Gastric Balloon in Mexico: Guide on Costs, Procedures, and Packages

Get ready for a healthy transformation with a low-cost gastric balloon in Mexico! Discover the procedures, top bariatric surgeons, and best hospitals in the guide below! Learn about costs, all-inclusive packages, recovery tips, and much more.

Gastric Balloon in Mexico

Weight Loss Surgery in Mexico Reviews

Are you curious about the experiences of others who have undergone weight loss surgery in Mexico?
Let’s hear it straight from the patients!

Check out some pictures of the incredible transformation achieved through the balloon surgery!

Gastric Balloon Before & After in Mexico

Here are some transformative results people achieved through this life-changing gastric balloon surgery!

Gastric Balloon in Cancun, Mexico
Gastric Balloon Before & After in Mexico
Before & After Gastric Balloon in Mexico
Gastric Balloon Before & After in Mexico

Read on to find out how much getting a gastric balloon costs in Mexico!

How Much Does a Gastric Balloon in Mexico Cost?

The cost of a gastric balloon in Mexico is $3,650. This package includes pre and post-op tests, take-home medications, and a personalized diet during your hospital stay.

Additionally, it offers airport pick-up and drop-off services and transportation to and from the hospital and hotel. It also includes a one-night pre-surgery hotel stay for the patient and one guest.

In comparison, gastric balloon cost without insurance in the US is $9,000. That’s a savings of nearly 60% with surgery in Mexico!

See the following table for more price details.

Gastric Balloon Cost in Mexico vs US/Canada
Procedure MexicoUS/CanadaSavings
Gastric Balloon Placement Surgery $3,650$9,00059%
Gastric Balloon Removal Surgery$2,100$6,00065%
*Prices are case-dependent.

Mexico is an affordable alternative for self-pay and cash-pay patients in the US or Canada.

Learn all about the cost of weight loss surgery in Mexico – perfect for every budget!

However, gastric balloon prices may vary from city to city in Mexico. Check out the table below to explore!

Gastric Balloon Cost in Mexican Cities
CityPlacement CostRemoval Cost
Tijuana$3,995$1,345
Cancun$3,650$2,100
Guadalajara $4,110$2,642
Piedras Negras*$5,000
*Allurion gastric balloon
*Prices are case-dependent.

Check out gastric balloon in Cancun, Mexico, which is the cheapest place in Mexico to get a gastric balloon.

All-Inclusive Gastric Balloon Package in Mexico

Discover our all-inclusive package that covers all that you need for a smooth and affordable weight-loss journey!

Package Inclusions

  • Take-home medications
  • Pre and post-operative tests
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off services
  • Customised pre and post-operative diet plan
  • Necessary medications during your hospital stay
  • Transportation to and from the hospital and hotel
  • One-night accommodation for both patient and one guest before the surgery

Package Exclusions

  • Airfare
  • Meals for accompanying guests
  • Additional prescribed medications (such as anti-asthma, blood pressure, etc.)

For your convenience, we also provide various payment choices:

  1. Make payments via PayPal or Zelle.
  2. Use debit or credit cards such as VISA or Mastercard.

Financing Options

Let us ease your financial worries in your weight loss journey! Here are some financing alternatives we offer:

  • SuperMoney: Platform to compare loans for weight loss surgery
  • eMedical Financing: Different loan options based on your credit score, with many lenders
  • MediCard: Flexible loans for Canadian weight loss patients
  • Paypal: Provides a reusable line of credit to your expenses over time

You can also check out our article on finance bariatric surgery in Mexico for more information!

Take the first step today!

Why Do People Go to Mexico for Gastric Balloon?

  • High Success Rate: Gastric balloon procedures in Mexico consistently show high success rates.
    On average, patients achieved a total body weight loss of 21.3 kg (17.1%) in 12 months.[1]ScienceDirect
    Gastric Balloon
    “After 1 year of balloon treatment, a mean weight loss of 21.3 kg (17.1%) was achieved in all patients.”
    View in Article
  • Accredited Professionals: Most of our surgeons in Mexico are active members of prestigious organizations like IFSO and ASMBS, ensuring top-notch medical care.
  • Cost-Effective Option: Compared to other countries, surgery in Mexico can help you save upto 60%, offering quality treatment at a fraction of the price.
  • Tourism and Recovery: Patients can enjoy Mexico’s culture and scenery during recovery, making their medical trip a rejuvenating experience.

