Gastric Balloon

Overview
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Gastric balloon is a non-surgical, temporary weight-loss procedure that involves placing a soft, inflatable balloon in the stomach to reduce hunger and limit food intake. This minimally invasive treatment provides a less drastic alternative to surgical weight-loss procedures.

Unlike Gastric Bypass or sleeve Gastrectomy, the gastric balloon does not require permanent changes to the stomach or intestines. It is an effective short-term solution for weight management, helping patients adopt healthier eating habits and lose weight while the balloon remains in place for six months to a year.

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Who is it for?

Gastric balloon is recommended for individuals who need to lose weight but are not ready or eligible for bariatric surgery. It is an ideal option for those with a BMI of 27 or higher looking for a non-permanent intervention.

This procedure is often chosen by patients who need to lose weight before undergoing other medical treatments or surgeries. It also benefits those seeking to develop healthier eating habits with medical guidance.
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Procedure Details

The gastric balloon is inserted into the stomach using an endoscopic procedure, taking about 20-30 minutes. Once in place, it is filled with a sterile saline solution to reduce stomach capacity.

• A mild sedative or anesthesia is administered.
• A deflated balloon is inserted into the stomach via an endoscope.
• The balloon is filled with a sterile saline solution.Its size is adjusted to limit food intake effectively.
• The procedure is completed, and the patient is monitored before discharge.

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The Elipse Gastric Balloon Technology

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The Elipse Gastric Balloon (Allurion Gastric Balloon) is the world’s first gastric balloon that does not require endoscopy or anesthesia. It works like other gastric balloons by reducing stomach capacity, helping patients feel full with less food. The balloon comes in a swallowable capsule form, which is designed to be as small as possible for easy ingestion. Once swallowed with water, an X-ray confirms its position before it is inflated with water through a thin, flexible tube.
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After 16 weeks, the balloon’s valve opens, allowing it to deflate and pass naturally through the intestines without the need for removal. Designed to withstand stomach acid for an extended period, the Elipse balloon provides a more comfortable and non-invasive weight loss solution. Because of its unique swallowable design, it is often called the “gastric balloon pill,” making it a convenient option for those who want to lose weight without surgery.
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Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from the Gastric Balloon procedure is quick, with most patients resuming daily activities within a few days. Following the procedure, your throat might feel a little sore, and you may experience some cramps and nausea as your stomach adjusts to the balloon—this discomfort may last 2 to 3 days.
You will be on a liquid or soft diet for a few weeks, followed by six months of supervised diet and behavior modification to help you continue eating healthily and staying active. The Gastric Balloon remains in place for six months to a year while patients follow a structured diet and lifestyle program, with ongoing medical support to ensure long-term success after balloon removal.
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Results Timeline

Weight loss begins immediately after placement, with most patients losing 10-15% of their total body weight within six months. The most significant results occur within the first three months.
Beyond weight loss, the gastric balloon helps patients adopt healthier eating habits, leading to long-term benefits. Continued lifestyle changes after removal are essential to maintain results and prevent weight regain.