0800 84 84 777
Book a consultationBook a consultation
3,087 reviewsof the Weight Doctors® Group · 97% recommendation rateBlog · 28 November 2025 · 5 min read

GLP-⁠1 after a gastric balloon or endo sleeve: the smart transition

The balloon is out, the intensive weight-loss phase is over – and the hunger comes back? How GLP-⁠1 therapy can help to maintain the weight you have reached.

Book a consultationAll articles

GermanyNetherlandsMedically reviewed byDr. med. Robert JennerSpecialist in visceral surgery / specialised visceral surgeryLast updated:

When weight-loss success needs a second helper

The critical phase after losing weight

You have done it: with a gastric balloon or an endo sleeve at the Weight Doctors® you have lost weight successfully. But then comes a critical phase: the gastric balloon is removed after 6 or 12 months, or the intensive weight-loss phase after the endo sleeve comes to an end. And suddenly it is back – the hunger, the old craving, the looming yo-yo effect.

This is exactly where Weight Doctors® GLP-⁠1 can step in as a smart transition.

The challenge after temporary treatments

The gastric balloon is a temporary companion: depending on the variant, it stays in the stomach for 6 to 12 months and is then removed without leaving any residue. During this time, patients learn to manage with smaller portions and to change their eating behaviour. No operation is needed for this.

It is similar with the Weight Doctors SLEEVE®: stomach reduction with pose® 3.0 Double Helix or OverStitch NXT™ reduces the stomach by up to 75%. The feeling of fullness sets in faster and lasts longer. But here too, it can become difficult to maintain the weight you have reached permanently after the intensive weight-loss phase.

How GLP-⁠1 works

Why GLP-⁠1 can be a sensible follow-on

After successful weight loss, many people face the task of maintaining their new weight in the long term and preventing relapses. This is where GLP-⁠1 therapy can be valuable support.

GLP-⁠1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone produced by the body that regulates blood sugar levels and increases the feeling of fullness. The Weight Doctors® GLP-⁠1 therapy uses this metabolic effect and works at three points:

  • It slows digestion markedly – you stay full for longer.
  • It increases the feeling of fullness between meals – less snacking.
  • It influences the centre in the brain responsible for sweet things – in many cases, cravings can be curbed in this way.

Who is the transition suitable for?

GLP-⁠1 therapy is an option in particular when, after a bariatric procedure or successful conservative weight loss, weight is to be stabilised and weight-loss success further supported. It is particularly suitable for patients who:

  • want to keep working gently on their weight after losing weight,
  • want to prevent relapses and maintain the weight they have reached in the long term,
  • have already established a healthy lifestyle but need additional support.

The therapy can support your body in regulating the feeling of fullness and reducing the desire to eat – without drastic diets.

The scientific background

What studies show

Scientific studies and the experience of many patients show that GLP-⁠1 therapy can also work after a bariatric procedure. GLP-⁠1 helps the body to regulate the feeling of fullness and to reduce the desire for food. This can lead to further weight loss or to stabilisation of the weight reached – exactly what is needed after gastric balloon or endo sleeve treatment. Results vary from person to person.

You can read more on combining endoscopic stomach reduction and GLP-⁠1 in the article Weight Doctors SLEEVE® with GLP-⁠1.

Step by step

How the transition works

The Weight Doctors® support you throughout the entire process – from the first consultation to aftercare:

  1. Initial consultation and medical historyIn a detailed conversation, we discuss your medical history, your current state of health and your previous attempts to lose weight.
  2. Individual treatment planOn the basis of your results and goals, a plan is drawn up that takes into account your eating habits, your physical activity and any limitations.
  3. Instruction in useGLP-⁠1 therapy is an injection under the skin that you can give yourself once a week. How this works is shown on the page Using the GLP-⁠1 pen.
  4. Regular check-upsThroughout the treatment, we check weight, blood values and other health values in order to adjust the therapy if needed.
Conclusion

Combining sensibly instead of starting over

The gastric balloon and endo sleeve are good tools for the first big step. Maintaining the weight reached often needs additional support. Weight Doctors® GLP-⁠1 can form this bridge – gently, scientifically founded and embedded in the support of Weight Doctors® 360°.

