Gastric Balloon
Gastric Balloon
What Is a Gastric Balloon?
The gastric balloon is a non-surgical, temporary weight loss procedure designed for patients who struggle with obesity and have not seen success through diet and exercise alone. A soft, saline- or gas-filled balloon is placed in the stomach via endoscopy to limit food intake and promote a feeling of fullness, helping patients consume fewer calories and lose weight more effectively.
This procedure is ideal for individuals looking for a less invasive alternative to bariatric surgery.
Why Choose a Gastric Balloon?
- Non-surgical & minimally invasive
- Reversible (removed after 6–12 months)
- No general anesthesia required
- Supports long-term lifestyle changes
- Effective weight loss: Patients typically lose 10–15% of their total body weight
- Quick recovery and outpatient procedure
It also helps address weight-related conditions like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea when combined with healthy lifestyle habits.
Pre-Treatment Consultation
A comprehensive consultation is essential to determine if you are a good candidate. It includes:
- Full medical history
- Physical examination
- Blood work & imaging (if needed)
- Discussion about expectations, risks, and commitment to a post-treatment nutrition plan
Your provider will assess BMI, health conditions, and readiness for lifestyle changes before recommending a gastric balloon.
Before and After the Treatment
Before:
- You may be advised to fast for 8–12 hours
- Anti-nausea medications may be prescribed in advance
- Light sedation is used during balloon placement via endoscopy
After:
- Mild discomfort, nausea, or bloating in the first 3–5 days is normal
- You’ll follow a liquid diet for the first few days, then gradually reintroduce soft and solid foods
- Patients are enrolled in a medically supervised nutrition and lifestyle program for 6–12 months
Removal: After the treatment duration (usually 6 months), the balloon is deflated and removed via endoscopy.
How Is the Treatment Performed?
- Placement:
- The balloon is inserted into the stomach via endoscopy (a thin tube through the mouth)
- Once in place, the balloon is filled with sterile saline (liquid) or gas
- Takes about 20–30 minutes with no incisions
- Monitoring:
- Patients are monitored for 1–2 hours before being discharged
- You’ll begin a medically guided program for diet, exercise, and behavior change
- Removal (after 6–12 months):
- Balloon is deflated and removed via endoscopy
- No downtime required post-removal
Treatment Options for Gastric Balloon
There are different FDA-approved and CE-marked gastric balloon systems available in the market:
- Orbera®: A saline-filled balloon used for 6 months; most widely used globally
- Spatz3®: Adjustable balloon allowing volume increase/decrease during the treatment
- Obalon®: A swallowable, gas-filled capsule balloon that requires no endoscopy for placement
- Elipse® Balloon: Swallowable, no endoscopy needed for placement or removal; deflates and passes naturally after 4 months
Your doctor will recommend the most suitable option based on your goals and anatomy.