Wondering if you’re eligible for a gastric balloon? Explore the patient requirements for this surgery!

Patient Requirements for Gastric Balloon in Mexico

Here are some essential requirements experts consider necessary for a smooth and successful completion of the surgery:

  • You might qualify if your BMI is 35 or higher or if you weigh more than 100 pounds above your ideal weight.
  • Or, if your BMI is less than 35 but you have serious health problems due to obesity like diabetes or high blood pressure.

Additionally, a gastric balloon might also be the best option if:

  • You haven’t been able to lose weight with diet, lifestyle changes, or medications.
  • You prefer a less invasive alternative to an anatomy-changing weight loss surgery.
  • Your BMI is extremely high for other operative bariatric procedures, but you desire to lose your excess weight.
  • Your surgeon suggested that you need to lose weight before getting your desired bariatric surgery because your BMI does not qualify for it.[2]ScienceDirect
    Gastric Balloon
    “It is a potential option for patients who are unwilling to undergo bariatric surgery or who are not suitable candidates for bariatric surgery. Balloon implantation could also be used as a temporary measure in superobese patients to induce weight loss and decrease the risk of complications associated with further bariatric surgery.”
    View in Article

Now, let’s delve into understanding the procedure itself.

What Is Gastric Balloon Surgery?

Gastric balloon, also known as intragastric balloon surgery, is a non-invasive weight loss procedure.

In this, a saline-filled silicon balloon is placed into your stomach through the mouth. It makes you feel full and helps you limit the amount of food you can eat, promoting weight loss.

Source: Mayo Clinic[3]Mayo Clinic
Intragastric Balloon
“Intragastric balloon placement is a weight-loss procedure that involves placing a saline-filled silicone balloon in your stomach.”
View in Article

What Happens During the Gastric Balloon Insertion Procedure?

It is recommended that the patient maintain a clear liquid diet a few days before the procedure to empty the stomach.

Ballon Placement Procedure

Here’s what happens during the gastric balloon insertion procedure:

  • The surgeon will first give you general anesthesia to make you comfortable.
  • Then, a thin tube with a camera called an endoscope will be gently inserted through your mouth and into your stomach.
  • Using the endoscope, the deflated balloon will be carefully placed in your stomach through your esophagus.
  • Once in place, the gastric balloon will be filled with saline until it’s about the size of a grapefruit.
  • The balloon will then take up space in your stomach, making you feel full and helping with weight loss.

Overall, this procedure is relatively quick, typically taking roughly about 30 minutes in an endoscopy center.

The patient may be discharged 1 to 2 hours after placement of the balloon.

Source: Health Direct[4]Health Direct
Inserting a gastric balloon
“What does the procedure involve? Inserting a gastric balloon usually takes 20 minutes to an hour.”
View in Article

Types of Gastric Balloons

Currently, two saline-filled gastric balloons are the most popular choice among the experts in Mexico:

  • Spatz3
  • Orbera

However, If you’re unsure which option suits you best, consider what features might be your priority.

  • Flexible design, its volume can be adjusted – increased or reduced – throughout the treatment period.
  • Does not have a completely smooth surface since the catheter forms a sort of tail.
  • The estimated excess weight loss with Spatz3 ballon is 45.8%.[5]NLM
    Intragastric balloon
    “The total body weight loss is measured at approximately 10.2%, with excess weight loss measuring at 26.5%.”
    View in Article

Source: PMC[6]PMC
The Swallowable Intragastric Balloon Combined with Lifestyle Coaching
“its volume can be adjusted – increased or reduced – throughout the treatment period and not only initially at the time of inflation. However, it has the serious disadvantage of not having a completely smooth surface since the site for insertion of the filling valve forms a sort of ‘tail’. On the other hand, according to the manufacturers, this ‘tail’ may prevent or delay a deflated balloon from passing through the duodenum.”
View in Article

  • Volume is determined and adjusted by the surgeon during the insertion.
  • Smooth with no catheter hanging from it, which helps in avoiding any irritation on the stomach lining.
  • The estimated excess weight loss with Obera ballon is 26.5%.[7]NLM
    Intragastric balloon
    “The total body weight loss is measured at 20.1%, with an estimated weight loss of 45.8%.”
    View in Article

