Free Guide to Gastric Balloon Treatment Options

What Is a Gastric Balloon and How Does It Work

A gastric balloon is a soft, expandable medical device placed inside the stomach to help people lose weight. The device itself is made from silicone and comes in different designs, but they all work on the same basic principle: taking up space in the stomach so you feel full faster when eating.

The procedure to place a gastric balloon typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. A doctor uses an endoscope—a thin, flexible tube with a camera—to guide the balloon down your throat into your stomach. Once in position, the balloon is filled with either saline (salt water) or gas, depending on the type. The balloon remains in your stomach for a set period, usually between 6 months and 1 year, then is removed in a similar procedure.

The way it reduces food intake is straightforward: when the balloon occupies space in your stomach, there is less room for food. This means you reach a feeling of fullness with smaller portions than you would normally eat. Studies show that people with gastric balloons typically lose between 10 and 15 pounds per month during the first few months of treatment, though results vary based on individual factors like diet and exercise habits.

Different types of gastric balloons are available. Some are filled once and stay in place for a fixed duration. Others, called swallowable balloons, can be placed without endoscopy—you swallow a capsule attached to a thin tube, which the doctor fills with fluid once it reaches your stomach. After a set time, the balloon deflates on its own and passes through your digestive system naturally.

Unlike gastric bypass surgery, a gastric balloon is reversible and less invasive. There are no permanent changes to your stomach or digestive tract. This makes it an option for people who want to explore weight loss treatment without committing to surgery, or as a stepping stone before considering surgical options if needed.

Practical takeaway: Understanding how a gastric balloon works—by physically reducing stomach space rather than changing anatomy—helps you evaluate whether this approach fits your weight loss goals and medical situation.

Types of Gastric Balloons Currently Available

Several gastric balloon systems are used in medical settings today, each with different characteristics, placement methods, and duration of treatment. Knowing the differences helps you understand what conversations to have with your doctor about which option might be discussed for your situation.

The Orbera balloon is one of the most widely used systems. It requires endoscopic placement and is filled with saline solution. It remains in the stomach for 6 months. During that time, patients typically attend regular follow-up appointments and receive support with dietary changes and lifestyle modifications. After 6 months, the balloon is removed endoscopically. Some patients choose to have a second Orbera balloon placed, which would mean another 6-month treatment period.

The ReShape Duo balloon is another endoscopically-placed option that uses two smaller balloons instead of one large balloon. The dual design is meant to reduce the risk of balloon obstruction and is also kept in place for 6 months. Like Orbera, it requires removal by endoscopy after the treatment period ends.

The Obalon balloon takes a different approach. This system uses a swallowable capsule attached to a thin catheter. You swallow the capsule (no endoscopy needed for placement), and once it reaches your stomach, the doctor fills it with gas through the thin tube while monitoring on X-ray. The tube is then removed. Multiple balloons can be placed over time—typically three smaller balloons rather than one large one. Obalon balloons remain in place for about 6 months and deflate automatically so they pass through your system naturally, requiring no removal procedure.

The Spatz3 balloon is adjustable, meaning its size can be changed during the treatment period without removal. It is placed endoscopically and filled with saline. The ability to adjust the balloon's volume allows doctors to modify treatment if needed based on how patients are tolerating it. It typically stays in place for 12 months, making it a longer-term option than some alternatives.

Newer systems continue to be developed and tested. Some research is exploring balloons that can remain in the stomach for longer periods or that have different deflation mechanisms. The landscape of available options may change as technology advances and regulatory approval for new devices is granted.

Practical takeaway: Different balloon systems vary in how they are placed, how long they stay in, and whether they require removal. Discussing which systems are available and suitable in your area helps you understand your realistic treatment options.

What to Expect During Gastric Balloon Placement and Removal

Understanding the step-by-step process of balloon placement and removal can reduce uncertainty and help you prepare mentally and physically for the procedures. While the exact process may vary slightly depending on which balloon system is used, the general experience is similar for most patients.

Before placement, you will have a consultation with a gastroenterologist or bariatric physician. They will review your medical history, current medications, and any digestive conditions you have. You may need an upper endoscopy or imaging study beforehand to make sure your stomach is healthy and suitable for balloon placement. The doctor will discuss the procedure, answer your questions, and explain what to expect.

On the day of placement, you will not eat or drink anything for several hours beforehand—this is called fasting and ensures your stomach is empty. When you arrive at the medical facility, staff will take your vital signs and place an IV line for medications. You will be given sedation to keep you comfortable and reduce anxiety, though you will likely remain conscious and able to respond to instructions.

Once sedated, the doctor will guide the endoscope—a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera—down your throat into your stomach. You may feel pressure or mild discomfort, but the sedation prevents pain. If you are having an endoscopically-placed balloon (like Orbera or ReShape), the deflated balloon is passed through the endoscope into your stomach. The doctor watches on a monitor as the balloon is positioned correctly. Then, through a tube, sterile saline solution is slowly injected into the balloon until it reaches the desired size—usually about the size of a grapefruit. Once filled, the balloon is released inside your stomach, and the endoscope is withdrawn.

After placement, you will spend time in a recovery area as the sedation wears off. You may feel nauseous, which is common, and anti-nausea medication is usually given. Most people go home the same day or the next morning. For the first few days, you will follow a specific diet: liquids only, then soft foods, gradually returning to regular foods over about a week.

Removal is a similar process. You return for an appointment, receive sedation, and the doctor passes an endoscope into your stomach. Using a special tool, the doctor creates an opening in the balloon and drains the saline solution. The deflated balloon is then carefully withdrawn through the endoscope. The entire removal procedure takes 15 to 20 minutes. You will recover similarly to placement and can usually go home the same day.

One exception is swallowable balloons like Obalon. Placement does not require sedation or endoscopy—you simply swallow the capsule with water, like taking a large pill. The doctor uses X-ray to confirm it has reached your stomach, then fills it through the thin tube. The tube is removed, and you go home. Since these balloons deflate automatically, no removal procedure is needed—they naturally pass through your digestive system over a few days.

Practical takeaway: Knowing the specific steps of placement and removal, including recovery time and dietary changes, helps you plan your schedule and set realistic expectations for the experience.

Side Effects, Risks, and Important Safety Information

Like any medical procedure, gastric balloon placement carries potential side effects and risks. Most side effects are temporary and mild, but understanding them is important for making an informed decision about whether this treatment approach is right for you.

Nausea is the most common side effect after balloon placement. Many people experience nausea for a few days to a week or two as their stomach adjusts to the balloon's presence. Anti-nausea medications help manage this symptom. Vomiting can also occur, particularly in the first few days. Eating slowly, in small amounts, and choosing bland foods typically reduce nausea