Gastric Balloon Procedures in Singapore vs Malaysia
Many Asian patients who suffer from obesity have been frustrated by the lack of effective and safe methods to lose weight. They have tried various techniques and methods, such as dieting, exercise, medication, and surgery, but some of them may not work or may have side effects.
That is why they are looking for alternative and efficient ways to lose weight, such as the gastric balloon. It is a balloon that is placed and inflated -usually with the use of an endoscope procedure- in the stomach to reduce the food capacity and appetite. The balloon stays in the stomach for around four - twelve months.
You may know about gastric balloons, but they are not all the same. There is a new and different type of gastric balloon that is becoming popular in Malaysia and Singapore known as the swallowable balloon, Allurion balloon. It’s a small capsule that you swallow with a glass of water, no need for surgery or endoscope or anesthesia. It then fills up your stomach and reduces the appetite, making you feel full which helps you to eat less for a period of four months. After that period, there’s a valve that empties the balloon and the deflated balloon naturally passes through bowel movement, again without any need of endoscopy procedure of extraction.
It also comes with a full program with medical support, digital tools, and nutritional coaching. You may be wondering which country is the best option for your gastric balloon procedure: Singapore or Malaysia? We will help you compare and contrast so that you can make the best decision for your health and budget.
Factors to Consider for Gastric Balloon Procedure in Singapore or Malaysia
Safety and Regulations: Singapore and Malaysia are both countries that have strict regulations and assurance of quality and safety for gastric balloon procedures.
In Singapore, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and its statutory boards are responsible for regulating Singapore’s healthcare system. All healthcare facilities, including those that offer gastric balloon procedures, are required to apply for a license under the Private Hospitals & Medical Clinics (PHMC) Act/Regulations.
In Malaysia, the Ministry of Health (MOH) is also the main authority for health system regulation. The National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) regulates health products, including medical devices such as gastric balloons. The Medical Device Authority (MDA) oversees the licensing and registration of medical devices and establishments. Patients can rest assured that both countries have high standards of healthcare regulation and supervision for gastric balloon procedures.
Facilities: Finding a place to have a gastric balloon procedure would be easy for patients who are considering both Malaysia and Singapore as their options. Both countries have accredited private and public hospitals that offer this service.
Location Offering Allurion Balloon: The Allurion Balloon is available in various locations in Singapore and Malaysia. In Singapore, you can find Allurion Balloon facilities at different places across the island with the ease of traveling. In Malaysia, you can choose from several cities that offer the Allurion Balloon service, such as Johor Bahru, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Perak, Kuantan, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, Kedah, and Kota Kinabalu.
Service Provided: If you choose to have the Allurion Balloon procedure in Singapore, you will receive a consultation, medication, an X-ray, a follow-up session, a weighing scale, and a smartwatch. The balloon will stay in your stomach for four months and help you lose weight by making you feel full faster.
If you opt for the same procedure in Malaysia, you will get a weighing scale and a smartwatch, as well as nutritional support for 12 months after the balloon is removed. The nutritional support will help you maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. For add-on services, it is subjected to additional charges.
Additional Charges: In Singapore, the price of the procedure usually covers everything you need, including consultation, medications, X-ray facilities and follow-up sessions. However, in Malaysia, you may have to pay extra for some of these services, depending on the clinic you choose.
Before you decide to have the gastric balloon procedure in Singapore or Malaysia, think about these factors. Each country has its own advantages and disadvantages that may affect your experience. If you are looking for high-class medical facilities that bring you comfort and positive patient experience with personalized comprehensive treatment, you may lean towards getting your first balloon placement in Singapore. For Singaporeans interested in the Allurion balloon, scheduling follow-up appointments with local surgeons in the event of complications or adverse reactions will be much more convenient and hassle-free.
If you are looking for cost-effective and affordable health care services in overall treatment expenses with certified and trained surgeons that are capable of offering quality experience with care and assurance, Malaysia could be the option for you! Malaysia is also popular as an alternative selection for patients from regional countries like Singapore and Indonesia!
Kitakurang, a holistic program that offers packages such as the swallowable balloon with certified dietician services, aims to help every overweight person's journey to lose weight in a medically, healthy and sustainable way. You may click here to find out more with a special code: G2JB!
The gastric balloon procedure can help you lose weight and improve your health therefore, choose the option that meets your needs and goals.. You want to have the best experience with it, so choose carefully.