Am I a candidate for gastric balloon?
Because of its clear advantages, the gastric balloon is one of the most popular bariatric procedures to solve overweight problems. But, although it is such a safe and effective treatment, one that does not even require surgical intervention, it is not ideal for all types of patients.
Therefore, if you are considering an intragastric balloon, you should have an idea of the requirements you must meet to be a candidate. In this post we tell you all about it.
What are the requirements to undergo a gastric balloon?
To have a gastric balloon placed, you must meet the following requirements:
- You are over 18 and under 70 years of age.
- You have a BMI between 30 and 40.
- You suffer from grade I or II obesity.
- You have not had stomach or esophageal operations before.
- You want to lose 10 to 25 kilos of excess weight.
If you meet all the gastric balloon requirementsIf you are a candidate for a gastric balloon, it is quite likely that you are a candidate for a gastric balloon. However, you will always have the definitive answer after you examine your case with your bariatricwho will indicate the ideal operation based on the medical studies he will perform.
What BMI do you need to have to have a gastric balloon?
To be a candidate for a gastric balloon you must have a BMI between 30 and 40. If your BMI is less than 30, you are unlikely to be suitable for the procedure, as you could lose the excess weight with other more conventional methods, such as diet or exercise, and you may not be suffering from ailments or diseases related to overweight such as apnea.
Keep in mind that BMI is not the only factor that is considered in assessing how much this procedure is right for you, you must also be in a certain state of health, so that the chances of the following are minimized gastric balloon complications.
For whom is the gastric balloon not recommended?
The gastric balloon is not recommended for people who have a BMI below 30, or who need to lose less than 10 kilograms of excess weight, as little could be achieved in these scenarios. Therefore, for the results of the gastric balloon to be satisfactory, it is recommended for patients who are more overweight, usually with level I or II obesity.
The gastric balloon is also not recommended for people who have had any type of operation on the stomach or esophagus in the past, because it may increase the risks of the procedure, and even though it is not recommended for people who have had any type of surgery on the stomach or esophagus in the past, it may increase the risks of the procedure. the gastric balloon is safeThe possibility of complications increases.
Finally, the gastric balloon is also not recommended for patients who are unwilling to make a change in their eating and lifestyle habits, as the procedure will not give you the weight loss you are looking for without fundamental lifestyle changes.
As you can see, to be a candidate for the gastric balloon you must have certain health conditions, as well as a BMI between 30 and 40. Make sure you meet these characteristics and you will achieve the best results.
Finally, keep in mind that you have to evaluate your case with a bariatric surgeon. In the end, he/she will be the one who will tell you with more certainty which bariatric procedure is best for you to lose weight, without compromising your health and with the best chances of success.
If you want to leave your weight problems behind, contact us and we will tell you how we can help you recover your health..

Dr. Cristobal Garza
Soy un cirujano bariatra certificado por el Colegio Mexicano de Cirugía para la Obesidad. En los últimos 10 años he ayudado a más de 3500 pacientes a superar su obesidad y tener una vida más feliz y saludable.

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