Endoscopic gastric balloon

Gastric balloon (also called intragastric balloon implantation) is a minimally invasive, FDA-approved endoscopic procedure to help you lose weight. It is a less common weight loss surgery, typically recommended for select patients with lower weight loss goals. In limited cases, our bariatric surgical team may recommend gastric balloon for weight loss if bariatric surgery isn’t an option.

During this procedure, a bariatric surgeon guides a deflated, latex-free silicone balloon through your mouth and esophagus and into your stomach. They fill the balloon with saline. The balloon takes up space in your stomach and helps you feel full faster. The balloon remains in your stomach for up to six months before it’s deflated and removed.

Bariatric endoscopic procedures like gastric balloon are incisionless and reversible. If you have intragastric balloon implantation, you may still qualify for future bariatric surgery, if needed. The obesity medicine specialists at Penn Medicine provide personalized treatment plans that are best suited for your individual needs. They’ll discuss all your weight loss options and recommend a solution that will help you achieve and maintain your health goals.

We’ll evaluate you to determine if intragastric balloon is appropriate for you. Candidates for gastric balloon generally have a body mass index (BMI) over 30 and unsuccessful attempts at weight loss through diet and exercise. You might also be a candidate if you had a previous bariatric surgery but didn’t reach your weight loss goal.

Because the intragastric balloon can make you feel full faster when eating, you may eat less. The amount of weight you lose depends on several factors, including your diet and exercise habits. Most people lose about 25 percent of their excess body weight if they also make long-lasting lifestyle changes.

Losing weight may also help lower your blood pressure, reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer, and control diabetes and sleep apnea.

Intragastric balloon implantation is done without incisions, so you will not have a typical surgical recovery. But you may still feel some discomfort for a few weeks. If you feel pain, alert your care team.

For the first week after your procedure, you may not feel hungry. Your appetite should return by week two, but the balloon will make you feel full after eating a small amount of food.

You’ll need to make permanent changes to your diet and get regular exercise to achieve weight loss, even with a gastric balloon in place. Our bariatric medicine team is here to help. You’ll have weight loss counseling with a dietitian to maintain a healthy weight and you always have access to our team of gastroenterologists, nurses, and registered dietitians for support when you need it.

Overcoming obesity requires a strong support network. Our team is here for you every step of your journey—before, during, and after surgery—with patient support and resources for bariatric surgery, including support groups, fitness and nutritional counseling, and social services.

You’ll need to attend regular follow-up appointments to help ensure success. Our comprehensive program is designed to help you reach and maintain your goals. We’re your partner in weight loss for life.