Intragastric balloon placement is a minimally invasive obesity treatment in which a special balloon is placed in the stomach, temporarily taking up part of its volume. This can help reduce the amount of food eaten at one time and make weight loss easier.
At Baltic American Clinic, intragastric balloon placement is one of the options within comprehensive obesity treatment. Before the procedure, your health, previous attempts to lose weight and possible contraindications are assessed. Treatment is combined with individual dietary advice and follow-up care by a doctor.
Endoscopic balloon placement is carried out without operating on the abdominal wall.
The balloon is left in the stomach for a set period, depending on its type.
Before the procedure, it is determined whether this method is suitable according to medical indications.
Dietary advice helps you adapt to the balloon and build long-term habits.
When may a gastric balloon be recommended?
Intragastric balloon placement may be considered when:
- Obesity has been diagnosed. An additional treatment method is needed to reduce body weight.
- Previous attempts to lose weight have not been effective enough. Changes to diet and lifestyle alone have not achieved the intended results.
- You want to explore non-surgical treatment options. The patient is looking for an alternative to bariatric surgery.
- There are obesity-related health problems. Weight loss may be an important part of overall treatment.
- Individual, comprehensive treatment is needed. The balloon is considered as one of the measures, together with changes to diet and lifestyle.
Suitability for the procedure is assessed according to body mass index (BMI), other conditions, previous stomach surgery and the criteria for the specific balloon.
How does a gastric balloon work?
A gastric balloon takes up part of the stomach volume and can help you feel full sooner and eat less at each meal.
The balloon is not a permanent implant. How long it stays in the stomach depends on the model used and the treatment plan.
Weight loss depends not only on the balloon but also on diet, physical activity, individual characteristics and following the treatment advice.
How is a gastric balloon placed?
Doctor’s consultation
Your health, weight history, medicines, other conditions and previous treatments are assessed.
The expected benefits of the procedure, possible side effects, complications and alternative obesity treatments are discussed.
Preparing for the procedure
The necessary tests are carried out according to medical indications. The doctor checks for stomach or oesophageal diseases or other conditions that would make balloon placement unsuitable.
You are given individual instructions about fasting, not drinking and your medicines before the procedure.
Endoscopic balloon placement
During an endoscopic procedure, the balloon is passed through the mouth into the stomach without any surgical incisions. In the stomach, it is filled according to the requirements of the system used.
Pain relief or sedation is used during the procedure, depending on the chosen method and the anaesthetist’s assessment.
Monitoring after the procedure
After placement, your condition is monitored until you can safely continue your recovery. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps or discomfort may occur, especially in the first few days.
The doctor gives advice on diet, fluid intake, prescribed medicines and follow-up care.
After the procedure. If sedation or general anaesthesia was used, you must follow the medical staff’s instructions on getting home safely and temporarily limiting your activities.
Diet after gastric balloon placement
In the first days after the procedure, the stomach needs time to adapt. Your diet is changed gradually, following the doctor’s advice and the protocol for the specific balloon.
Initial period
You usually start with liquids and then move on to puréed or soft food. The exact stages and how long they last are set individually.
Returning to a normal diet
You gradually start eating food of normal consistency, in smaller portions and more slowly.
Long-term eating habits
It is important to get enough protein and fluids, eat regularly and recognise the feeling of fullness.
Care by a dietitian doctor helps you adapt your diet, deal with food tolerance problems and maintain the changes you have achieved.
How long does a gastric balloon stay in the stomach?
How long the balloon is used depends on its type. Different systems may be intended for several months of treatment, so the exact duration is discussed before placement.
Endoscopically placed balloons are usually removed within the period set by the manufacturer. Removal is carried out endoscopically.
It is important to keep to the planned balloon removal date. Leaving a balloon in for too long can increase the risk of complications.
After the balloon is removed, it is recommended to continue your individual obesity treatment and weight monitoring plan.
What are the possible risks and contraindications?
Intragastric balloon placement is not suitable for every patient. Before the procedure, the doctor assesses possible contraindications, side effects and the risk of complications.
Possible contraindications
Depending on the type of balloon, the procedure may be unsuitable in the case of:
- Certain previous stomach or oesophageal operations.
- Active gastric or duodenal ulcer disease.
- Severe oesophagitis or other significant digestive tract diseases.
- Certain anatomical changes of the stomach or oesophagus.
- Pregnancy.
- Other conditions in which the risks of the procedure outweigh the expected benefits.
Possible side effects and complications
The most common early symptoms are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and reflux.
Less often, damage to the stomach lining, an ulcer, dehydration, deflation or migration of the balloon, bowel obstruction and other serious complications may occur.
The final decision on whether the procedure is suitable is made by the doctor after assessing your individual risk.
When should you seek urgent help after the procedure?
Seek medical help immediately if, after balloon placement, you have:
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain.
- Persistent vomiting or inability to drink enough fluids.
- Vomiting blood or black stools.
- Marked bloating or difficulty passing wind or stools.
- Fever, fainting or severe weakness.
These signs may indicate complications that require urgent medical assessment. In life-threatening situations, call 112.
Frequently asked questions
Is intragastric balloon placement an operation?
Endoscopic intragastric balloon placement is not a surgical operation – the procedure is carried out through the mouth, without incisions in the abdominal wall. Nevertheless, it is an invasive medical procedure with possible risks.
How much weight can you lose with a gastric balloon?
Weight loss varies from person to person and depends on starting weight, balloon type, length of treatment and changes to diet and lifestyle. No specific result can be guaranteed.
Can a gastric balloon replace weight-loss surgery?
For some patients it may be a suitable non-surgical alternative, but a balloon and bariatric surgery differ in effectiveness, indications and long-term results.
Can I exercise after gastric balloon placement?
Physical activity is usually resumed gradually, depending on how you feel and the doctor’s advice. When to return to intensive exercise should be discussed individually.
Can the weight come back after the balloon is removed?
Yes. If changes to diet and lifestyle are not maintained, body weight can increase again. That is why long-term care is important.
Is a gastric balloon placed under general anaesthesia?
The type of anaesthesia depends on the procedure, the balloon type and an individual assessment of your health. It is discussed before the procedure.
Can the balloon be removed earlier than planned?
Yes, early removal may be considered if there are medical indications or if the balloon is poorly tolerated. The decision is made by the doctor.
Is a gastric balloon suitable for patients with a BMI below 30?
The criteria for some balloons may allow the procedure at a lower BMI. Suitability depends on the specific system, other conditions and the doctor’s assessment.
Price of intragastric balloon placement
Prices of intragastric balloon placement and related services are set by the Baltic American Clinic price list in force.
Additional tests, anaesthesia, monitoring, consultations, balloon removal and other services not included in the price of the chosen procedure are charged separately according to the price list in force.
The scope of the procedure, the services included in the price and any expected additional costs are discussed before treatment.