Gastric balloon guide
A gastric balloon is a non-surgical weight loss procedure that involves placing a soft, expandable balloon in the stomach to create a feeling of fullness, helping patients eat less and lose weight. This temporary device typically remains in place for 6-12 months, depending on the specific type used. For individuals struggling with obesity who haven't achieved success with diet and exercise alone, but who don't qualify for or prefer not to undergo bariatric surgery, gastric balloons offer a middle-ground solution with fewer risks than invasive procedures.
What is a Gastric Balloon?
A gastric balloon is a weight loss device designed to partially fill the stomach, reducing its capacity and helping patients feel full more quickly when eating. The deflated balloon is inserted into the stomach through the mouth using an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera) during a simple outpatient procedure. Once positioned correctly in the stomach, the balloon is filled with a sterile saline solution or gas, expanding to about the size of a grapefruit.
Most gastric balloons are silicone-based and designed to remain in the stomach temporarily, usually between 6 to 12 months before removal. During this period, patients typically work with healthcare professionals including dietitians, physicians, and sometimes psychologists as part of a comprehensive weight management program. The balloon serves as a tool to help establish healthier eating habits and lifestyle changes that can be maintained after its removal.
Different types of gastric balloons are available, including single balloons, dual-balloon systems, and adjustable balloons. Some newer models can be placed and removed without endoscopy, while others may be designed to deflate and pass naturally through the digestive system after a certain period.
How Does a Gastric Balloon Work?
The gastric balloon works through several mechanisms to promote weight loss. First, by occupying space in the stomach, it physically restricts the amount of food that can be consumed at one time. This creates earlier satiety (feeling full) during meals, naturally reducing portion sizes. When patients feel satisfied with smaller amounts of food, their overall caloric intake decreases.
Additionally, the balloon slows gastric emptying – the rate at which food leaves the stomach and enters the small intestine. This prolonged feeling of fullness helps reduce hunger between meals and diminishes the desire for snacking. The slower digestion process may also affect hormonal signals related to hunger and satiety.
The presence of the balloon also encourages patients to make dietary changes. Most will need to shift to eating smaller, more frequent meals and thoroughly chewing food to avoid discomfort. Patients are typically advised to focus on nutrient-dense foods and protein while limiting high-calorie liquids that can pass around the balloon.
It’s important to understand that the gastric balloon is not a permanent solution but rather a tool to help establish new eating behaviors during the treatment period. The most successful outcomes occur when patients use this time to develop sustainable dietary habits and increase physical activity with the guidance of healthcare professionals.
Is Gastric Balloon Safe?
Gastric balloon procedures are generally considered safe when performed by qualified healthcare providers on properly selected patients. As a less invasive alternative to bariatric surgery, these procedures carry lower risk profiles. However, like any medical intervention, they aren’t without potential complications.
The most common side effects occur during the first few days after balloon placement and include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and indigestion as the body adjusts to the foreign object in the stomach. These symptoms typically subside within a week as patients adapt, though anti-nausea medications may be prescribed to manage initial discomfort.
Serious complications are rare but may include balloon deflation, intestinal obstruction, stomach ulcers, or perforation. Modern balloons contain a harmless dye that changes urine color if the balloon leaks, alerting patients to seek immediate medical attention. Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers throughout the treatment period help monitor for potential issues.
Patient selection is crucial for safety. Ideal candidates typically have a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 30-40 kg/m² who haven’t achieved sufficient weight loss through lifestyle modifications alone. People with certain gastrointestinal conditions, previous stomach surgery, large hiatal hernias, or active ulcers may not be suitable candidates.
The temporary nature of the gastric balloon also contributes to its safety profile. Unlike permanent surgical alterations, the balloon is removed after a predetermined period, allowing the stomach to return to its normal function while ideally maintaining the behavioral changes developed during treatment.
Gastric Balloon Options and Costs
Several gastric balloon systems are available, each with distinct features and pricing structures. The cost typically covers the device itself, placement and removal procedures, and the accompanying support program. While insurance coverage varies, many patients pay out-of-pocket for this treatment.
| Balloon System | Duration in Stomach | Placement Method | Average Cost Range (UK) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orbera | 6 months | Endoscopic | £4,000-£5,500 |
| Obalon | 6 months | Swallowable capsule | £3,500-£6,000 |
| Spatz3 | Up to 12 months (adjustable) | Endoscopic | £5,000-£7,000 |
| Elipse | 4 months (passes naturally) | Swallowable capsule | £3,000-£4,500 |
| Allurion | 4 months (passes naturally) | Swallowable capsule | £3,000-£4,500 |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
The total cost often includes pre-procedure assessments, the insertion procedure, follow-up appointments, dietary counseling, and removal (if not naturally passing). Some providers offer payment plans to make the treatment more accessible. Costs can vary significantly based on geographic location, the specific clinic, and the comprehensiveness of the support program included.
When comparing options, patients should consider not only the cost but also the balloon’s features, placement method, duration, and the level of support provided during the treatment period. Programs that include comprehensive nutritional counseling, behavioral support, and fitness guidance typically yield better long-term results than those focused solely on balloon placement.
Expected Results and Long-term Outcomes
Patients can typically expect to lose 10-15% of their total body weight during the treatment period with a gastric balloon. However, results vary significantly based on adherence to the accompanying lifestyle program. Studies show that patients who actively participate in nutritional counseling and exercise guidance achieve better outcomes than those who rely solely on the balloon’s restrictive effects.
The most significant weight loss usually occurs during the first three months after placement, when the sensation of fullness is most noticeable and adaptation to new eating patterns is taking place. As the body adjusts to the balloon’s presence, some patients may experience a plateau in their weight loss.
Long-term success depends largely on the behavioral changes established during treatment. Without sustainable lifestyle modifications, many patients regain some or all of the lost weight after balloon removal. Research indicates that approximately 50% of the weight lost can be maintained 12 months post-removal if healthy habits are continued.
For some patients, the gastric balloon serves as a stepping stone toward more permanent weight loss solutions, while for others, it provides sufficient intervention when combined with lasting lifestyle changes. The most successful outcomes occur when patients view the balloon as a tool within a broader commitment to health rather than a standalone solution.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.
