Gastric Balloon
A temporary, non-surgical device placed by endoscopy and removed when its time is up.
Save up to 70% vs the UK & Germany
- Stay in Istanbul
- 3 days
- Time in theatre
- 20 min
- In hospital
- Same-day discharge
- Anaesthesia
- Sedation
- Back to work
- 3 days
- Full result
- 6 months
Overview
A gastric balloon is a soft device placed in the stomach by endoscopy under sedation and then filled with fluid or air. It temporarily reduces the space available, so smaller portions leave you full; there are no incisions and the anatomy of your stomach is not changed. The procedure takes about 20 minutes, needs no hospital admission, and you stay 3 days in Istanbul. It is not a permanent solution: depending on the type, the balloon is removed by endoscopy after 6–12 months.
Benefits
- No surgery and no incisions; stomach anatomy is not permanently changed
- About 20 minutes under sedation, with no hospital admission
- Most people are back to normal activity in around 3 days
- An option for people who do not meet surgical criteria or are not ready for surgery
- Paired with dietitian follow-up, it creates a window to rebuild eating habits
Who is this treatment for?
Usually suitable
- A BMI in the region of 27–35 that does not meet surgical criteria
- A high BMI where weight loss is wanted before surgery to reduce risk
- Anyone who wants no incisions and is willing to work with a temporary aid
Needs assessment first
- Stomach ulcers, a large hiatus hernia or severe reflux
- Anyone who has previously had stomach surgery
- A BMI of 40 or above where a lasting solution is needed, in which case surgery should be assessed
Final suitability is decided by your consultant after examination and imaging in Istanbul.
Your treatment, step by step
- 01
Free online consultation
Send your height, weight, BMI and medical history. Within 24 hours we tell you whether a balloon is a sensible option for you.
- 02
Assessment and endoscopy
Blood tests are taken in Istanbul and the stomach inlet and lining are checked by endoscopy. If there is an ulcer, a large hernia or active reflux, the procedure is postponed.
- 03
Balloon placement
Under sedation, the balloon is placed and inflated in about 20 minutes. You return to your hotel the same day.
- 04
Settling in and your plan
Nausea and cramping are expected in the first days and are managed with medication. Before you leave you receive your eating plan and remote follow-up schedule.
Aftercare & long-term tips
You take fluids and purée in the first days, use your anti-sickness medication as prescribed, and then follow the staged plan from your dietitian. Remote appointments track your portions, protein intake and activity while the balloon is in place. The removal date is fixed from the outset; a balloon that has reached the end of its time must be taken out and never left in place.
First 24 hours
Stick to soft, lukewarm foods and drinks; avoid very hot or hard items while any numbness or sensitivity settles.
First few days
Ease back into normal eating as sensitivity fades — usually within a few days.
Long term
Eat normally and protect your result with the simple habits below.
Do
- Brush twice a day and floss daily
- Attend your regular check-ups and cleanings
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
- Keep the area clean and rinse as advised
Avoid
- Biting very hard objects — ice, pen lids, shells
- Opening bottle or soda caps with your teeth
- Too many hard nuts or sticky, chewy sweets
- Smoking and staining drinks in the first days
What's included
- Free consultation & treatment plan
- Treatment by specialist dentists
- 5-star hotel accommodation
- Private VIP airport transfers
- Personal translator & 24/7 support
- Aftercare & treatment guarantee
Risks and an honest expectation
A gastric balloon carries risks of nausea and vomiting in the first days, irritation of the stomach lining, ulcer, rarely deflation or migration of the balloon, and very rarely bowel obstruction. Endoscopy beforehand is therefore mandatory, the balloon type and removal date are recorded from the start, and persistent vomiting is assessed immediately. The balloon is placed under sedation, and sedation itself carries a small but real risk to breathing and heart function.
They flew in. They flew home changed.
Frequently asked questions
Other treatments in this department
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- Save up to 70% versus the UK, Germany and Spain
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