Source: PMC[8]PMC
The Swallowable Intragastric Balloon Combined with Lifestyle Coaching
“After an initial diagnostic endoscopy, the balloon placement assembly is inserted orally into the gastric fundus and a volume of 500 to 700 mL saline solution – at the discretion of the physician – is used for balloon inflation through a closed infusion circuit, the whole procedure being performed under direct endoscopic supervision. After completion of inflation, the infusion system is closed,….. leaving the balloon in the fundus, but floating freely in the stomach.”
View in Article

It is important to talk to your doctor to understand weight loss expectations and the results of each type of gastric balloon.

Gastric Balloon Removal Procedure

Depending on the type, the balloon has to be removed after 6-12 months of the placement procedure.

Removal is a simple 30-minute procedure similar to balloon placement.

Here’s what happens when it’s time to remove the gastric balloon:

  • Your surgeon may advise you a clear liquid diet a couple of days before removal to ensure emptying of the stomach is adequate.
  • Then, you’ll be given general anesthesia to help you feel comfortable during the procedure.
  • A thin tube with a camera will be gently inserted through your mouth and into your stomach.
  • Using this tube, the doctor will carefully pop the balloon, drain the liquid from it, and remove the deflated balloon.
  • After the balloon is removed, you’ll typically be able to go home the same day and resume normal activities.

If you have any questions or concerns about the procedure, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor.

Source: Bariatric Times[9]Bariatric Times
Surgical Pearls: The Intragastric Balloon Procedure
“Removal. Puncture and deflation of the IGB…… A strict gastric emptying protocol is recommended 48 hours before the patient is due to undergo the balloon removal procedure. With the patient in the left lateral position, we introduce the scope with the extraction needle in the working channel to perforate the balloon and to suction the saline with a central vacuum or a pump until the IGB is completely deflated The balloon should only be grasped when it is thoroughly contracted and devoid of any internal saline..”
View in Article

Allurion Gastric Balloon

Allurion, previously known as Elipse, is the only gastric balloon that is swallowed as a pill and removed via natural excretion. This does not require any endoscopic procedure.

Allurion Gastric Balloon in Mexico
Allurion Gastric Balloon

Placement Procedure

  • During your outpatient visit, the placement procedure takes only 15 minutes.
  • You’ll simply swallow a capsule containing the deflated Balloon along with a catheter.
  • The surgeon will confirm the balloon’s placement in your stomach using X-ray technology.
  • The balloon will then be filled with water through the catheter.
  • Another x-ray will ensure the balloon is correctly filled.

The balloon stays in the stomach for up to 4 months.

Removal Procedure

  • Inside the balloon, there’s resorbable material that degrades over time.
  • As it degrades, a natural release valve opens up, allowing the balloon to empty.
  • Eventually, it’s naturally excreted from your body.

This balloon might be good for patients who want to avoid getting an endoscopic procedure or undergoing anesthesia.

Source: PMC[10]PMC
The Procedureless Elipse Gastric Balloon Program: Multicenter Experience in 1770 Consecutive Patients
“The Elipse balloon (Allurion Technologies, Natick, MA, USA) is compressed into a swallowable vegan capsule connected to a thin catheter,….. Placement is performed in a 20-min outpatient visit without endoscopy or sedation. After filling and once the correct position of the balloon is confirmed via an abdominal X-ray, the thin catheter is removed. At approximately 4 months, a valve in the Elipse balloon spontaneously opens, the balloon empties, and it is then excreted through the gastrointestinal tract..”
View in Article

Now, let us introduce you to the top surgeons in Mexico for a gastric balloon!

Best Gastric Balloon Surgeons in Mexico

Meet the skilled, board-certified surgeons who contribute to the safety and success of your surgery.

