For patients who are not yet candidates for bariatric surgery, or who are looking for a less invasive first step in their weight loss journey, the intra-gastric balloon may be worth exploring. Unlike surgical weight loss procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass, the intra-gastric balloon does not require incisions, general anesthesia, or changes to the structure of the digestive system. Instead, a soft silicone balloon is placed into the stomach through a brief endoscopic procedure and inflated with saline, reducing the available space in the stomach and helping patients feel full more quickly.
It is important to understand that the intra-gastric balloon is a temporary, short-term tool, not a permanent solution. It is most effective when used as part of a broader weight management program that includes meaningful dietary changes and increased physical activity. At Atlanta General and Bariatric Surgery Center, our team will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine whether the gastric balloon is appropriate for your individual health profile and goals, and to ensure you have a clear understanding of what the procedure can and cannot achieve.
If you'd like to explore your options, request a consultation with our team today. We're happy to walk you through everything and help you find the right path forward.
The intra-gastric balloon procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and typically takes less than 30 minutes. Here's what the process generally looks like:
The procedure is performed endoscopically, meaning no incisions are required. While the patient is under mild sedation, the surgeon passes a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope through the mouth and into the stomach. The deflated silicone balloon is guided through the endoscope and, once correctly positioned in the stomach, is filled with sterile saline solution until it is roughly the size of a grapefruit. The endoscope is then removed, and the balloon remains in place in the stomach.
With the balloon occupying space in the stomach, patients feel full faster and are less able to consume large amounts of food at one sitting. This reduced capacity, combined with dietary guidance and lifestyle changes, helps patients consume fewer calories and begin losing weight. The balloon is typically left in place for six months, after which it must be removed. Some patients use this period to work toward qualifying for a surgical weight loss procedure.
Removal is also performed endoscopically under mild sedation and follows a similar process to placement. The balloon is deflated and withdrawn through the mouth, leaving no permanent changes to the stomach or digestive system. After removal, patients are encouraged to continue the dietary and lifestyle habits developed during the balloon period to maintain their progress.
Potential benefits of the intra-gastric balloon include:
Our team will discuss all of these considerations with you in detail during your consultation to help you make a fully informed decision.
No. The intra-gastric balloon is a very different procedure from surgical weight loss options like gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy. Those procedures permanently alter the structure of the stomach and, in the case of gastric bypass, the digestive tract, producing lasting metabolic changes that support significant long-term weight loss.
The gastric balloon, by contrast, is entirely temporary. It occupies space in the stomach for up to six months before being removed, leaving no permanent changes behind. It produces more modest results and relies heavily on the patient's commitment to lifestyle changes during the balloon period.
For patients who meet the criteria for surgical bariatric procedures, surgery typically offers more durable and significant outcomes. Our team is happy to help you understand how the balloon compares to other options and which approach makes the most sense for your situation.
The intra-gastric balloon may be appropriate for patients who have a BMI between 30 and 40 and who have not been able to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, but who do not yet meet the criteria for bariatric surgery. It may also be considered for patients who want to lose enough weight to become eligible for a surgical procedure, or for those who prefer a non-surgical approach for personal or medical reasons.
The balloon is not appropriate for all patients — those with a history of prior stomach surgery, inflammatory bowel disease, or certain other conditions may not be candidates. A thorough consultation with one of our gastric balloon doctors is the best way to determine whether this procedure is right for you.
The intra-gastric balloon is generally not covered by insurance, as it is considered a non-surgical, elective weight management procedure. As a result, most patients pay out of pocket. Costs can vary depending on the provider and the specific program offered. At Atlanta General and Bariatric Surgery Center, our team can provide you with detailed pricing information during your consultation and discuss any available payment options. If cost is a concern, we'd also encourage you to explore whether you might qualify for a surgical bariatric procedure, as those are often covered by most major insurance plans when certain clinical criteria are met.
Atlanta General and Bariatric Surgery Center in Johns Creek serves patients throughout Metro Atlanta and across the Southeast. If you're interested in learning more about the intra-gastric balloon or exploring your full range of weight management options, our team is here to help. Call us at (678) 691-6257 or request an appointment online to schedule a consultation. We'll take the time to understand your goals, review your health history, and help you find the approach that's right for you.