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3,087 reviewsof the Weight Doctors® Group · 97% recommendation rateBlog · 29 August 2025 · 8 min read
The gastric balloon: losing weight without surgery at a glance
How the gastric balloon works, which versions there are, which balloon suits whom, how treatment and nutrition proceed – and what matters after removal.
Medically reviewed byDr. med. Hans Werner SudholtSpecialist in internal medicineLast updated:
Introduction
Obesity – a challenge of our time
The worldwide increase in overweight and obesity is one of the greatest health challenges of our time. Current research shows that this development is closely linked to economic progress – mainly through changed eating habits and less through reduced physical activity (McGrosky et al., 2025).
Against this background, minimally invasive treatments such as the gastric balloon are gaining importance.
What is a gastric balloon?
A gastric balloon is a medical device that temporarily reduces the stomach – a stomach reduction without surgery. Once inserted, the balloon made of soft silicone takes up about 30–35% of the stomach volume. This can have several effects:
- Mechanical satietyThe filled balloon acts like a meal in the stomach.
- Hormonal regulationHunger and satiety hormones are influenced.
- Portion controlThe amount you can eat is naturally limited.
- Slower gastric emptyingThe feeling of fullness lasts longer.
The variants
Three routes with the gastric balloon
- The classic balloon for 6 monthsFor people who want a manageable period for weight loss. The balloon is placed endoscopically in a short procedure (approx. 20–25 minutes) under twilight sleep. More on the 6-month balloon
- The balloon for 12 months – also adjustableFor anyone who wants longer support. With the adjustable balloon, the filling volume can be adapted after 3–6 months; an anchor system prevents it from slipping into the intestine. More on the 1-year balloon
- The Allurion gastric balloon – without endoscopyYou swallow a small capsule, which is filled with water via a thin tube – without anaesthesia. After around 4 months the balloon empties by itself and is passed out. More on the Allurion gastric balloon
| Balloon | Duration | Recommended BMI | Weight-loss goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allurion gastric balloon | 3–4 months | 26–29 | up to 10 kg |
| Balloon for 6 months | 6 months | 26–35 | up to 20 kg |
| Balloon for 12 months | 12 months | 26–40 | up to 30 kg |
| Adjustable balloon | 12 months | from 26 | more than 30 kg |
Values as on our gastric balloon page. Results vary from person to person.
The choice
Which balloon is suitable for whom?
Depending on BMI and personal weight-loss goal, current treatment recommendations give the following guide values – which balloon suits you, we always clarify in the consultation:
- BMI 26–35, goal 10–25 kgMainly the Allurion gastric balloon or the balloon for 6 months – especially if you need a push or keep gaining weight despite attempts at dieting.
- BMI 35–45, goal 25–35 kgBalloon for 12 months, ideally adjustable – with large weight fluctuations (yo-yo effect) or if you want longer support.
- BMI over 45, goal over 35 kgBalloon for 12 months as preparation for further steps, possibly combined with other therapies – for example as bridging therapy before weight-loss surgery.
The procedure
Preliminary examination and insertion
Before treatment there is a detailed medical history and physical examination, a gastroscopy to rule out contraindications, a nutrition analysis with joint goal-setting and a conversation about the different options.
- EndoscopicUnder twilight sleep or light sedation, the empty balloon is introduced through the mouth and placed in the stomach under direct vision. It is then filled with 400–700 ml of sterile saline solution (often dyed blue) and the filling tube is removed.
- SwallowableAfter swallowing, the position of the capsule is checked on an X-ray. The balloon is filled via the tube, a second X-ray confirms the position, and then the tube is removed.
The first days and months
The first week is the greatest challenge:
- Day 1–3Nausea, cramps, increased need for fluids
- Day 4–5slow improvement, first solid food
- Day 6–7Normalisation, back to everyday life
- Month 1–2
- Usually the greatest weight loss
- Month 3–4
- Weight loss slows and stabilises
- Month 5–6
- Plateau – the focus is on new habits
- Balloon for 12 months
- After 6 months an adjustment of the filling volume is possible
The science
Why the gastric balloon starts in the right place
Current research shows interesting links between economic development and obesity: not a lack of exercise but above all higher calorie intake – especially through highly processed foods – drives the increase in obesity. This is exactly where the gastric balloon comes in:
- It mechanically limits the amount of food.
- It helps you relearn eating behaviour.
- It reduces portion sizes.
- It prolongs the feeling of fullness.
Nutrition
Nutrition during treatment
- Week 1–2: liquid dietClear broths and soups, protein shakes, diluted juices and 2–3 litres of water a day.
- Week 3–4: pureed foodPureed vegetable soups, yoghurt and quark, soft-boiled egg, smoothies without pieces.
- From week 5: solid foodSmall portions (100–150 g), chew thoroughly (20–30 times), eat high-protein foods, separate eating and drinking.
What also contributes to success
- Nutritional adviceindividual nutrition plans, behavioural therapy approaches, recognising triggers for eating, strategies against emotional eating.
- Exercise therapyadapted training, more exercise in everyday life, strength and endurance training, group sport for motivation.
- Digital supportWeight-tracking apps, digital scales with automatic transmission, online coaching and advice, virtual self-help groups.
At Weight Doctors® this includes the Weight Doctors® App with smart scales and your personal 360° coach – more under Weight Doctors® 360°.
