What Is a Gastric Balloon?

A gastric balloon is a soft medical device that is temporarily placed inside the stomach. Once positioned, it is filled with liquid or air according to the selected balloon system.

The balloon occupies part of the stomach and may help the patient feel full after consuming smaller portions. It can also support the development of healthier eating habits during the treatment period.

Most gastric balloons are placed endoscopically through the mouth without external surgical incisions. The balloon is temporary and must be removed or allowed to pass according to the approved schedule of the selected device.

Who May Be Suitable for a Gastric Balloon?

Gastric balloon treatment may be considered for selected adults who have not achieved sufficient or sustainable weight loss through diet, exercise and lifestyle changes alone.

It may be considered for patients who:

• Prefer a non-surgical weight-management option
• Are not currently suitable for bariatric surgery
• Do not wish to undergo permanent anatomical surgery
• Are prepared to follow a structured nutrition programme
• Can attend regular medical and dietitian follow-up
• May need preoperative weight reduction before bariatric surgery

Eligibility criteria depend on the selected balloon system, body mass index, medical history and current clinical guidelines.

Gastric balloon treatment may not be suitable for patients with certain stomach or oesophageal conditions, active ulcers, previous gastrointestinal surgery, pregnancy or specific serious medical conditions.

Final suitability is determined by the treating medical team following a complete assessment.

Potential Benefits of Gastric Balloon Treatment

Depending on the patient’s health and commitment to the programme, a gastric balloon may offer:

• A non-surgical and temporary treatment option
• No external abdominal incisions
• Earlier satiety after smaller portions
• Support for controlled weight loss
• A relatively short initial recovery period
• Support in developing healthier eating habits
• A possible preparation stage before bariatric surgery

Weight-loss results vary between patients. A specific amount of weight loss cannot be guaranteed.

A Personalised and Multidisciplinary Approach

Every patient has a different health history, weight-loss journey and treatment goal. For this reason, gastric balloon treatment should be planned individually.

The treatment process may involve a doctor experienced in weight management, an endoscopy and anaesthesia team, a dietitian and additional medical specialists when necessary.

Fit&Fit coordinates the international patient journey while all decisions regarding eligibility, device selection, placement and removal are made by the treating medical team.

Your Gastric Balloon Journey with Fit&Fit

1. Online Preliminary Assessment

Your journey begins by contacting the Fit&Fit patient coordination team. You will be asked to provide information about:

• Your current weight and height
• Previous weight-loss attempts
• Current and previous medical conditions
• Regular medications and supplements
• Previous stomach or abdominal procedures
• Digestive symptoms such as reflux or ulcers
• Smoking and alcohol use
• Your treatment expectations

This information is securely forwarded to the relevant medical team for an initial assessment.

2. Doctor and Dietitian Evaluation

Your health, weight history, eating habits and previous weight-loss attempts are evaluated by the medical team.

Nutritional assessment is an important part of the process. Alternative options, including medical weight management, gastric Botox, gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, may also be discussed when appropriate.

3. Personalised Treatment Plan

If gastric balloon treatment is considered suitable, a personalised plan is prepared. This may include:

• The proposed gastric balloon system
• The placement and removal method
• The planned treatment period
• Required medical tests
• Healthcare institution arrangements
• Accommodation and transfers
• Post-placement nutrition programme
• Medical and dietitian follow-up

The final treatment decision is confirmed after an in-person medical assessment in İzmir.

4. Travel and Accommodation Planning

Once the treatment date is confirmed, Fit&Fit coordinates your accommodation, airport–hotel–hospital transfers, interpreter support and medical appointments.

The recommended length of stay depends on the selected balloon system, placement method and the patient’s initial tolerance.

5. Pre-Treatment Examination

After arriving in İzmir, you attend an in-person consultation and complete the required medical checks.

These may include:

• Blood tests
• Anaesthesia or sedation assessment
• Review of regular medications
• Evaluation of digestive symptoms
• Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
• Additional examinations when medically necessary

Before placement, the stomach and oesophagus may be examined using an endoscope to identify conditions that could affect treatment suitability.

6. Gastric Balloon Placement

Endoscopic gastric balloon placement is generally performed under sedation.

A flexible endoscope is passed through the mouth and oesophagus into the stomach. The deflated balloon is then carefully positioned inside the stomach without external incisions.

Once the correct position is confirmed, the balloon is filled with a sterile liquid or air according to the specifications of the selected device.