Dr. Guillermo Lopez
Dr. Guillermo Lopez
LIMARP, Tijuana
  • 37+ years experience
  • Performed 5000+ surgeries
  • Specialization in general surgery, Autonomous University of Mexico
  • Medical Assistant Director at the Tijuana General Hospital (from March 2011)
  • International Member of the ASMBS
  • Trained by the IFSO
Dr. Hector Perez Corzo
Dr. Hector Perez
Hospital Joya, Cancun
  • 16+ years of experience
  • Graduated with honors from Mexican National University in 2006
  • 0% complication rate
  • 5,000+ surgeries performed
  • Certified by the Mexican Council of General Surgery
  • Member of the IFSO, CMCOEM, and AMCE
Dr. Gilberto Gonzalez
Dr. Gilberto Gonzalez
Lomas Providencia, Guadalajara
  • 10+ years of experience
  • Studied from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Guadalajara
  • 2,856+ surgeries performed
  • Certified by the Mexican Council of General Surgery
  • Member of the CMCOEM and IFSO
  • Fellowship in Obesity Surgery and Metabolic Diseases by the Center of Excellence for the Study and Treatment of Obesity and Diabetes, Valladolid, Spain
Dr. Cristóbal Garza
Dr. Cristóbal Garza
Piedras Negras
  • 10+ years of expertise with 3500+ successful surgeries
  • Graduate in General Medicine from Universidad de Monterrey, Mexico
  • Specializes in Allurion gastric balloon surgeries
  • Part of CMCOEM, the largest group of bariatric surgeons in the country
  • He uses state-of-the-art facilities like laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery systems

Best Gastric Balloon Hospitals in Mexico

Here’s a list of Mexico’s top hospitals for gastric balloons, known for diagnostic accuracy, treatment effectiveness, safety, and patient comfort.

LIMARP Hospital, Tijuana

  • Fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology for clinical diagnosis
  • Modern post-surgical recovery rooms
  • Endosuite-type (advanced surgery rooms for endoscopic procedures) operating rooms
  • Multiple specialized patient rooms
  • Accredited as the International Center of Excellence for Obesity
LIMARP Hospital
LIMARP Hospital, Tijuana

Hospital Joya, Cancun

  • Over 20 years of proven success
  • Modern suites fully equipped with cutting-edge technology
  • Competent bilingual staff delivering outstanding healthcare
  • Implementation of innovative methods such as laparoscopic weight loss surgery
  • On-site laboratory and imaging facilities
Hospital Joya
Hospital Joya, Cancun

Lomas Providencia, Guadalajara

  • Equipped with state-of-the-art technology for clinical diagnosis
  • Personalized 24/7 support with excellence, confidentiality, and security
  • Adherence to the highest standards of quality, ethics, and professionalism
  • Compliance with national and international regulations, including PACAL recognition
  • Conducted over 1,500 diagnostic studies
Hospital Lomas Providencia
Hospital Lomas Providencia, Guadalajara

Book your consultation today!

Recovery from the Gastric Balloon Surgery

Recovering from a gastric balloon procedure is different than it is from other weight loss surgeries.

There are two procedures to recover from:

  1. The placement of the weight-loss balloon,
  2. The removal, usually 6-12 months after the placement, depends on which type of balloon was used.

Both are minimally invasive non-surgical procedures that take 1-2 days to recover from.

Following a careful post-balloon diet plan is crucial to prevent discomfort or complications during recovery.

Post-Balloon Diet and Nutrition

  • After getting the gastric balloon, you’ll start with IV fluids or liquids, then move to soft foods for the first two weeks.
  • The diet after the balloon has four stages: liquids, puree, soft, and regular foods. It starts with smooth liquids for a week, then pureed foods for four days.
  • Patients are usually told to eat small, frequent meals with lots of protein and drink enough fluids to stay hydrated.

When removing the balloon, the provider may recommend a clear liquid diet a few days beforehand to ensure the stomach is empty enough.

Furthermore, your healthcare team will provide guidelines regarding diet restrictions before and after your surgery.

Source: Health Direct[11]Health Direct
Inserting a gastric balloon
“How soon will I recover? You should be able to go home the same day or the day after. You may be able to take only liquids for a few weeks, progressing to soft food and then, after 1 to 2 weeks, to solid food. You should be able to return to work after 1 to 2 days, depending on how soon your stomach settles and your type of work..”
View in Article

Interested in some easy tips to help you stay successful after getting your gastric balloon? Read on!

