Is an intragastric balloon the same as a gastric band?

Are the gastric balloon and the gastric band the same thing? Are you considering these weight loss procedures, but you are not sure if they differ in any way or which one is more convenient for you? If that is the case, keep reading, because in this post we will show you what each procedure is about and which one is the most convenient depending on your case.

What is gastric banding?

The gastric banding is a bariatric surgery which consists of placing a silicone ring or band around the stomach to reduce its space, which will make you feel less hungry and fill you up with less food.

Main features

• The operation is performed laparoscopically, making it minimally invasive.
• The gastric band is adjustable, which means that your bariatric can control the amount of space it reduces in your stomach, something that will greatly impact your weight loss.
• It is recommended for patients with a BMI between 35 and 40.
• It is reversible and does not modify in any way the functioning of your digestive system.
• It can help you lose between 40 and 60% of excess weight. Although it is not the most effective weight loss operation that exists and can produce a rebound effect if the patient does not change their eating habits or if they do not follow the instructions of their bariatric surgeon.

What is the gastric balloon?

The gastric balloon is a silicone device that is implanted in the patient's stomach as part of a weight loss procedure. This device is filled with saline solution until it takes the shape of a small balloon. By taking up part of the stomach space, the gastric balloon reduces the hunger you feel and causes you to fill up on less food, which helps you lose weight.

Main features

• It does not require surgery of any kind, it is placed with endoscopy, and in the case of the intragastric ballooneven this is not required.
• It is completely reversible and does not modify the digestive system.
• They are recommended for patients with a BMI between 30 and 40.
• The gastric balloon complications are practically nil.
• It can be withdrawn at any time without major difficulties.
• It can help you lose between 30 and 47% of excess weight, although in some cases the total loss can be as much as 50% of excess weight.

What are the main differences between the intragastric balloon and the gastric band?

The main difference between the gastric balloon and the gastric band is that the balloon does not require surgery, while the gastric band does. 

Besides that, the procedure itself varies quite a bit, in the case of the gastric balloon, it is the silicone device itself (the balloon) that makes you have less space in your stomach and therefore, you fill up faster and with less food. With the gastric band, it would be the silicone ring or band that would be responsible for reducing the space in your stomach.

The gastric balloon takes less time to implant, can be removed relatively easily and offers faster recovery times.

Finally, the gastric band is a long lasting procedure, you can have a band for up to 2 years; while the gastric balloon is intended to be used for shorter periods of time such as a few months and at most a year, always under strict supervision of your bariatric surgeon.

Which is better, the gastric balloon or the gastric band?

The gastric band is usually more efficient than the gastric balloon, so you are likely to lose more weight with it. However, the procedure that is best for you will not necessarily be the most effective, it will really depend on your health situation, the type of treatments you can undergo, your BMI, etc. That is why it is crucial that you evaluate your case with a specialized bariatric surgeon who will tell you what is ideal for you.

In addition, it is also worth considering your personal preferences and circumstances, if you are interested in avoiding surgery at all costs or wish to opt for the safest procedure, you will probably be better off with a gastric balloon than a band.

So the best procedure will ultimately be the one that best suits your personal and health situation and the one that can give you the results you are looking for.

Do you have problems with being overweight or obese? Have you tried all kinds of treatments to overcome them? Get in touch with us and we tell you what we can do for you to help you leave behind your excess weight and regain your quality of life.