The costs
Costs and financing
The gastric balloon is a self-pay service; private health insurers decide case by case. So that treatment is accessible to many, you can pay in instalments – financing via medipay is possible. You can find the current prices and instalments for the Allurion gastric balloon, balloon for 6 months and balloon for 12 months on the gastric balloon page and under Paying in instalments. The exact conditions depend on your personal situation.
The risks
Risks and side effects
- Common in the first weekNausea and vomiting (70–80%), abdominal cramps (60–70%), heartburn (30–40%), feeling of fullness (90%).
- Rare (under 1%)Defect of the balloon with premature deflation, stomach ulcers, intestinal obstruction (very unlikely with anchor systems), intolerance that makes removal necessary.
Aftercare
Aftercare and long-term success
During the wearing period this includes monthly check-ups, regular weight checks, adapted nutrition plans and, where needed, psychological support.
After removal, studies show that 72% of patients can maintain their reduced weight 12 months later. What helps with this:
- Continue the eating habits you have learned
- Stick to small portions
- Exercise regularly
- Keep an eye on weight and food
The comparison
The gastric balloon compared with other routes
- Compared with dietsPhysical support instead of pure willpower, less hunger, medical supervision – and thus better chances that weight loss succeeds.
- Compared with weight-loss surgeryCompletely reversible, no change to anatomy, outpatient, fewer complications, no deficiency symptoms.
- Compared with medicationNo side effects throughout the body, no long-term medication, a one-off procedure and cheaper in the long run.
The outlook
New developments
- Better materialslonger-lasting and better tolerated
- Smart balloonswith sensors for monitoring
- Combination therapiesGastric balloon and GLP-1 therapy together
- More personal approachesNutrition recommendations based on genes
Conclusion
What to take away
The gastric balloon can be an evidence-based, safe and effective method of weight reduction. Which variant suits you depends on BMI, weight-loss goal and your wishes. What is decisive for long-term success is the willingness to change your lifestyle permanently. Detailed advice from experienced obesity specialists is essential to find the right solution.
- People with a BMI of 27 to 45
- Those who reject an operation
- Those who struggle with the yo-yo effect
- In preparation for larger procedures
Source: McGrosky, A. et al. (2025). Energy expenditure and obesity across the economic spectrum. PNAS, 122(29), e2420902122. doi.org
Films
- How the gastric balloon is placed in the stomach
- The Spatz3 gastric balloon for 1 year: size adjustable during the wearing period
Frequently asked questions
Questions and answers
Your question isn’t listed? Your specialist will take time for it during the consultation.
Is the gastric balloon painful, and how long does it take to get used to?
The insertion itself is painless thanks to sedation. The first 3–4 days afterwards are demanding, though: most people have nausea, cramps and a strong feeling of fullness. This is normal and part of the adjustment; the symptoms can be eased well with medication. After about a week most people have got used to the balloon and are fully able to work again.
How much weight can I lose?
This varies very much from person to person and depends on many factors. Most weight loss typically happens in the first 2–3 months. Important: the gastric balloon is an aid – success depends largely on your cooperation and on changing your habits. You will find guide values for each balloon in the table above.
What happens if the balloon leaks?
The saline solution in the balloon is dyed blue. If it leaks, urine turns blue-green – a warning sign, in which case contact us immediately. Balloons with an anchor system cannot migrate into the intestine even when completely deflated; they remain in the stomach and are removed endoscopically.
Can I eat normally with the gastric balloon?
After the adjustment phase, yes – but in considerably smaller portions (100–150 g per meal). Important are: chewing very thoroughly (20–30 times per bite), eating slowly (20–30 minutes per meal), separating eating and drinking (30 minutes apart), no fizzy drinks and few very fatty or heavily spiced foods.
What happens after the gastric balloon is removed – does the yo-yo effect come?
Not necessarily. The key lies in permanent behavioural change during the wearing period: smaller portions become a habit, the feeling of fullness is relearned, a healthier choice becomes natural. Follow-up care is decisive for this.
Can anyone have a gastric balloon?
No, there are clear contraindications: pregnancy or breastfeeding, active stomach ulcers or severe reflux disease, previous operations on the stomach or oesophagus, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, severe mental illness such as depression or eating disorders, alcohol or drug dependence, regular use of blood-thinning medication and – as a relative contraindication – a BMI under 27 or over 50. A thorough preliminary examination with gastroscopy is therefore compulsory.
Does German health insurance cover the gastric balloon?
No, the gastric balloon is a self-pay service; private health insurers decide case by case. You can pay for the treatment in instalments via medipay – more under Paying in instalments.
What distinguishes the gastric balloon from the weight-loss injection?
The gastric balloon is a one-off procedure without daily medication, works mechanically, is time-limited (4–12 months), has no side effects throughout the body and works immediately. GLP-1 therapy is injected weekly, works hormonally on appetite and metabolism, has to be used long-term, can have side effects throughout the body, and after stopping many people regain weight. Modern treatment concepts sometimes combine both routes.
Locations
Stomach reduction near you
- Stomach reduction Aachen
- Stomach reduction Berlin
- Stomach reduction Dortmund
- Stomach reduction Düsseldorf
- Stomach reduction Eindhoven
- Stomach reduction Frankfurt
- Stomach reduction Freiburg
- Stomach reduction Hamburg
- Stomach reduction Hanover
- Stomach reduction Heidelberg
- Stomach reduction Leipzig
- Stomach reduction Munich
- Stomach reduction Nuremberg
- Stomach reduction Salzburg
- Stomach reduction Stuttgart
- Stomach reduction Wertheim
- Stomach reduction Wiesbaden
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