Gastric Balloon

A gastric balloon is a soft silicone balloon placed in the stomach by endoscopy and filled with fluid. By taking up space in the stomach it creates an early feeling of fullness; it is a temporary method that requires no surgery and is removed when its time is up.

Overview

A gastric balloon is used for people with moderate excess weight who are not suitable for weight-loss surgery or do not want an operation. No incision or stitches are made in the stomach; the balloon is placed through the mouth.

Because the balloon fills part of the stomach, you feel full after eating less and the stomach empties more slowly. However, the balloon alone does not give a lasting result: the real goal is to build new eating habits while it is in place.

The type of balloon and how long it stays in the stomach (usually 6 or 12 months) are decided according to your weight and health.

Endoscopic method with no incisions or stitches
Temporary: the balloon is removed when its time is up
An option for people who are not suitable for surgery
Habit change with a dietitian while the balloon is in place

What Is a Gastric Balloon?

A gastric balloon is a soft silicone balloon that is placed in the stomach empty and then filled with sterile fluid, usually to a volume of 400–700 ml. It sits freely inside the stomach and fills part of it.

As a result, a smaller amount of food is enough to feel full at meals and the feeling of fullness lasts longer. The balloon is not permanent; it is removed by endoscopy when the period set by the manufacturer ends.

Who Is a Candidate for a Gastric Balloon?

Adults with a BMI of roughly 27–40 who cannot lose weight permanently through diet
People who are not suitable for weight-loss surgery or prefer not to have it
As an interim step before surgery in patients with very high weight, to reduce surgical risk
People willing to follow a dietitian’s guidance and change their eating habits

When it is not suitable

Previous stomach surgery
A large hiatus hernia, an active stomach ulcer or stomach bleeding
Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant
Continuous use of blood-thinning medication
An untreated serious eating disorder

How Is a Gastric Balloon Placed?

You need to fast for 6–8 hours before the procedure. The balloon is usually placed by endoscopy under sedation:

The stomach is first examined with an endoscope to confirm there is nothing preventing balloon placement
The empty balloon is passed through the mouth into the stomach
The balloon is filled with sterile fluid under camera guidance
Its correct position and volume are checked

The procedure generally takes 20–30 minutes, and most patients go home the same day or after one night of observation. Some balloon types can be swallowed as a capsule without endoscopy; whether this option suits you is assessed at your consultation.

The First Days After Placement

While the stomach gets used to the balloon, nausea, vomiting, cramp-like abdominal pain and bloating are common in the first 3–7 days. These symptoms are usually controlled with the stomach-protecting and anti-nausea treatment your doctor recommends.

Clear liquids are taken in the first days, then purées and soft foods; within about 2–3 weeks you move on to a normal-texture diet with small portions. It is important to take fluids in small sips spread throughout the day.

Living and Eating With a Balloon

Eat 4–6 small meals a day, slowly and chewing well
Give priority to protein sources and vegetables at meals
Avoid sugary and fizzy drinks and high-calorie liquids
Drink fluids between meals rather than with them
Do at least 150 minutes of walking or similar exercise a week
Attend dietitian check-ups regularly

The time the balloon is in place is an opportunity to establish habits such as portion control and regular activity. If these habits are not kept up after the balloon is removed, weight can be regained.

Possible Risks and Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain in the first days (the most common side effects)
Reflux and heartburn
Fluid loss from prolonged vomiting
Irritation or an ulcer in the stomach
The balloon deflating and passing into the intestine (rare; a change in urine colour can show that it has deflated)
Very rarely, stomach perforation or bowel obstruction

If you notice severe abdominal pain that does not settle, vomiting that will not stop or a blue-green change in urine colour, contact your doctor without delay.

How the Balloon Is Removed and What Comes Next

When the time is up, the balloon is removed by endoscopy, again under sedation: the fluid inside is drained and the deflated balloon is taken out through the mouth. The procedure generally takes 20–30 minutes.

Studies report an average loss of around 10–15 percent of total body weight during the balloon period; results vary from person to person and cannot be guaranteed. A lasting result depends on keeping up your eating and exercise routine after the balloon is removed.

Factors That Affect the Cost of a Gastric Balloon

The cost depends on the type of balloon and how long it stays in the stomach, the sedation used for placement and removal, pre-procedure tests and the scope of dietitian and doctor follow-up during the balloon period. A precise figure is given after your consultation.

Treatment Process

Preliminary Assessment

Your weight history, health and expectations are assessed to decide whether a gastric balloon suits you and which type to use.

Endoscopic Placement

Under sedation the stomach is examined and the balloon is placed and filled with fluid; the procedure usually takes about half an hour.

Follow-Up and Removal

Dietitian and doctor check-ups continue while the balloon is in place; when its time is up it is removed by endoscopy and your eating routine is maintained.

Who is it suitable for?

Adults with a BMI of roughly 27–40
People who do not want or are not suitable for weight-loss surgery
Patients with high weight who need to lose weight before surgery
People willing to change their eating habits

Quick Facts

Duration: Placement and removal 20–30 minutes each
Treatment Model: Balloon stays 6 or 12 months + dietitian follow-up
Recovery: Adjustment period 3–7 days
Method: Endoscopic balloon placement under sedation

Frequently Asked Questions

How much weight can I lose with a gastric balloon?

Studies report an average loss of around 10–15 percent of total body weight during the balloon period. The result depends on your eating and exercise routine and cannot be guaranteed.

Is a gastric balloon surgery?

No. The balloon is placed through the mouth by endoscopy; no incision or stitches are made. The procedure is usually done under sedation and you can go home the same day or the next day.

How long does the balloon stay in the stomach?

Usually 6 or 12 months, depending on the type of balloon. It must be removed when this period ends and is not left in longer than the manufacturer recommends.

Will I regain weight after the balloon is removed?

Weight can be regained if the eating and exercise habits built during the balloon period are not kept up. The balloon should therefore be seen as the start of a lasting lifestyle change.

When can I go back to work after balloon placement?

Nausea and cramps usually ease within the first 3–7 days. Most people can return to desk work after this adjustment period.