Has anyone had a gastric balloon in Mexico?

Atraveler · June 1, 2016

Hi,

I am determined to get a gastric balloon, but there are so many options: spatz3, orbera, reshape, obalon. Has anyone one had any of these, what was your experience? Has anyone had a balloon put in Mexico?

I choose Mexico because it's cheaper then what they are charging me. I have been talking to dr.ismael v bailon.

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"Henry" · June 7, 2016

Hi Atraveler,

Most bariatric surgeons do not recommend the balloon because it is a temporary fix and does not offer good long term results. The average weight loss with the balloon is 20 to 25 pounds over 6 months. It also has to be removed after six months per FDA recommendations.

Please contact me to see what other options are available for you.

Atraveler · June 9, 2016

I understand that. I don't want to permanently change my anatomy. I just want an extra help with my cravings. This will be my jump start to healthy living.

I choose the spatz 3, which is for 1 year, currently under trial in the us but with many success in Europe and Mexico.

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Wayward Traveler · June 16, 2016

The US studies are limited, but my understanding is that where the balloon has been used longer (ex: Europe and Australia), they have seen better results (probably just because they have more data points). I'm not even half way through my six months with Orbera and I have lost 33 pounds. I also know of two men who lost more in that same amount of time (one Orbera and one ReShape). As with most things, a lot of it depends on how much you put into it. It's not a cure, it's a tool. You still have to do a lot of work, counting calories and Protein, exercising, etc.. If you use it to assist you with behavioral modification, six months is more than enough time to establish healthy habits that can last you a lifetime. Best wishes!