What Is a Gastric Balloon and How Does It Work
A gastric balloon is a medical device placed inside your stomach to help with weight loss. The procedure involves inserting a deflated balloon through your mouth and down into your stomach. Once in place, a doctor fills the balloon with saline solution (salt water), which makes it expand to about the size of a grapefruit. This takes up space in your stomach, making you feel fuller faster when you eat.
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The balloon sits in your stomach for a set period, usually six months. During this time, it physically limits how much food you can eat at one sitting. Most people feel satisfied after eating smaller portions than they did before. The balloon doesn't prevent food from digesting normally—it simply reduces the amount of food your stomach can hold comfortably.
Unlike gastric bypass or gastric sleeve surgery, the balloon procedure is reversible and doesn't permanently change your stomach anatomy. After six months, a doctor removes the balloon in a second procedure. Your stomach returns to its normal size afterward. Some people choose to have another balloon placed if they want to continue the treatment.
The procedure is less invasive than weight loss surgery. There are no incisions, and recovery time is shorter. Most people go home the same day after the balloon placement. However, gastric balloons do carry some risks and side effects that you should understand before considering this option.
Key Takeaway: A gastric balloon is a temporary device that fills your stomach to help you eat less. It's reversible, doesn't require surgery, and typically stays in place for six months before removal.
Types of Gastric Balloons Currently Available
Several different gastric balloon systems exist, and each has slightly different features. Understanding the options can help you have informed conversations with medical providers about which might suit your situation.
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The Orbera balloon is one of the most commonly used systems in the United States. It's a single balloon filled with 400-700 milliliters of saline solution. Doctors place it endoscopically, meaning they use a thin tube with a camera to guide it into your stomach. The balloon stays in place for six months, then gets removed. Studies show people using Orbera lose an average of 10-15 pounds more than people who only diet.
The Reshape Duo system uses two smaller balloons instead of one large balloon. Some providers believe two balloons may distribute weight more evenly in the stomach. This system also remains in place for six months. The placement and removal procedures are similar to the Orbera system.
The Obalon system works differently. Instead of filling with saline, these are gas-filled balloons that weigh very little. Doctors can place multiple balloons—sometimes up to three—in your stomach. You swallow each balloon with a capsule, making it less invasive than other methods. However, Obalon balloons typically stay in the stomach for only four months, which is shorter than other options.
The Spatz3 balloon is adjustable, meaning doctors can add or remove saline solution from the balloon while it's in your stomach. This allows customization based on your comfort level and weight loss progress. It can stay in place for up to one year, longer than most other balloon options.
Key Takeaway: Multiple balloon systems exist with different features, materials, placement methods, and durations. Ask your provider which systems they offer and how each one works.
The Gastric Balloon Procedure: What Happens Before, During, and After
Understanding the step-by-step process can reduce anxiety and help you prepare mentally and physically for the procedure. Most clinics follow similar general steps, though specific details may vary by provider and balloon type.
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Before your procedure, you'll have a consultation with your doctor. They'll review your medical history, current medications, and weight loss goals. You'll likely have blood work and possibly an upper endoscopy or imaging study to check that your stomach is healthy and suitable for a balloon. Your doctor may ask you to stop certain medications before the procedure. Most clinics ask you to fast—not eat or drink anything—for at least six to eight hours before placement. This ensures your stomach is empty.
During the procedure, you'll be given sedation to keep you relaxed and comfortable, though you typically remain conscious. A doctor passes an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera) down your throat into your stomach. They guide the deflated balloon through the endoscope into your stomach. Once positioned correctly, they fill it with saline solution through a thin tube. The filling takes several minutes. The whole procedure usually lasts 15-30 minutes. You'll recover in a monitored area for an hour or two before going home.
After placement, expect some discomfort. Most people feel nausea, cramping, or bloating for the first few days to two weeks. Your doctor will prescribe medications to manage nausea and pain. You'll start with liquids—broth, juice, and protein shakes—for the first few days, gradually moving to soft foods. Eating too much or too fast can cause nausea and vomiting. You'll attend follow-up appointments where your doctor monitors your weight loss and adjusts your diet plan. Many clinics also refer patients to nutritionists who provide ongoing guidance.
After six months (or whatever timeframe your balloon is designed for), you return for removal. A doctor uses an endoscope to locate the balloon, deflate it, and extract it. Like placement, this is done with sedation and typically takes 15-30 minutes. Recovery is quick, and you can return to your normal diet gradually over a few days.
Key Takeaway: Balloon placement and removal are outpatient procedures using sedation and an endoscope. Recovery is quick, but expect temporary nausea and dietary restrictions immediately after placement.
Potential Risks, Side Effects, and Complications
While gastric balloons are generally considered safer than weight loss surgery, they do carry risks. Knowing these can help you make an informed decision about whether this procedure is right for you.
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Short-term side effects are common and usually mild. Nausea and vomiting affect up to 80% of people in the first few weeks after placement. Abdominal pain, bloating, and cramping occur frequently. Loss of appetite, which is the intended effect, can lead to eating less than your body needs if not monitored. Headaches, constipation, and diarrhea also happen to some people. Most of these effects improve within two to three weeks as your body adjusts.
More serious complications are rare but can occur. Balloon deflation or rupture is possible, though uncommon. If the balloon ruptures, saline leaks into your stomach and the balloon shrinks. You may notice a change in weight loss or feel sudden relief of fullness. A deflated balloon can pass through your digestive system and out of your body naturally, though sometimes removal is necessary. Aspiration—where gastric contents move up into your lungs—is a rare but serious risk during placement or removal. Gastric perforation, a hole in the stomach wall, is extremely rare but very serious if it occurs.
Some people experience what's called Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMA), where the balloon puts pressure on blood vessels and restricts blood flow. This causes severe pain and vomiting. It's rare but requires prompt medical attention and balloon removal. Pancreatitis—inflammation of the pancreas—has occurred rarely in balloon patients. Allergic reactions to balloon materials are possible but uncommon, as most balloons use materials with low allergic potential.
Certain conditions increase your risk for complications. If you have a history of stomach surgery, severe reflux, or ulcers, balloons may not be suitable. Pregnancy makes balloons unsafe. Some medications increase nausea risk. Tell your doctor about your complete medical history so they can assess whether a balloon is appropriate for you.
Key Takeaway: Common side effects like nausea usually resolve within weeks, but serious complications like balloon rupture or perforation, while rare, require immediate medical attention. Discuss your individual risk factors with your provider.
Finding Qualified Providers and Evaluating Clinics
Choosing where to have your gastric balloon procedure matters for your safety and results. Not all providers have equal experience or offer the same level of care. Here's how to find and evaluate options in your area