Gastric Balloon for Obesity | Doctors, Treatment Information & Risks

A gastric balloon serves as a temporary weight-loss aid for overweight people. It is inserted into the stomach via gastroscopy, filled with fluid, and remains in the body for about six months before being removed. This reduces the volume of the stomach, so patients feel full more quickly and eat less.

Unlike other treatments for overweight patients (gastric sleeve or gastric bypass), the gastric balloon is a non-surgical method.

Important: The gastric balloon is an aid that is only effective in the long term when combined with dietary changes and increased physical activity.

The gastric balloon is particularly suitable for patients with a BMI between 35 and 40 @ natallia /AdobeStock

A gastric balloon is only used for patients with moderate obesity, meaning it is not suitable for every patient. 

Treatment with a gastric balloon is not an option for the following groups:

• Patients who have already undergone surgery on the stomach or esophagus, such as gastric bypass surgery
• Patients with diseases, stomach ulcers, or abnormalities of the stomach or esophagus
• Patients with an addiction, such as alcohol or drug addiction, or with an eating disorder, such as bulimia
• Patients with severe mental health disorders
• Pregnant women
• Patients taking anticoagulant medications

Before a patient receives a gastric balloon, the doctor performs various tests.

This includes a gastroscopy. The gastric balloon is inserted during the gastroscopy using an endoscope, which is guided through the mouth and down the esophagus into the stomach. The endoscope is equipped with a light and a camera, allowing the doctor to examine the esophagus and stomach for any abnormal changes.

To insert the balloon, the doctor removes the endoscope and then pushes the folded-up gastric balloon into the stomach. The doctor then uses the endoscope to check that the balloon is in the correct position.

The doctor then fills the balloon with 400 to 700 milliliters of blue-dyed saline solution. Air may also be used. 

After filling the balloon, the doctor removes the tube. Finally, the doctor uses the endoscope to check the position of the gastric balloon once more.

The procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes in total and is performed under light sedation. It can be done on an outpatient basis; most patients can go home the same day, though they should not drive afterward.

The balloon permanently fills part of the stomach @ Artemida-psy /AdobeStock

In rare cases, the insertion of a gastric balloon via endoscope can cause injury to the teeth, stomach, or esophagus.

Severe side effects may occur, particularly in the first few days after the balloon is inserted.

The body must first get used to the foreign object. Therefore, the following reactions may occur:

• Feeling of fullness
• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea and vomiting

In most cases, the patient’s body adjusts to the balloon within three to seven days. If the symptoms persist, the balloon must be removed.

There is also a risk that the gastric balloon could burst or tear. If this happens, the balloon can cause an intestinal obstruction, which must be treated immediately at a hospital.

That is why doctors nowadays usually fill the balloon with blue-dyed saline solution instead of air. If the balloon bursts, the saline solution leaks out and the fluid turns the urine blue. This allows patients to immediately recognize if there is a leak in the balloon. Doctors can remove the balloon before an intestinal obstruction occurs.

With an air-filled balloon, there are no signs of a leak, so the risk of an intestinal obstruction is higher.

Doctors remove the gastric balloon after six months at the latest. This minimizes the risk of the balloon rupturing, which can occur due to exposure to stomach acid and stomach movements.

To remove the gastric balloon, doctors perform another endoscopy. During the procedure, they puncture the balloon in the stomach so that the fluid or air can escape.

Once the balloon is empty again, they pull it through the esophagus and remove it. The procedure usually takes only a few minutes.

The amount of weight lost with a gastric balloon depends on the patient. Since the balloon is merely a weight-loss aid, the patient must also change their diet and lifestyle habits. 

No weight loss will occur with a gastric balloon if the patient continues to consume sugary soda and fast food.

For this reason, accompanying nutritional counseling may be beneficial. Regular physical activity on the patient’s part maximizes the effectiveness of this method.

Competent nutritional counseling and exercise are essential components of post-treatment care @ Kittiphan /AdobeStock

After the gastric balloon is removed, it is entirely up to the patient to maintain their reduced weight. To avoid weight gain, they must stick to their new dietary habits even after the balloon is removed. If they revert to their old eating habits, they will quickly regain the weight.

The cost of a gastric balloon can vary widely. It depends on the complexity of the treatment and the treating physician. A gastric balloon is not covered as a standard benefit by health insurance plans. Coverage is provided only under certain conditions. Costs.

When choosing a treatment, you should consider not only the price but also the quality of care. Talk to other patients or use doctor review websites.

Please note that you’ll be responsible not only for the cost of the procedure itself but also for any costs associated with potential complications.