Intra-Gastric Ballon (6&12 Months)
What Is a Gastric Balloon and How is it Applied?
A Gastric Balloon (also called Intra-Gastric Balloon Placement) is a non-surgical weight loss treatment designed for patients who want to lose weight without undergoing bariatric surgery.
The balloon is made of soft medical-grade silicone and is inserted into the stomach, where it is filled with 400–700 ml of saline solution. By partially filling the stomach, the balloon helps patients:
-
Eat less food
-
Feel full more quickly
-
Stay satisfied for longer
Because the balloon is placed endoscopically through the mouth rather than through surgical incisions, it is a minimally invasive option with faster recovery.
There are three common types of gastric balloons:
-
6-month balloon
-
12-month balloon
The balloon is placed during a short, outpatient procedure that usually takes about 20 minutes under light sedation. The process involves:
-
Endoscopic evaluation – A flexible camera (endoscope) is inserted through the mouth to examine the esophagus, stomach, and small bowel for safety.
-
Balloon placement – A deflated silicone balloon is guided into the stomach via a catheter alongside the endoscope.
-
Inflation – Once in place, the balloon is filled with sterile saline until the desired size is reached.
-
Completion – The catheter and endoscope are removed, leaving the balloon inside the stomach.
The balloon remains in the stomach for its intended lifespan and is later removed endoscopically.
Types of Gastric Balloons
Spatz III Adjustable Balloon (Next Generation)
-
A saline-filled balloon that occupies about one-third of the stomach volume.
-
Adjustable in size, offering flexibility to improve results or reduce discomfort.
-
Inserted and removed endoscopically.
Medsil Balloon
-
Designed to stay in the stomach for up to 6 months.
-
Inserted and removed in the same way as the Spatz balloon.
Orbera Balloon
-
Available in models lasting 6 months or 12 months.
-
Placement and removal process identical to other gastric balloons.
Key Benefits of Gastric Balloon
-
Non-surgical: No incisions or permanent changes to the stomach.
-
Quick procedure: Placement takes only 15–20 minutes.
-
Temporary: Balloon is removed after 6–12 months, depending on the type.
-
Effective: Helps patients lose a significant portion of excess weight when combined with diet and lifestyle changes.
Gastric Balloon Procedure: Before, During & After
​
​
-
The Gastric Balloon is one of the simplest and least invasive weight loss procedures. To ensure safety and success, patients must follow these steps before the procedure:
-
3-day liquid diet before insertion to prepare the stomach.
-
12 hours of fasting prior to the procedure.
-
Pre-operative tests such as COVID-19 PCR, ECG, and other routine screenings.
-
Once ready, the patient is sedated, and the endoscopic procedure begins.
Preparing for Gastric Balloon Insertion
Inserting the Gastric Balloon
-
The balloon is placed using a flexible endoscope passed through the mouth into the stomach.
-
For traditional balloons: the deflated balloon is guided into the stomach and then filled with sterile saline via a catheter.
-
For swallowable balloons: the balloon is swallowed in capsule form, then inflated inside the stomach.
-
The procedure usually takes 20 minutes, and most patients can go home within an hour. At MedFinders, we recommend an overnight hospital stay to ensure maximum comfort and safety.
-
The Gastric Balloon can be deflated and removed at any time by a medical professional if needed.
Gastric Balloon Adjustment Procedure
-
In some cases, the balloon’s volume may need to be changed:
-
If side effects are severe (nausea, vomiting, pain).
-
If the balloon feels ineffective, and the patient can still eat larger portions.
-
Adjustments are made with a quick 15-minute endoscopic procedure under sedation. Preparation is the same as the initial insertion — 3 days of liquid diet and 12 hours of fasting. Patients are usually discharged within an hour.
After the Gastric Balloon Procedure
-
Some temporary side effects are normal during the first week, including:
-
Stomach discomfort
-
Nausea and vomiting
-
Bloating
-
Acid reflux
-
Patients are given medication to help with these symptoms. If side effects last longer than a week, the patient should contact their Patient Coordinator for support.
Removal of the Gastric Balloon
​
-
Standard Balloons (Medsil, Orbera, Spatz): Removed endoscopically after 6–12 months, depending on the type.
-
Preparation for removal is the same: 3 days liquid diet + 12 hours fasting. The procedure is quick, and patients are usually discharged within an hour.
All Inclusive
Gastric Ballon Package
Package includes Pre-op tests, aftercare essentials, 1 night/ 2 Days Stay, VIP transfers, Hotel with Breakfast Included, English/Portuguese/Spanish speaking patient co-ordinator and a nurse, Dietician Support, Medication for 3 months, Suplements and Protein Shake with Bootle. Medical Documents Translated in 2 languages.
Contact us to get a FREE Quote!
Start your journey to a healthier You.