Can I travel overseas with the balloon inside me? I am wanting to have the procedure but fear the plane ride over to Ireland.

Question

Babak Moeinolmolki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question.
As my colleagues have answered, it is safe to fly with an intragastric balloon. No need to postpone this important step to improved health! 
Best wishes,
Dr. Moein

Reza Keshavarzi, MD, FACS, FASMBS · Answer

Yes, you are able to travel with the balloon! We have patients fly in to have the balloon placed and are flying out just a few days after. They fly in from all over the world. You can also go scuba diving, ski diving, hiking, pretty much any activity. Just listen to your body.

Edgar Serrano, MD · Answer

Yes, you can travel overseas with the gastric balloon inside you. The gastric balloon is a safe and effective treatment for obesity, and it is approved for use in many countries around the world. However, it is important to talk to your doctor before traveling to make sure that you are a good candidate for travel and to get their advice on how to manage your condition while traveling.
Here are some things to consider when traveling overseas with a gastric balloon:
Altitude: The gastric balloon is safe to use at high altitudes. However, you may experience some minor side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, during the flight.Time change: If you are traveling to a different time zone, you may need to adjust your medication schedule. Talk to your doctor about how to adjust your medication schedule to avoid any problems.Food and drink: You will need to be careful about what you eat and drink while traveling. Avoid foods that are high in fat, sugar, and calories, and drink plenty of fluids.Activity: You should avoid strenuous activity while traveling. This is because strenuous activity can cause the gastric balloon to move around in your stomach, which can lead to discomfort.If you follow these tips, you should be able to travel safely and comfortably with the gastric balloon inside you.
Here are some additional tips for traveling with a gastric balloon:
Carry a copy of your medical records with you. This will be helpful in case you need to see a doctor while traveling.Wear a medical alert bracelet. This will let people know that you have a gastric balloon in your stomach.Take your medications with you. Make sure you have enough medication to last you for the entire trip.Be prepared for some side effects. You may experience some minor side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, while traveling. If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor.Overall, traveling with a gastric balloon is safe and enjoyable. By following these tips, you can make sure that you have a safe and comfortable trip.

Gopal Grandhige, MD · Answer

You are perfectly safe to fly after a gastric balloon procedure. I would recommend waiting a couple weeks so that you have recovered fully, but there is no danger. It will not cause any issues at security or with pressurization during flying.

Pablo Garcia, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for expressing your concern.Congratulations on taking the decision to become healthier.Yes, you can flight overseas safely, here in Dominican Republic we receive a lot of international patients to have the gastric balloon inserted and haven't had any issues returning to their home country with the balloon inserted. Have a consultation with a bariatric surgeon so you can feel more at ease with this manner, contact international doctor to know what are the steps to undergo with the insertion of the balloon overseas.My Best Wishes,

Can I travel overseas with the balloon inside me? I am wanting to have the procedure but fear the plane ride over to Ireland.

Answers (6)

Answer: Flying with a gastric balloon.

Answer: Flying with a gastric balloon.

Answer: Can I travel overseas with the balloon inside me?

Answer: Can I travel overseas with the balloon inside me?

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Everything you need to know about Orbera Gastric Balloon

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Can I travel overseas with the balloon inside me? I am wanting to have the procedure but fear the plane ride over to Ireland.

Answers (6)

Answer: Flying with a gastric balloon.

Answer: Flying with a gastric balloon.

Answer: Can I travel overseas with the balloon inside me?

Answer: Can I travel overseas with the balloon inside me?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Orbera Gastric Balloon

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.