faq1

Question and Answer

Can my insurance pay for a Gastric Balloon?

If you have health insurance with Southern Cross, AIA Insurance, Sovereign Insurance, Partners Life or NIB most will pay for the initial consultation with the specialist. To have the actual procedure paid for is more difficult. Partners Life does have pay for the procedure but your BMI has to be over 35 and have two of five main conditions. Not many quality for this but would pay to check with your advisor.

What’s the success rate of a Gastric Balloon?

Everyone has a different outcome based on their desired weight loss goal. Like any weight loss some people go back to old habits. The Gastric Balloon is designed to help you lose weight but more importantly teach you knew habits over the duration of the insertion. The average time is 6 months for those wanting to lose 15kgs – 20kgs and up to 12 months for those wanting to lose up to 30kgs

Can they burst?

In New Zealand and Australia there’s been no recorded cases. The balloons have a blue saline solution so if anything leaked you would soon know.

Can I use my KiwiSaver to pay for the procedure?

We have one client looking into this and will up date this post shortly

How long have Gastric Balloons been around for?

In the USA they’ve been around for 15 years in New Zealand we use their products have have been actively working with clients for nearly 3 years. All the Specialists are highly trained gastrointrologists

Can I have a balloon if I’m looking to get pregnant?

Not a good idea.

If I have diabetes can I proceed?

Yes

Can a travel or fly in a plane after having the procedure?

Yes. It’s not recommended you fly the same day due to medication prescribed during the insertion.

Can I drive home after my procedure?

No. you will need someone to pick you up.

How long afterwards can I go back to work?

We recommended taking the following day or two to both recover and let your stomach adjust to the new intake of food. There is a strict chart of fluids and food types to get used to in the follow days after the insertion.

Will I feel pain?

No, most symptoms are nausea the follow day. You will be prescribed medication for this but this generally only lasts a day or two.

Will my stomach engage having a balloon inside for a period of time?

No, I fact your stomach becomes stronger as it’s holding a balloon full of fluid 24/7.

Will I be able to feel the balloon in my stomach?

Once in place in your stomach, you cannot feel the balloon, you will just feel fuller and won’t have the desire to eat.

Can the balloon be adjusted?

Yes, some can and others cant. It just depends on your BMI and goal weight loss. Your specialist will advise you.

How long will it take for me to go back to work after the procedure?

You will be able to go home the same day but we would allow around 3 to 4 days to recover. You will have to adjust to the balloon and a new eating routine.

Do I need to follow a new diet?

You will have to change your eating to clear fluids, then broths, soups etc in the first few weeks but after then you will be able to eat normal foods bust just less quantity.

Do I need to follow a new diet?

You will have to change your eating to clear fluids, then broths, soups etc in the first few weeks but after then you will be able to eat normal foods bust just less quantity.