Gastric Balloon Abroad: Non-Surgical Weight Loss Guide & Costs 2025

What Is a Gastric Balloon?

A gastric balloon, also known as an intragastric balloon (IGB), is a non-surgical weight loss device that is placed inside the stomach endoscopically (through the mouth, without any incisions) to reduce the volume of food the stomach can hold and promote a feeling of fullness (satiety) with smaller meals. The balloon is a soft, durable silicone sphere that is inserted in a deflated state and then filled with saline solution to occupy approximately one-third of the stomach's capacity, typically 400 to 700 milliliters depending on the balloon type. This space-occupying effect triggers stretch receptors in the stomach wall, sending satiety signals to the brain that reduce hunger and help patients eat less without constant feelings of deprivation.

The gastric balloon was developed as a temporary weight loss tool for patients who are too heavy for certain surgical procedures, those who do not qualify for or prefer to avoid bariatric surgery, or individuals seeking a less invasive approach to achieving meaningful weight loss. Unlike bariatric surgery, which permanently alters the anatomy of the digestive system, the gastric balloon is fully reversible — it is removed after 6 to 12 months (depending on the balloon type) through a simple endoscopic procedure, leaving the stomach completely intact. During the time the balloon is in place, patients are expected to adopt healthier eating habits, increase physical activity, and work with nutritionists and behavioral specialists to develop sustainable lifestyle changes that will maintain weight loss after the balloon is removed.

Gastric balloon placement has become one of the fastest-growing procedures in medical tourism, driven by the significant cost difference between countries and the relatively short recovery time that makes it ideal for medical travel. The entire process — from initial consultation to balloon placement — can be completed in 2 to 3 days, with most patients able to return to normal activities within a week. Accredited hospitals in Turkey, India, Mexico, and Thailand offer comprehensive gastric balloon packages that include pre-procedure evaluation, the balloon placement itself, nutritional counseling programs, and the balloon removal procedure 6 to 12 months later, all at prices 60 to 80 percent lower than in the USA. Clinics like Lotus Bariatrics Clinic in Istanbul specialize exclusively in weight loss procedures and provide personalized care with long-term follow-up support for international patients.

Types of Intragastric Balloons

The Orbera Intragastric Balloon (formerly known as the BioEnterics Intragastric Balloon or BIB) is the most widely used gastric balloon worldwide, with over 300,000 placements across more than 80 countries since its introduction. Manufactured by Apollo Endosurgery, Orbera is a single, spherical silicone balloon that is placed endoscopically and filled with 400 to 700 mL of saline solution tinted with methylene blue dye (the blue dye serves as a safety indicator — if the balloon leaks, the patient's urine turns blue or green, alerting them to seek medical attention). Orbera is designed for 6-month placement, after which it must be removed endoscopically to prevent complications from prolonged gastric exposure. Clinical studies have demonstrated average excess weight loss of 30 to 47 percent during the 6-month treatment period.

The Spatz3 Adjustable Balloon is a unique design that addresses some limitations of non-adjustable balloons. Unlike the Orbera, the Spatz3 can be adjusted after placement — saline can be added or removed through a thin catheter that extends from the balloon, allowing the gastroenterologist to increase the volume if weight loss plateaus or decrease it if the patient experiences intolerance. The Spatz3 is approved for 12 months of placement (compared to 6 months for Orbera), providing a longer treatment window for sustained weight loss. The adjustability and extended duration make the Spatz3 particularly suitable for patients with higher BMI or those who need more time to establish lasting behavioral changes. Studies report average excess weight loss of 45 to 59 percent over the 12-month treatment period.

The Elipse Balloon (also marketed as Allurion Balloon) represents the newest generation of intragastric balloons and does not require endoscopy for either placement or removal. The patient swallows a capsule containing the deflated balloon attached to a thin catheter. Once the capsule reaches the stomach (confirmed by X-ray), the balloon is inflated with 550 mL of fluid through the catheter, which is then removed. After approximately 4 months, the balloon self-deflates through a time-activated release valve and passes naturally through the digestive system. While the convenience of avoiding endoscopy is appealing, the Elipse is not FDA-approved in the United States (it is CE-marked in Europe and available in many countries) and has a shorter treatment duration than endoscopically placed balloons.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Gastric balloon placement is typically recommended for adults with a body mass index (BMI) between 27 and 40 who have been unable to achieve or maintain meaningful weight loss through diet and exercise alone. This BMI range falls between the thresholds for lifestyle intervention only (BMI below 27) and bariatric surgery eligibility (BMI 35-40 with comorbidities or BMI 40+). However, gastric balloons are also used outside this range in specific circumstances: patients with BMI above 40 may have a balloon placed as a bridge to bariatric surgery to reduce surgical risk by achieving initial weight loss, while patients with BMI 25-27 may be candidates if they have weight-related comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, or joint problems.

