What is it?
A gastric balloon is a type of weight loss procedure that involves inserting a deflated balloon into the stomach through the mouth using an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end). Once the balloon is in place, it is then filled with a sterile saline solution. The balloon takes up space in the stomach, which makes the patient feel full and eat less. Gastric balloons are typically left in place for six months, after which they are removed through the same endoscopic procedure. The procedure is done under sedation and it is considered a less invasive weight loss procedure than gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.