Placement techniques may differ for swallowable gastric balloon systems. The most appropriate option is determined by the treating medical team.

7. Observation and Initial Adjustment

After placement, you are monitored until the effects of sedation have sufficiently reduced and you can tolerate fluids.

Nausea, abdominal discomfort, cramps, bloating and acid reflux may occur during the first few days as the stomach adjusts to the balloon.

Medication may be prescribed to manage nausea, stomach acid and discomfort. Persistent or severe symptoms should be reported to the medical team.

8. Post-Placement Nutrition Programme

A gradual nutrition programme helps the stomach adapt to the balloon.

The programme generally includes:

1. Clear or full liquids
2. Puréed foods
3. Soft foods
4. Small portions of regular-texture foods

The timing of each stage is determined by the medical team and dietitian. Patients should eat slowly, chew thoroughly, avoid large portions and maintain adequate hydration.

9. Medical and Dietitian Follow-Up

Regular follow-up is an essential part of gastric balloon treatment. The programme may include:

• Weight and progress monitoring
• Dietitian consultations
• Meal and portion planning
• Physical activity guidance
• Assessment of digestive symptoms
• Support for behavioural and lifestyle changes

The treatment period should be used to develop sustainable eating and activity habits that can continue after balloon removal.

10. Gastric Balloon Removal

The balloon must be removed or allowed to pass according to the approved treatment period of the selected device.

Endoscopically placed gastric balloons commonly remain in the stomach for approximately six to twelve months, depending on the system used.

During endoscopic removal, the balloon is emptied and removed through the mouth under sedation. No external surgical incision is required.

The balloon should not remain in place beyond the period recommended by the manufacturer and treating medical team.

Gastric Balloon Recovery

Nausea, abdominal cramps, bloating and reflux are most common during the first few days. These symptoms often improve as the stomach adapts, but recovery varies between patients.

Many patients can return to light daily activities within a few days. Driving, exercise and return to work should be planned according to the medical team’s instructions, particularly while taking medication or experiencing nausea.

Persistent or worsening symptoms should be reported without delay.

Life After Gastric Balloon Removal

The gastric balloon is temporary, but the eating and lifestyle habits developed during treatment should continue after removal.

Weight regain is possible if previous eating habits return. Continued dietitian support, regular physical activity and medical follow-up can help patients maintain their progress.

Why Choose Fit&Fit Health Journey?

• Individual medical and nutritional assessment
• Personalised gastric balloon planning
• Contracted and authorised healthcare institutions
• Transparent treatment and pricing information
• Accommodation and transfer coordination
• Multilingual patient support
• Pre-treatment and post-treatment guidance
• Dietitian-supported nutrition planning
• Follow-up throughout the treatment period

All decisions regarding eligibility, device selection, placement, medication and removal are made by the treating medical team. Fit&Fit Health Journey coordinates the international patient and travel services surrounding the treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is gastric balloon treatment a surgical procedure?

No. Endoscopic gastric balloon placement is performed through the mouth and does not require external surgical incisions. Sedation is generally used.

How long does the gastric balloon remain in the stomach?

The treatment period depends on the selected device. Endoscopic balloons commonly remain in place for approximately six to twelve months.

How much weight can I lose with a gastric balloon?

Weight loss varies according to starting weight, balloon type, medical condition and adherence to the nutrition and lifestyle programme. A specific amount cannot be guaranteed.

Does gastric balloon placement hurt?

The endoscopic procedure is generally performed under sedation. Nausea, cramps, bloating and abdominal discomfort may occur during the first few days after placement.

Can the gastric balloon stay permanently?

No. A gastric balloon is a temporary medical device. It must be removed or pass naturally within the approved period of the selected system.

Can I regain weight after balloon removal?

Yes. Weight regain is possible if sustainable nutrition and lifestyle habits are not maintained after removal.

How long should I stay in Turkey?

The recommended stay depends on the placement method and initial recovery. Return travel should be arranged after the medical team confirms that you can tolerate fluids and are fit to travel.

How much does gastric balloon treatment in Turkey cost?

The cost depends on the selected balloon system, placement and removal method, medical tests, healthcare services, accommodation and follow-up programme. A personalised quotation is prepared after assessment.

Request a Free Preliminary Assessment

Contact the Fit&Fit Health Journey patient coordination team to request a confidential preliminary assessment for gastric balloon treatment in Turkey.