Candidates must be committed to making lifestyle changes including dietary modification, increased physical activity, and behavioral counseling during and after the balloon treatment period. The gastric balloon is a tool that facilitates weight loss by reducing hunger and portion sizes, but its effectiveness depends entirely on the patient's willingness to adopt and maintain healthier habits. Patients who view the balloon as a passive solution without engaging in the behavioral component of the program typically achieve less weight loss and are more likely to regain weight after balloon removal.

Contraindications for gastric balloon placement include previous gastric surgery (including gastric band, sleeve, or bypass), large hiatal hernia (greater than 5cm), active peptic ulcer disease, uncontrolled gastroesophageal reflux disease, coagulopathy or current anticoagulant therapy that cannot be interrupted, pregnancy or planned pregnancy during the treatment period, active alcohol or substance abuse, and psychiatric conditions that may impair the ability to comply with the post-placement dietary program. A thorough pre-procedure evaluation including upper endoscopy to assess the stomach lining is performed before balloon placement to identify any contraindications.

The Procedure: Step by Step

Gastric balloon placement is a quick, outpatient procedure performed under conscious sedation or light general anesthesia, typically taking 15 to 30 minutes from start to finish. The patient arrives at the hospital having fasted for at least 8 hours, undergoes a brief pre-procedure assessment, and receives IV sedation. The gastroenterologist first performs an upper endoscopy to examine the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, confirming the absence of any conditions that would contraindicate balloon placement such as active ulcers, large hiatal hernia, or gastric masses.

Once the stomach is confirmed to be suitable, the deflated balloon is introduced through the mouth alongside the endoscope and positioned in the stomach body. The balloon is then filled with 400 to 700 mL of sterile saline solution (the exact volume is determined by the gastroenterologist based on the patient's anatomy and the specific balloon type used). Some balloons are also filled with a small amount of methylene blue dye, which serves as a leak detection mechanism. The filling process is monitored endoscopically to ensure the balloon expands properly and is positioned correctly in the stomach. Once filled, the filling catheter is detached from the balloon and removed, and the endoscope is withdrawn.

Most patients can leave the hospital 1 to 2 hours after the procedure once the sedation has worn off. The first 3 to 7 days after balloon placement are the most challenging, as the body adjusts to the presence of the foreign object in the stomach. Common symptoms during this adjustment period include nausea (experienced by 70 to 90 percent of patients), vomiting, abdominal cramping, and a feeling of fullness or pressure. These symptoms are managed with anti-nausea medications (ondansetron), proton pump inhibitors (omeprazole), and antispasmodics (hyoscine). Most patients find that symptoms improve significantly after the first week as the stomach accommodates to the balloon.

Gastric Balloon Cost Comparison by Country

The cost of gastric balloon placement varies significantly worldwide, making it an excellent candidate for medical tourism savings. In the United States, gastric balloon placement typically costs between $6,000 and $9,000 for the procedure alone, with comprehensive programs including nutritional counseling, behavioral support, and balloon removal reaching $8,000 to $12,000. Since gastric balloons are generally not covered by health insurance (classified as an elective, cosmetic, or investigational procedure by most insurers), patients bear the full cost out of pocket. In the UK, private gastric balloon programs cost $4,000 to $8,500 depending on the balloon type and the level of support included.

Gastric Balloon Cost Comparison by Country 2025

Prices for 6-month silicone balloons (Orbera/similar). All-inclusive packages typically include pre-procedure evaluation, balloon placement, nutritional counseling, and removal after 6 months. 12-month adjustable balloons (Spatz3) may cost 20-40% more.

Turkey has become the world's leading destination for gastric balloon procedures, offering all-inclusive packages at 60 to 75 percent less than US prices. A comprehensive gastric balloon package at a reputable clinic in Istanbul typically includes pre-procedure consultation and endoscopy, balloon placement with Orbera or equivalent FDA/CE-approved balloon, anti-nausea and acid-suppressing medications for the first week, nutritional counseling program with a dedicated dietitian, ongoing support via phone or video call during the treatment period, and balloon removal after 6 months. Memorial Ataşehir Hospital and Medipol Mega University Hospital both offer comprehensive gastric balloon programs with dedicated bariatric teams.

India offers the lowest gastric balloon prices globally, with all-inclusive packages starting from $1,500 at leading hospitals. Apollo Hospitals and Fortis Memorial Research Institute have established bariatric programs that include gastric balloon placement among their non-surgical weight loss options. Mexico, Thailand, and Poland offer competitive pricing with the advantage of geographic proximity and well-developed medical tourism infrastructure for patients from North America and Europe respectively. When comparing costs, always confirm that the quoted price includes the balloon device itself (which accounts for a significant portion of the total cost), the removal procedure, and the nutritional support program.

Weight Loss Expectations and Results

Clinical studies of the Orbera intragastric balloon demonstrate average total body weight loss (TBWL) of 10 to 15 percent and average excess weight loss (EWL) of 30 to 47 percent during the 6-month treatment period. For a patient weighing 100 kg (220 lbs) with a BMI of 35, this translates to approximately 10 to 15 kg (22 to 33 lbs) of weight loss. The Spatz3 adjustable balloon, with its 12-month duration and ability to increase volume, reports higher average weight loss of 15 to 20 percent TBWL and 45 to 59 percent EWL. However, these are averages — individual results vary significantly based on adherence to dietary guidelines, exercise engagement, and metabolic factors.

