Gastric Balloon

Overview

A gastric balloon (also called intragastric balloon) is a soft silicone balloon placed in the stomach during a 20-minute endoscopy and filled with sterile saline. It takes up space, makes you feel full faster, and helps you eat smaller portions — supporting weight loss of typically 10–20 kg over 6 months. It's a non-surgical, reversible option for people with a BMI between 27 and 40 who want a structured kick-start to weight loss alongside diet and lifestyle change. The balloon is removed (also by endoscopy) at 6 months.

Who Is It For?

• Adults with BMI between 27 and 40 who want a non-surgical option
• People who have struggled to lose weight with diet and exercise alone
• Patients preparing for major surgery who need to lose weight first
• A pre-bariatric step for high-BMI patients (>40) to reduce surgical risk
• NOT suitable: previous stomach surgery, large hiatal hernia, active ulcer, pregnancy
• NOT suitable: untreated severe reflux, certain psychiatric conditions, alcohol or drug-use disorder

Before the Procedure

• Initial consultation with a GI specialist and dietitian to confirm suitability
• Pre-procedure tests: blood work and an upper endoscopy to rule out ulcers, hiatal hernia, or H. pylori
• Treat any H. pylori infection before placement
• Start a liquid diet 1–2 days before placement (you'll be on liquids for the first week after, too)
• Fast 8 hours before the procedure
• Arrange a driver — sedation prevents driving for 24 hours
• Plan to take 1–2 days off work for the initial adjustment phase

After Insertion (The 6-Month Plan)

• First week: liquids only — expect nausea and cramping; anti-nausea medication is provided
• Weeks 2–4: gradually advance to soft foods, then small regular meals
• Eat slowly, chew thoroughly, and stop at the first sign of fullness
• Avoid carbonated drinks, alcohol, and lying down within 1 hour of eating
• Take a daily multivitamin and acid-reducing medication for 6 months
• Walk daily and add structured exercise from week 3 onwards
• Monthly follow-up with the dietitian — adherence to coaching predicts success
• Most weight is lost in the first 3 months; the balloon is removed at 6 months

When to Call Your Doctor

Call us right away if you have severe nausea or vomiting that prevents fluid intake for more than 24 hours, severe abdominal pain, signs of dehydration, or sudden absence of nausea and weight gain (which may indicate balloon deflation). Mild nausea, cramps, and reflux during the first week are expected and improve quickly.