Whether you’re planning on having an Intragastric Balloon procedure or you are currently experiencing weight loss issues, you should know that this procedure can be covered by your insurance. In fact, you can even be left with the balloon for up to 6 months, giving you a jump start on your weight loss journey.

Intragastric Balloons ARE covered by insurance

Despite the popularity of gastric balloons, not all insurance companies cover them. Some may cover the procedure, but other conditions must be met.

Gastric balloons are an outpatient, nonsurgical option for people who are obese or have other conditions that require bariatric surgery. The balloon works by restricting the amount of food a person can consume. This makes people feel fuller quicker and helps them lose weight. However, it’s not a cure-all. Patients must commit to a healthy lifestyle after the procedure.

The balloon is a thin tube that is inserted through the mouth or throat and down into the stomach. Once the balloon is inserted, the patient feels fuller faster and can eat less. Using the gastric balloon can help patients lose weight and improve metabolic conditions like diabetes and gout.

The procedure can be performed in as little as 20 minutes. The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis, but it does require a physical activity program. Some patients may experience abdominal pain and nausea after the procedure.

The balloon is removed after six months. However, some patients may require a second procedure to remove the balloon. This will depend on the patient’s weight loss goals.

The process of placing and removing the balloon may require some lab tests and other exams. Patients may also be required to take certain medications. If a patient is having a procedure that isn’t covered by their insurance, there are financing options available.

The gastric balloon procedure is relatively inexpensive. 

If you’re interested in a gastric balloon procedure, contact your health insurance provider to determine if your insurance will cover the procedure. If it does, the provider will discuss your weight loss goals and the expectations of the procedure.

Intragastric Balloons are left in place for up to 6 months

During the first few days, gastric balloon patients may experience nausea and vomiting. These symptoms can be improved by taking daily antacids.

Patients can resume regular activities after a week. Within two weeks, patients will be on a liquid diet. The liquid diet will be gradually replaced with regular food.

Patients work with a care team to learn new eating habits. Some patients are advised to hire a dietitian to help support their new lifestyle. They may also be prescribed calcium supplements.

Many programs report an average weight loss of 15 to 20 percent of the initial weight. The amount of weight loss depends on the patient’s lifestyle. Patients also need to be committed to a 12-month diet and exercise program.

The gastric balloon system is designed for patients who need to lose around thirty pounds. It can help patients lose weight quickly and improve obesity-related health conditions.

During the first few days, gastric patients may feel fuller than usual. They may also feel more energized. This is due to the fact that the balloon takes up space in the stomach. During this period, patients will learn to feel satisfied by eating smaller meals.

 

Intragastric Balloons CAN be removed using an endoscope

Patients are generally discharged from the hospital on the same day. Patients may need to follow up with a doctor or nutritionist for support. Patients are also encouraged to adopt a healthy diet and exercise regimen. This can lead to improvement in health conditions such as type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.

After six months, the balloon is removed. This procedure can take as little as thirty minutes. It can be performed on an outpatient basis.

The procedure is a non-surgical procedure that is performed in a local center like MasterPiece Non-surgical weight loss. Patients are typically in the hospital for a couple of hours after the procedure.

The removal of the balloon is done under light sedation. 

 

Financing options for Gastric Balloon Surgery

Typically, gastric balloon surgery isn’t covered by health insurance. Consequently, people with obesity who don’t have insurance have to pay for it out-of-pocket. However, there are financing options available.

If you’re considering a gastric balloon procedure, you can ask us if you qualify for medical financing. You can also set up a payment plan. 

If you decide to finance your gastric balloon procedure, we can help you find the best option for you. This can help you save money and kick-start your weight loss sooner.