Tips for Maintaining Success After Gastric Balloon

The gastric balloon may be one part of a comprehensive weight loss approach. Here are a few things you can do to get the best results after the surgery:

  • After surgery, regularly following up with your surgeon or dietician can significantly raise your weight loss success rate.[12]PMC
    Nutritional Management and Role of Multidisciplinary Follow-Up after Endoscopic Bariatric Treatment for Obesity
    “Several studies have emphasized the importance of adherence to follow-up with a multidisciplinary bariatric team to optimize weight loss results post-surgery. Sarwer et al. showed that patients who received dietary counselling achieved more significant weight loss after bariatric surgery than those who received standard postoperative care at six months.”
    View in Article
  • Combining balloon treatment with 12-month lifestyle coaching can maximize your weight loss results.[13]PMC
    The Swallowable Intragastric Balloon Combined with Lifestyle Coaching
    “Additional lifestyle coaching to the balloon placement might be essential for successful weight loss results. Since the balloon will deflate….the physical effect of the balloon will no longer be there. However, by combining the balloon with a 12-month lifestyle coaching program, the results achieved with the balloon can be maintained or even improved, as can be seen in this study’s results.”
    View in Article
  • About 50% of weight loss can be maintained with regular exercise and the right diet for at least a year after removal.[14]NLM
    Intragastric balloon
    “It is estimated that with the continuation of an exercise regimen and diet, approximately 50% of weight loss achieved during the intragastric balloon therapy can be maintained at least one year post balloon removal..”
    View in Article

Read on to learn more about the benefits of getting a gastric balloon!

Advantages of Gastric Balloon in Mexico

Choosing Mexico for a gastric balloon offers cost competitiveness, safety, high success rates, and flexible financing options.

Additionally, hospitals and surgeons associated with MBS offer a number of benefits specific to gastric balloon:

  • Shorter Waiting Periods: Swift access to medical care at premier hospitals in Mexico specializing in gastric balloon.
  • Easy Travel: Mexico’s strategic location near the US border and Canada significantly reduces travel time and additional expenses.
  • Board-Certified Surgeons: Procedures are conducted by top-rated, bariatric, board-certified surgeons with over 37 years of experience.
  • Modern Facilities: Our bariatric hospitals are equipped with advanced laparoscopic tools and amenities, including diagnostic imaging, on-site pharmacy, and emergency room facilities.
  • All-inclusive Gastric Balloon Surgery Mexico: Comprehensive packages ensuring complete comfort and transparency essential for a smooth weight loss journey.
  • Excellent Reviews: The extensive range of reviews and success stories regarding gastric balloon in Mexico speaks volumes.
  • Customizable Financing: Various financing options, including e-financing and SuperMoney, are available for Mexico gastric balloon.
Gastric Balloon in Cancun,Mexico
Benefits of Gastric Balloon Surgery in Mexico

Let’s delve into some uncommon side effects of gastric balloon placement so you can make an informed decision!

Gastric Balloon Side Effects

After the gastric balloon insertion, you might experience gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including some minor gastrointestinal symptoms like:

  • Acid reflux
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Indigestion and constipation
  • Abdominal pain and dyspepsia

These symptoms are normal and gradually ease as the body gets familiar with the presence of the balloon.

Your doctor will prescribe a daily antacid medicine to help relieve these issues.

However, in the majority of cases, individuals with a gastric balloon stop noticing its presence after around 1-2 weeks.

Source: Health Direct[15]Health Direct
Inserting a gastric balloon
“Gastric balloon complications feeling or being sick developing acid reflux constipation or diarrhoea.”
View in Article

Rare Complications

Uncommon occurrences may include:

  • Occasionally, balloon deflation after placement may lead to displacement from the stomach, potentially resulting in intestinal blockage.
  • In exceptional cases, there have been reports of esophagus or stomach perforation following balloon insertion.
  • Uncommon instances of balloon over-inflation post-placement, for reasons yet unknown, may necessitate early removal.

You can always contact your surgeon immediately for assistance, guidance, or any concerns you may have.

Source: MDPI[16]MDPI
Common, Less Common, and Unexpected Complications after Bariatric Surgery: A Pictorial Essay
“Significant complications include spontaneous deflation and migration of the balloon, peptic ulcers, gastric outlet obstruction, and gastric perforation.”
View in Article

Curious about safety in Mexico for gastric balloon surgery? Let’s explore.

Is Mexico safe for Gastric Balloon surgery?