This is how you can reach and maintain your Feel Good Weight – the weight at which you feel completely comfortable in your body.

Frequently asked questions

Questions and answers

Your question isn’t listed? Your specialist will take time for it during the consultation.

How does GLP-⁠1 work after gastric balloon or endo sleeve treatment?

GLP-⁠1 therapy can slow digestion, increase the feeling of fullness between meals and curb cravings for sweet things. In this way it can help to maintain the weight reached with a gastric balloon or endo sleeve and to prevent a yo-yo effect. Results vary from person to person.

Who is GLP-⁠1 suitable for as a follow-on therapy?

For everyone who, after a bariatric procedure or successful weight loss, wants to stabilise their weight and keep working on it gently – especially if they already live more healthily but need additional support to prevent relapses.

When is the right time to move to GLP-⁠1?

The treatment works best when you have already established a healthy lifestyle and need additional support to reach and maintain your comfortable weight. Before starting, your weight should be stable and your general health good.

How often do I have to use the weight-loss injection?

Depending on the preparation, GLP-⁠1 therapy is usually used once a week – as an injection under the skin that you can conveniently give yourself at home.

How does the treatment work?

It begins with a low dose that is increased step by step in order to keep possible side effects low and give the body time to adjust. Your doctor adjusts the dose to your progress and tolerance. Regular check-up appointments accompany the entire treatment.

What side effects can occur?

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and occasionally abdominal pain are possible. They mostly occur at the beginning and usually subside once the body has got used to the active ingredient. If you do not tolerate the active ingredient, you can end the therapy at any time.

When will I see first results?

The effect of the GLP-⁠1 hormone sets in relatively quickly. Many notice a stronger feeling of fullness soon after starting and eat less; first results can often become visible after a few weeks. Results vary from person to person.

How long does GLP-⁠1 therapy last?

The treatment is usually designed for the long term. From around the 7th month, the body has usually found a new balance, and weight settles at a new level. The Weight Doctors® support you on an ongoing basis so that you can maintain your new weight in the long term.

Locations

GLP-⁠1 pharmacotherapy near you

Go to the location finder

Blog & News

More articles

All articles
Read more

You may also be interested in

All treatments at a glance

Wide range of services
no procedure
Surgery
  1. No procedureWeight Doctors® GLP-⁠1 pharmacotherapyMedication-based, no procedure
  2. No procedureWeight Doctors® 360°Nutrition coaching
  3. Long-lastingNewWeight Doctors® hydroGMAEndoscopic, no incisions
  4. No surgeryWeight Doctors® GASTRIC BALLOONTemporary, also swallowable
  5. No surgeryHealth insurance cover also possible*Weight Doctors SLEEVE®Endoscopic, permanent
  6. With surgeryHealth insurance cover also possible*Weight Doctors BARIATRICS®Surgical, minimally invasive
  7. With surgeryHealth insurance cover also possible*Weight Doctors® REVISIONCorrective procedure after weight-loss surgery
  8. LipoedemaHealth insurance cover also possible*Weight Doctors® lipoedema surgeryLiposuction for lipoedema
  9. After weight lossHealth insurance cover also possible*Weight Doctors® RESHAPEAfter weight loss

* For patients with German statutory health insurance: if the medical indication is established in line with the DGAV guidelines, reimbursement may be possible.

Newsletter

News from Weight Doctors®

New treatments, dates such as our webinars and knowledge about losing weight – straight to your inbox. You can unsubscribe at any time with one click.

Protected by privacy-friendly spam protection, without tracking and without cookies.

* Required fields

Consultation

On to your Weight Doctors® Experience.

The first step is a conversation: choose your treatment, location and appointment online here – consultation on site, by video or by phone.

  • 100% no obligation
  • One-to-one with your specialist
  • Appointments online, around the clock
  • 23 locations in 6 countries

Prefer to call? 0800 84 84 777Mon–Fri 8 am–8 pm · Sat 9 am–3 pm

Weight Doctors® at 23 locations in 6 countries23 locations

Which location is closest to you?

0800 84 84 777Book a consultationBook a consultation