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A gastric balloon is a non-surgical weight-loss option in which a soft silicone balloon is placed in the stomach and filled with saline. It takes up space so you feel full sooner and eat less. It involves no incisions, is temporary, and is fully reversible — a useful first step or an option for lower BMI.
A gastric balloon is a non-surgical weight-loss option in which a soft silicone balloon is placed in the stomach and filled with saline. It takes up space so you feel full sooner and eat less. It involves no incisions, is temporary, and is fully reversible — a useful first step or an option for lower BMI.
A gastric balloon is a soft balloon inserted into the stomach during a short endoscopy (no surgery) and inflated with sterile saline. By partly filling the stomach it reduces hunger and portion sizes. It is temporary — typically removed after about 6 months — and is often combined with a supervised nutrition programme to build lasting habits.
Placement is quick and non-surgical:
Assessment — a consultation and check confirm the balloon is suitable for you.
Placement — under light sedation, a soft balloon is passed into the stomach via endoscopy and filled with saline (no incisions).
Adjustment period — mild nausea or cramping for a few days is normal as your stomach adapts.
Removal — after about 6 months the balloon is deflated and removed endoscopically.
You may be a suitable candidate if you:
Have a BMI of roughly 27–35
Want a non-surgical, reversible option
Are not ready for, or do not qualify for, bariatric surgery
Want a kickstart before surgery or a structured weight-loss programme
Are committed to the nutrition and follow-up plan
Real patient outcomes from Marmara Health Center
Mild nausea/cramping as the stomach adapts; light diet
Settling in; gradual return to normal routine
Steady weight loss with the nutrition plan
Balloon removed; habits maintained
Many patients lose a meaningful amount of weight while the balloon is in place; keeping the result depends on the eating and activity habits built during the programme.
The gastric balloon is non-surgical and generally well tolerated. The most common effects are nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps in the first few days, which usually settle. Rare risks include intolerance requiring early removal, deflation or, very rarely, blockage. Because it is temporary, weight can return without lasting lifestyle change, so follow-up and nutrition support are important.
Ministry-authorised health tourism — operating under the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health Health Tourism Authorization Certificate and a member of Health Türkiye.
Experienced multidisciplinary team — strong academic background and a high volume of successful procedures.
Accredited partner hospital — treatment in a fully equipped, modern clinical setting.
All-inclusive care — free online consultation, VIP airport transfers, accommodation, interpreter support and follow-up.
The most common questions about this treatment
No. The balloon is placed during a short endoscopy under light sedation, with no incisions and no cutting of the stomach. It is the least invasive weight-loss option and is fully reversible when the balloon is removed.
Most balloons stay in place for about 6 months and are then removed endoscopically. Some swallowable types pass naturally after a few months. Your team confirms the type and timeline that suits you.
Many patients lose a meaningful amount of weight during the 6 months, especially alongside the nutrition plan. Results vary, and maintaining the loss depends on the eating and activity habits you build.
Placement is not painful as it is done under light sedation. For the first few days afterwards, nausea and cramping are common as the stomach adapts; these are managed with medication and usually settle within a week.
The balloon is removed endoscopically after about 6 months. Keeping your results then depends on continuing the healthy eating and activity habits built during the programme, with ongoing follow-up support.
Explore other bariatric surgery options
Gastric sleeve surgery (sleeve gastrectomy) is a laparoscopic weight-loss operation that removes about 75–80% of the stomach, leaving a slim, banana-shaped "sleeve." Because the part of the stomach that produces most of the hunger hormone (ghrelin) is removed, you feel full sooner and hungry less often — driving significant, lasting weight loss.
Learn More
Gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y) is a laparoscopic weight-loss operation that creates a small stomach pouch and reroutes part of the small intestine. This both limits how much you can eat and reduces how many calories you absorb, producing strong, lasting weight loss and a powerful effect on type 2 diabetes and severe acid reflux.
Learn More
Metabolic surgery uses bariatric procedures — most often gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy — specifically to treat type 2 diabetes. Beyond weight loss, these operations change gut hormones that improve blood sugar control, helping many patients reduce their medication and, in some cases, achieve remission.
Learn MoreFor detailed information about our aesthetic, hair, dental and bariatric treatments, please use the contact channels below. Initial consultations for international patients can be arranged remotely via video call or WhatsApp.
Marmara Health Center
Multi-Specialty Medical Center