Gastric balloon procedure in Mexico is one of the safest, non-surgical ways to lose up to 64% of weight in just 12 months.

  • All our partnered surgeons in Mexico hold over 37 years of experience and are board-certified bariatric surgeons.
  • Most of them are active members of prestigious organizations like IFSO and ASMBS and hold a track record of conducting over 10,000 complication-free surgeries.
  • Our partnered hospitals strictly abide by COFEPRIS safety standards as well as HIPAA compliance to protect your health information.
  • If safety in Mexico is your concern, around 11.7 million Americans and 1.5 million Canadians travel to Mexico annually.[17]RELACIONES EXTERIORES
    MEXICO TOURISM DATA AND STATISTICS
    “From January to November 2022, the arrival by air of residents of the United States stands out with 11.7 million, followed by Canada with 1.5 million.”
    View in Article

Learn more about is Mexico safe for bariatric surgery here!

Myths about Gastric Balloon Surgery in Mexico

As gastric balloons rise in popularity, so do the misconceptions surrounding them. Let’s clear up some myths and give you accurate facts about gastric balloons.

Gastric balloon surgeries are minimally invasive! The insertion procedure, in no case, involves incisions or removal of any part of your stomach.

In most cases, the gastric balloons can just simply be placed endoscopically through a special tube.

A gastric balloon is not permanent and is completely reversible!
The balloon placed in the patient’s stomach is removed after 6-12 months in most cases.

Gastric balloon removal is a simple and pain-free 30-minute procedure, similar to putting in the balloon.

A mild sedative keeps you relaxed during the entire removal process without any need for cutting, injections, or incisions!

For the first two weeks after gastric balloon insertion, you will be on an IV fluid/liquid diet or a soft diet. This is followed by a gradual transition to regular food.

Conclusion

Opting for a gastric balloon in Mexico isn’t just about shedding pounds. It’s a crucial step toward embracing a healthier lifestyle.

With skilled surgeons, top-notch facilities, and affordable packages, it’s an opportunity to unlock a brighter, healthier future.

FAQs

Yes, getting gastric balloon surgery in Mexico is worth it, as it offers board-certified surgeons, all-inclusive packages, and flexible financing options. It also provides various advantages like:

  • Modern facilities
  • Convenient travel
  • Patient satisfaction
  • Shorter waiting periods

The average weight loss with a gastric balloon is a total body weight loss of anywhere from 6 to 15%. Compared to this, only 1 to 5% can be lost through lifestyle modifications alone.

However, the range of weight loss varies from person to person and is case-dependent.

You will spend 1 night at our hospital, and our surgical team will monitor how you adapt to the balloon.

A subsequent stay may be suggested depending on various factors. These include the pace of recovery and any persistent symptoms or reactions that can only be determined by your surgeon.

The gastric balloon cost without insurance in the US is $ 9000. The cost of the same balloon surgery in Mexico is $3,650. That’s a savings of nearly 60% with surgery in Mexico!

Begin your weight loss journey today!

References

  1. ScienceDirect: Gastric Balloon
  2. ScienceDirect: Gastric Balloon
  3. Mayo Clinic: Intragastric Balloon
  4. Health Direct: Inserting a gastric balloon
  5. NLM: Intragastric Balloon
  6. PMC: The Swallowable Intragastric Balloon Combined with Lifestyle Coaching
  7. NLM: Intragastric Balloon
  8. PMC: The Swallowable Intragastric Balloon Combined with Lifestyle Coaching
  9. Bariatric Times: Surgical Pearls: The Intragastric Balloon Procedure
  10. PMC: The Procedureless Elipse Gastric Balloon Program: Multicenter Experience in 1770 Consecutive Patients
  11. Health Direct: Inserting a gastric balloon
  12. PMC: Nutritional Management and Role of Multidisciplinary Follow-Up after Endoscopic Bariatric Treatment for Obesity
  13. PMC: The Swallowable Intragastric Balloon Combined with Lifestyle Coaching
  14. NLM: Intragastric Balloon
  15. Health Direct: Inserting a gastric balloon
  16. MDPI: Common, Less Common, and Unexpected Complications after Bariatric Surgery: A Pictorial Essay
  17. RELACIONES EXTERIORES: MEXICO TOURISM DATA AND STATISTICS

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