The Gastric Balloon: A "Jump Start" to a Lighter Life

The gastric balloon is a soft silicone balloon that is inserted into the stomach and usually filled with a blue-colored saline solution (approx. 400 to 700 ml). It fills a large portion of the stomach, leaving simply less room for food. The stomach wall is gently stretched, which signals to the brain: “I’m already full.” Cravings are curbed, and patients automatically learn to eat smaller amounts.

Unlike with gastric bypass surgery, no incisions are made here. The balloon is inserted through the esophagus during a gastroscopy—a procedure that often takes only 20 to 30 minutes. The patient is under light sedation and can usually go home the same day.

• Important: In the first few days, the stomach often reacts to the foreign object. Nausea and cramps are normal but subside after a few days.

The catch: The balloon is only a temporary solution. The material is broken down by stomach acid, which is why it usually needs to be removed after 6 to 12 months (also via gastroscopy). There are now also “swallowable balloons” that are swallowed as a capsule and dissolve on their own after a few months, passing through the body—without any endoscopy at all.

The gastric balloon bridges the gap between conservative dietary measures and surgical procedures. It is ideal for:

• People with a BMI between 27 and 35 who aren’t making progress with diets alone.

• Patients who are extremely overweight (super-obesity) to lose weight before undergoing a risky surgery and reduce the surgical risk.

Since the procedure is generally considered a cosmetic or “lifestyle” treatment, public health insurance plans typically do not cover the costs (approximately 2,000 to 4,000 euros). Additionally, the “yo-yo effect” after removal is a real risk. Anyone who doesn’t use the time with the balloon to fundamentally change their diet and exercise will quickly regain the weight. The balloon doesn’t do the work for you—it just makes it easier.

The gastric balloon is an excellent “crutch” for starting a new life. It gives you time to learn new habits. But once it’s removed, the real test begins.