Intragastric Balloon (Endoscopic Weight Loss)
An intragastric balloon is a soft silicone balloon placed in the stomach endoscopically, with no surgery or incisions, and filled so it takes up space and helps you feel full sooner. It is a temporary tool, usually removed after about six months to a year, and works only alongside a supervised diet, activity and follow-up program.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
The intragastric balloon is placed during a short endoscopy. A deflated balloon is passed through the mouth into the stomach and then filled, usually with sterile saline, so it occupies part of the stomach. By taking up space it helps you feel full with smaller meals, which can make it easier to reduce how much you eat while you build new habits. There are no incisions and nothing is changed permanently.
The balloon is temporary and is removed endoscopically, most often after around six months to a year, depending on the type used. It is not a cure for obesity and it is not for everyone. Any weight lost can return if eating and activity habits do not change, which is why the balloon is offered only as one part of a structured program with dietitian and medical follow-up rather than as a stand-alone treatment.
International patients are supported by a coordinator who arranges the initial evaluation, and our specialists can review your reports remotely before you travel. You receive a written plan and a transparent, itemized cost estimate before arrival, including the placement, the supervised follow-up program and the later removal, so you understand the full pathway from the start.
Who is a candidate?
- Adults with excess weight or obesity who have not reached their goal with diet and exercise alone
- People looking for a temporary, non-surgical aid and who prefer to avoid an operation
- Those willing to commit to a supervised diet, activity and follow-up program while the balloon is in place
- Some patients who need to lose weight before other surgery, where a specialist advises it
- Confirmed suitable only after a full assessment; it is not appropriate for everyone, including certain stomach conditions or previous stomach surgery
What happens
- 1
Assessment
A specialist reviews your weight history, health and goals, and confirms whether a balloon is appropriate. This includes discussing that it is temporary and works only alongside lasting changes to diet and activity.
- 2
Preparation
You follow simple fasting instructions before the procedure, as for any gastroscopy. The team explains the dietary stages to expect and the follow-up program that supports your results.
- 3
The procedure
Under light sedation, an endoscope guides the deflated balloon into the stomach, where it is filled and then checked. There are no incisions, and most people go home the same day.
- 4
Recovery & follow-up
Nausea, cramping or reflux for the first few days is common as your stomach adjusts, and is managed with medication and a staged diet. Dietitian and medical follow-up continues throughout, and the balloon is removed endoscopically at the planned time, usually after about six months to a year.
Benefits
- Non-surgical and reversible, with no incisions and no permanent change to the stomach
- Placed and removed during a short endoscopy, usually as a day case
- Can help you eat smaller portions while you build new eating and activity habits
- Delivered within a supervised program with dietitian and medical follow-up
Risks & considerations
- Nausea, vomiting, cramping and reflux, especially in the first days after placement
- It is not a cure, and weight can return after removal if eating and activity habits do not change
- Balloon intolerance that occasionally means it must be removed early
- Uncommon but more serious problems such as deflation, blockage, or irritation or an ulcer of the stomach lining
- Risks related to endoscopy and sedation, which the team monitors throughout
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Gastroenterology.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Intragastric Balloon (Endoscopic Weight Loss) — frequently asked questions
No. The balloon is a temporary tool, usually removed after about six months to a year. It is designed to help you eat smaller portions and build new habits during that time. Because it is not a cure, keeping the weight off depends on lasting changes to diet and activity, which is why it is offered as part of a supervised program rather than on its own.
No. The balloon is placed and later removed endoscopically, through the mouth, during a short procedure under light sedation. There are no incisions and nothing is cut or permanently changed. Most people go home the same day.
It is common to have nausea, cramping or reflux for the first few days while your stomach adjusts to the balloon. This is usually managed with medication and a staged diet and settles for most people within about a week. Your team gives you clear instructions and stays in contact during this period.
The balloon is usually a day-case procedure, and your coordinator confirms the timeline and the follow-up around your stay. We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing your case and do not quote fixed prices online, because each plan is individual and covers placement, the supervised program and later removal.
Related treatments
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