroducing solid foods. This schedule may be adjusted depending on how your stomach adapts to the balloon.
How is the gastric balloon placed?
Before beginning the procedure, Dr. Pompa will perform a diagnostic endoscopy to confirm that you are a suitable candidate. At LIMARP®, the gastric balloon is placed during a simple, non-surgical procedure that takes less than 15 minutes and is performed under mild sedation in one of our surgical rooms.
First, your throat is numbed with a local anesthetic spray to keep you comfortable throughout the treatment. Using a tiny endoscopic camera, the deflated gastric balloon is gently inserted into your stomach through the esophagus. Dr. Pompa will then use a small catheter to fill the balloon with approximately 400–700 milliliters of sterile saline solution.
After the appropriate amount of fluid has been added, the catheter is removed, and the balloon’s built-in seal closes it securely.
Once placed and filled, the balloon floats inside the stomach, remaining too large to pass through the gastrointestinal tract.
After the procedure, you will be taken to a comfortable recovery room. You will typically spend one night at our hospital, where our surgical team will monitor how you adapt to the balloon.
In some cases, local patients may return home in less than 24 hours, depending on individual circumstances and recovery.
What brands of intragastric balloons are used at LIMARP?
At LIMARP, we are committed to using only the highest-quality instruments and materials. For this reason, we choose the Spatz3 intragastric balloon, which has been proven effective and safe for over two decades.
The Spatz3 intragastric balloon is FDA-approved and provides patients with a non-surgical option to achieve a healthier lifestyle and improve overall quality of life.
Durable and made from soft silicone, the Spatz3 balloon allows most patients to lose a significant amount of weight within six months, often up to three times more than what could be achieved through diet and exercise alone.
