A gastric balloon, also known as an intragastric balloon, is a non-surgical weight-loss procedure in which a soft silicone balloon is placed into the stomach and filled with saline or gas. The balloon takes up space in the stomach, helping patients feel full sooner and eat smaller portions.
The balloon is placed endoscopically using a thin, flexible tube passed through the mouth into the stomach. No surgical incisions are required. Depending on the type of balloon, it remains in place for several months before being removed.
The procedure is designed to support weight loss when combined with diet, exercise, and long-term lifestyle changes.
Reasons for gastric balloon placement
Your physician may recommend a gastric balloon for the following reasons:
- Obesity requiring medical weight-loss intervention
- A body mass index (BMI) generally greater than 30 kg/m²
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining weight loss through diet and exercise alone
- Weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnea, fatty liver disease, or joint pain related to excess weight
- A need for a temporary, non-surgical weight-loss option
- Pre-operative weight loss prior to bariatric surgery in selected patients
Eligibility is determined after a full medical evaluation by your healthcare provider.
Reasons for removal or exchange
The gastric balloon may be removed or replaced for the following reasons:
- Completion of the recommended treatment period (typically 6–12 months)
- Intolerance to the balloon
- Balloon deflation or malfunction
- Severe or persistent gastrointestinal symptoms
- Insufficient weight loss or need for alternative therapy
- Complications requiring early removal
Benefits of the gastric balloon
The gastric balloon is a minimally invasive, temporary weight-loss tool that can help patients develop healthier eating habits. Benefits include:
- A non-surgical weight-loss option
- No incisions or permanent changes to anatomy
- Helps reduce portion sizes
- Promotes earlier satiety (feeling full sooner)
- Supports lifestyle and behavioral changes
- May improve obesity-related health conditions
- Reversible and removable
How to prepare
Please inform your healthcare team if you have heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, a history of stomach or intestinal surgery, bleeding disorders, gastrointestinal ulcers, allergies to medications, or any other significant medical condition.
- Do not eat or drink anything for at least 8 hours before the procedure.
- Inform your physician of all medications you are taking.
- Follow instructions regarding blood thinners, diabetic medications, and insulin.
- Complete any required pre-procedure evaluations.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after the procedure.
What to expect during the procedure
- An intravenous (IV) line will be started.
- You will receive sedation or anesthesia to ensure comfort.
- An endoscope is passed through the mouth into the stomach.
- The deflated balloon is inserted into the stomach.
- The balloon is filled with sterile saline or gas to the appropriate volume.
- Placement is confirmed before the procedure is completed.
- The procedure generally takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
After the procedure
- Most patients go home the same day after a short recovery period.
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, or discomfort is common during the first few days.
- Medications may be prescribed to help control nausea and discomfort.
- A gradual diet progression will be recommended, starting with liquids and slowly advancing to solid foods.
- Follow-up visits with your physician and nutrition team are essential for success.
Contact your physician if you experience
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain
- Repeated vomiting
- Inability to tolerate fluids
- Fever or chills
- Signs of dehydration
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Severe chest pain or shortness of breath
Risks and possible complications
The gastric balloon is generally safe when placed by experienced physicians; however, complications can occur. Possible complications include:
- Nausea and vomiting (common in the early days)
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Acid reflux or heartburn
- Balloon deflation
- Gastric irritation or ulceration
- Intestinal blockage (rare)
- Dehydration
- Aspiration (rare)
- Adverse reactions to sedation or anesthesia
Most side effects improve within a few days as the body adjusts to the balloon.
Understanding long-term success
The gastric balloon is a temporary tool that must be combined with lifestyle changes for lasting results. Successful outcomes depend on:
- Following dietary recommendations
- Eating smaller portions
- Avoiding high-calorie foods and beverages
- Regular physical activity
- Ongoing nutritional counseling
- Behavioral and lifestyle modifications
- Close follow-up with your healthcare team
The balloon is typically removed after several months, and long-term success depends on maintaining healthy habits after removal.