Gastric Balloon

The gastric balloon is one of the non-surgical methods used in obesity treatment. A soft silicone balloon, placed in the stomach endoscopically, occupies a portion of the stomach volume and helps patients feel full with smaller amounts of food. As it does not require surgery, the recovery period is short. This method can be considered as a treatment option for patients within a certain weight range.

What Is a Gastric Balloon?

The gastric balloon is a temporary medical device made from biocompatible silicone that is inflated with fluid or air once placed in the stomach. The procedure is performed via endoscopy and does not require any surgical incisions. The balloon occupies space in the stomach, creating an early sense of satiety during meals. As a result, patients feel full with smaller portions, and daily calorie intake decreases.

The gastric balloon is a temporary application. Depending on the type, it remains in the stomach for 4 to 12 months and is removed via endoscopy at the end of the treatment period.

Types of Gastric Balloons

Today, several types of gastric balloons are used. The most suitable type is determined based on the patient's weight, medical history, and the targeted treatment duration.

Fluid-filled gastric balloon (6 months): The classic balloon type, placed via endoscopy and filled with saline solution. It is typically inflated with 400-700 ml of fluid.

Air-filled gastric balloon: A lighter type of balloon filled with air. It places less weight on the stomach compared to fluid-filled balloons.

Swallowable gastric balloon (4 months): A balloon swallowed in capsule form without the need for endoscopy and inflated inside the stomach. After a certain period, it deflates spontaneously and is excreted naturally.

Adjustable gastric balloon (12 months): Designed for longer-term use. The balloon's volume can be increased or decreased as needed during the treatment process.

Who Is Eligible for a Gastric Balloon?

The gastric balloon is not suitable for every individual struggling with weight. Generally, suitable candidates include:

  • Individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 27-35
  • Patients with a BMI of 35 or higher who decline or are not eligible for bariatric surgery
  • Those who have not achieved sufficient results through diet and exercise
  • High-BMI patients who need to lose weight before bariatric surgery
  • Adults between 18-65 years old in suitable general health for the procedure

The gastric balloon is generally not recommended in the following cases:

  • Patients who have undergone previous stomach surgery
  • Individuals with active stomach ulcers or hiatal hernia
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Individuals with uncontrolled psychiatric conditions
  • Chronic alcohol or substance use

How Is the Procedure Performed?

Pre-Procedure Preparation

A detailed medical history is taken. Blood tests and, when needed, endoscopy and ultrasound examinations are performed. Dietitian and, if necessary, psychologist consultations are scheduled. Patients are required to fast for 8-12 hours before the procedure.

Placement of the Balloon

The procedure is performed under light sedation. The endoscope is advanced through the mouth into the stomach, after which the deflated balloon is placed inside. The balloon is then inflated with fluid or air. The entire procedure takes approximately 15-30 minutes.

In the swallowable balloon method, the patient swallows the balloon in capsule form, and the physician inflates it with fluid under radiological control. This method does not require endoscopy.

After the Procedure

The patient is usually discharged the same day after 3-4 hours of observation. Nausea, cramps, or mild abdominal pain may be experienced in the first few days; these symptoms decrease as the body adapts to the balloon.

Removal of the Balloon

At the end of the treatment period, the balloon is removed via endoscopy (or excreted naturally in the case of swallowable balloons). The removal procedure also takes about 15-20 minutes on average.

The Gastric Balloon Process and Nutrition

After balloon placement, the nutrition program follows specific stages:

Week 1: Liquid foods only (water, soup, ayran/yogurt drinks, fresh juices) Week 2: Soft, puréed foods Week 3 and beyond: Transition to solid foods in small portions

Dietitian follow-up throughout the treatment is very important. Adopting healthy eating habits is essential to maintain the effects of the balloon.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Gastric Balloon

Advantages

  • A non-surgical, reversible method
  • Light sedation is sufficient, no general anesthesia required
  • Short recovery period (1-2 days)
  • An alternative for patients ineligible for bariatric surgery
  • Can be used as preparation before bariatric surgery

Disadvantages

  • A temporary solution (4-12 months)
  • Risk of weight regain after treatment
  • Nausea, vomiting, and cramps may occur in the first week
  • Without lifestyle changes, long-term results may not be sustained
  • Weight loss is more limited compared to surgical procedures

Expected Outcomes

Clinical studies on patients who have used gastric balloons generally observe the following outcomes:

  • Loss of approximately 20-25% of excess weight during the treatment period
  • Reduction in food portion sizes and extended satiety
  • Reshaping of eating habits
  • Mild improvements in high blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels

Long-term success of the treatment depends on the patient's ability to maintain healthy eating and active lifestyle habits after balloon removal.

Possible Side Effects and Risks

The gastric balloon is a relatively safe application, but some side effects and rare complications may occur:

  • Nausea and vomiting (especially in the first week)
  • Abdominal pain and cramps
  • Reflux and heartburn
  • Balloon deflation or migration (rare)
  • Irritation of the stomach lining
  • Stomach perforation in very rare cases

For these reasons, monitoring by an experienced gastroenterology team during and after the procedure is essential.

Gastric Balloon or Bariatric Surgery?

The gastric balloon and surgical bariatric methods address different patient groups:

  • The gastric balloon is suitable for patients with lower BMI who decline surgery. It is not a permanent solution but a temporary aid.
  • Surgical methods (gastric sleeve, gastric bypass) are preferred in advanced obesity cases when more sustained results are targeted.

When deciding which method is appropriate, the patient's BMI, accompanying conditions, age, expectations, and lifestyle should all be evaluated.

FAQ

Since the procedure is performed under sedation, no pain is felt during placement. However, abdominal pain, nausea, and cramps may occur in the first few days after the procedure.

Weight loss varies between individuals. Clinical observations suggest that approximately 20-25% of excess weight can be lost during the treatment period.

Yes, weight regain is possible if eating habits do not change. For this reason, dietitian follow-up during and after the balloon process is very important.

The procedure takes approximately 15-30 minutes and does not require hospitalization. The patient is discharged the same day after a few hours of observation.

Most patients return to daily activities within 2-3 days. Intense physical activity is not recommended in the first week due to possible mild symptoms.