What is a gastric balloon?

The balloon is placed into the stomach using endoscopy (no abdominal incision). It is filled with sterile fluid or gas to reduce usable stomach capacity and promote earlier fullness.

Typical placement lasts months depending on device type; removal is planned. It is not a permanent implant.

Candidates usually commit to supervised nutrition, behaviour coaching and follow-up endoscopy. Active ulcers, large hiatal hernia, contraindications to endoscopy or inability to cooperate with removal timing may exclude use.

Balloon therapy is a bridge: success still depends on durable habit change after removal.