Weight loss with the gastric balloon follows a predictable pattern: most patients experience rapid initial weight loss in the first 2 to 3 months as the balloon effect is strongest and dietary changes are most strictly followed. Between months 3 and 6, the rate of weight loss typically slows as the body adapts to the balloon and the initial motivation may decrease. This is where the behavioral and nutritional support program becomes critical — patients who maintain regular contact with their dietitian and adhere to structured meal plans continue to lose weight throughout the full treatment period, while those who disengage from the program often plateau.

The most important determinant of long-term success is what happens after balloon removal. Studies show that patients who maintain the dietary and exercise habits developed during the balloon period retain 50 to 80 percent of their weight loss at 1 year after removal. Those who revert to previous eating patterns typically regain a significant portion of the lost weight within 6 to 12 months. For this reason, the quality of the nutritional and behavioral support program is arguably more important than the balloon itself, and should be a major factor in choosing a provider abroad. Look for programs that offer remote follow-up support via video calls and messaging for at least 6 to 12 months after balloon removal.

Risks and Side Effects

The most common side effects of gastric balloon placement occur during the first week after insertion and include nausea (70 to 90 percent of patients), vomiting (50 to 70 percent), abdominal pain and cramping (40 to 60 percent), and gastroesophageal reflux (20 to 30 percent). These symptoms are expected, self-limiting, and manageable with prescribed medications. Approximately 4 to 7 percent of patients request early balloon removal due to persistent intolerance, although this rate has decreased with improved patient selection, pre-treatment with proton pump inhibitors, and better post-placement symptom management protocols.

Serious complications are rare but include balloon deflation and migration (less than 1 percent for modern balloons), which could potentially cause small bowel obstruction if the deflated balloon moves past the stomach into the intestines — the methylene blue dye indicator system helps detect this complication early. Gastric ulceration under the balloon can occur in 1 to 2 percent of patients, usually manageable with proton pump inhibitor therapy and, if severe, early balloon removal. Gastric perforation is an extremely rare but serious complication occurring in less than 0.1 percent of cases, most often associated with pre-existing gastric pathology. Esophageal injury during placement or removal is also rare but possible, emphasizing the importance of having the procedure performed by an experienced gastroenterologist.

Aftercare and Diet Program

The post-placement dietary program typically follows a phased approach over the first 2 to 4 weeks. Phase 1 (days 1 to 3) consists of clear liquids only — water, sugar-free gelatin, clear broth, and electrolyte solutions. Phase 2 (days 4 to 7) introduces full liquids including protein shakes, yogurt, milk, and blended soups. Phase 3 (weeks 2 to 3) transitions to soft, pureed foods such as scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, hummus, and mashed vegetables. Phase 4 (week 4 onwards) gradually reintroduces solid foods, starting with soft proteins and well-cooked vegetables before progressing to a full solid food diet with an emphasis on lean protein, vegetables, and healthy fats in controlled portions.

Long-term dietary success with the gastric balloon requires fundamental changes in eating behavior including eating slowly (each meal should take 20 to 30 minutes), chewing food thoroughly (at least 15 to 20 chews per bite), stopping eating at the first sensation of fullness, not drinking liquids with meals (wait 30 minutes before or after eating), avoiding high-calorie liquids (sodas, juices, alcohol, sugary coffee drinks), and eating 3 small meals with 2 small protein-rich snacks daily. Protein intake of at least 60 grams per day is essential to preserve lean muscle mass during weight loss. Regular follow-up with a dietitian — either in person or via telemedicine — is crucial for maintaining adherence to these principles throughout the treatment period and beyond.

Gastric Balloon vs Bariatric Surgery

The choice between gastric balloon and bariatric surgery depends on multiple factors including BMI, weight loss goals, comorbidities, willingness to undergo surgery, and long-term commitment to lifestyle change. Bariatric surgery (gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, or duodenal switch) produces significantly greater weight loss — average excess weight loss of 60 to 80 percent for sleeve gastrectomy and 70 to 85 percent for gastric bypass compared to 30 to 47 percent for gastric balloon. Bariatric surgery also has stronger evidence for resolution of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea, and other obesity-related comorbidities. However, surgery carries higher procedural risks, requires general anesthesia, involves permanent anatomical changes, and necessitates lifelong vitamin and mineral supplementation.

The gastric balloon is best suited for patients with BMI 27-35 who need moderate weight loss (10-20 kg), those who are not candidates for or unwilling to undergo surgery, patients seeking a bridge to surgery to reduce operative risk, and individuals who want a reversible, non-permanent weight loss intervention. The balloon also serves as an excellent trial period — if a patient achieves good results with a balloon, it suggests they would be a strong candidate for the behavioral changes required for long-term success after bariatric surgery. Conversely, if a patient cannot lose weight with a balloon despite adequate support, it may indicate that a purely restrictive approach will be insufficient and a malabsorptive surgical procedure might be more appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions