What is a Gastric Balloon? How is a Gastric Balloon Inserted? Weight Loss Method (Endoscopic Weight Loss Guide)

If you have tried diet and exercise to lose weight but cannot get permanent results, you may be looking for methods that can be applied without resorting to surgery. **The gastric balloon is an option that comes to the fore frequently at this point, is among the endoscopic weight loss methods and stands out with its reversibility. So what is a gastric balloon, who is it suitable for and how is a gastric balloon inserted?

In this article; We will comprehensively discuss the working logic of the gastric balloon, the procedure process step by step, what can be experienced in the first days after the **gastric balloon, gastric balloon side effects and risks, the expected weight loss and the factors affecting “gastric balloon prices”. Remember: This content is for informational purposes; the best decision requires a physician evaluation and personalized plan. If you are looking for a general framework about “obesity treatment” options, you can also take a look at our Obesity Treatment Guide page.

What is a Gastric Balloon? How does it work?

a Gastric balloon is a balloon inserted into the stomach, usually inflated with liquid (some types with air). The aim is to partially fill the volume of the stomach to support faster satiation with smaller portions and to facilitate appetite control. For this reason, the gastric balloon is not a “miracle” on its own; it is a weight loss method that can be effective with diet, behavior change and follow-up.

Gastric balloon application mostly:

• Diet and exercise with insufficient results,
• Unwilling or unsuitable for surgery,
• It comes up in people who want to “kick-start” their weight loss.

Portion control may become easier during the time the balloon remains in the stomach (often 6 months or 12 months). In this process, dietician follow-up, regulation of protein and fluid intake, sleep and activity plan significantly affect success. the answer to the question “How much weight does a gastric balloon make you lose?” varies from person to person according to these factors.

Tip: With the gastric balloon, the goal is not only the number on the scale, but also the acquisition of sustainable eating habits. This is how weight control continues after the balloon is removed.

Who Is Suitable for Gastric Balloon and Who Is Not?

the question “To whom is the gastric balloon applied?” is one of the most critical topics for a safe process. Suitability assessment is based on many factors such as the person’s weight, general health status, gastrointestinal system history and eating behaviors. Clinics usually evaluate body mass index (BMI) and comorbidities together. Especially within the scope of obesity treatment, your physician questions details such as blood tests, endoscopy findings, if any, medications you use and past surgeries.

Who may be suitable for a gastric balloon?

• Those who have increased health risks due to overweight/obesity and have not achieved sufficient results with lifestyle changes
• Seeking an alternative to surgery
• Those who want to reduce their metabolic risks with weight loss (with physician assessment)

Who is not suitable for a gastric balloon?

The following conditions are among the typical answers to the question “who is not suitable for a gastric balloon?” (the final decision is up to the physician):

• Active gastric ulcer, severe gastritis or uncontrolled reflux complaints
• Previous stomach surgery (in some cases)
• Pregnancy or pregnancy planning
• Alcohol/substance abuse
• Uncontrolled psychiatric illnesses or active eating disorders
• Special risk situations such as use of blood thinners (requires planning)

At this point, the healthiest approach is to make a personalized decision with examination and examinations, rather than reducing the question “Am I suitable?” to a checklist. If you want to look at the subject from a broader perspective, our Endoscopic Slimming Methods content may also be helpful.

How to Insert a Gastric Balloon (Step by Step Process)

One of the most frequently asked questions is “how is a gastric balloon inserted?”. The type of application may vary depending on the type of balloon chosen (endoscopic or swallowable). One of the commonly used methods in Turkey is the endoscopic gastric balloon application.

1) Pre-procedure preparation

Your physician will usually prescribe

• Fasting duration (e.g. fasting after midnight)
• Regular medications (especially blood thinners)
• Stomach protecting medicines and plan for nausea control
• If necessary, additional examinations (blood tests, etc.) about your health and safety.

2) Procedure day: insertion by endoscopy

Endoscopic gastric ballooning is performed under sedation in most centers. In general terms:

• Endoscopy is used to evaluate the inside of the stomach.
• The balloon is placed in the stomach.
• The balloon is inflated with the specified volume of liquid.
• Discharge is planned after a short observation period (depends on the individual).

Although the duration of the procedure varies from center to center, it is usually short; the most important thing is the adaptation in the first days after the procedure.

3) First days after gastric balloon insertion (first 72 hours)

“The first days after gastric balloon insertion” can be challenging for some people. Common complaints:

• Nausea, vomiting
• Cramp-like stomach pain
• Reflux complaints
• Fatigue

Recommendations during this period are usually:

• Frequent fluid intake in small sips
• Regular use of nausea and stomach protective medications prescribed by the physician
• Rest and gradual return to activity
• Transition from “liquid to puree, puree to solid” according to the dietitian plan

4) How many months does the balloon stay in the stomach and how is it removed?

The question “how many months does the gastric balloon stay in the stomach?” is often answered in terms of 6 months and 12 months. When the time is up, “gastric balloon removal” is usually performed by endoscopy. The plan of the removal process is determined by the type of balloon and the condition of the person.

Note: Some balloons are referred to as “swallowable gastric balloons” and may have different insertion/removal procedures. The physician decides which type is right for you.

How Much Weight Can You Lose with a Gastric Balloon? Side Effects, Risks and Factors Affecting Price

How much weight does a gastric balloon make you lose?

it would not be correct to give a clear number to the question “How much weight does the gastric balloon make you lose?” because the results vary according to the person. Major factors affecting weight loss:

• Initial weight and metabolic status
• Compliance with dietitian follow-up and portion control
• Protein, water consumption and meal pattern
• Physical activity and sleep quality
• Emotional eating, stress management and behavior change

It is also important to ask “will the weight come back after the gastric balloon is removed?”. The risk of regain increases if the right habits gained while the balloon is in place do not become permanent. For this reason, many centers plan the balloon procedure together with a “follow-up program”.

Gastric balloon side effects and possible risks

Gastric balloon side effects are often more pronounced in the first few days and are manageable. Still, it is important to know the risks.

Common side effects:

• Nausea/vomiting (especially in the first days)
• Reflux, heartburn
• Cramps, bloating

More rare but important conditions (with the advice of your doctor):

• Deflation of the balloon and migration into the intestines (migration)
• Irritation/ulcer development on the stomach wall
• Fluid loss with severe and persistent vomiting

When to consult a doctor/emergency room?

Seek medical advice without delay in case of the following symptoms:

• Severe abdominal pain, fever
• Constant vomiting and inability to drink fluids
• Feeling faint, marked weakness, palpitations
• Bleeding symptoms such as black stools or bloody vomiting

Although such “red flags” are rare, they are important to know for safety reasons.

Prices for gastric balloons (2026): What determines the price?

“Prices for a gastric balloon” vary according to the scope of the package, rather than a fixed number. The main factors that can affect the fees:

• Balloon type (6 months/12 months, endoscopic/ingestible)
• Brand and technology used
• Hospital/clinic where the procedure was performed, city (such as Istanbul/Ankara/Izmir)
• Sedation/anesthesia, endoscopy and hospital service fees
• Follow-up packages (dietitian consultations, follow-up appointments)

While doing price research, it would be healthier to look at not only the “procedure cost” but also whether follow-up and support services are included. For detailed cost items, you can take a look at our Gastric Balloon Prices page.

Conclusion: Gastric Balloon is a “Starter Tool”, Lasting Success Comes with Follow-up

In summary, gastric balloon, as a non-surgical weight loss method, can provide effective results in the right person with the right follow-up program. However, the most realistic answer to the question “what is a gastric balloon?” is this: The balloon is a tool that facilitates appetite control; permanent success is possible with dietary habits, regular activity and professional follow-up.

If you are thinking “Is it suitable for me?”, the safest approach is to make an evaluation together with your stomach complaints, the medications you use, your past health history and your goals. In addition, if you want to compare gastric balloon and surgical methods, our content Gastric Balloon or Gastric Sleeve Gastrectomy? can guide you.