Gastric Balloon: A Temporary, Non-Surgical Tool for Weight Loss

A minimally invasive solution that helps you jumpstart weight loss – without incisions or permanent changes.

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Schedule your virtual consultation and find out if the Intragastric Balloon is right for you.
What is the Gastric Balloon?

The gastric balloon is a non-surgical, temporary weight loss procedure that helps patients jumpstart their journey. A soft, saline-filled balloon goes into the stomach through the mouth using an endoscope—no incisions or anesthesia are needed. Once in place, the balloon occupies space in the stomach, which helps you feel full sooner and eat less. It typically stays in place for about six months. After that, providers remove it during a similar outpatient procedure. This approach works well for patients who want a short-term, structured solution to build healthier habits and lose weight under medical guidance.

Did You Know?

Eviva was one of only 15 sites selected by the FDA for the clinical trial of the gastric balloon. That means our team was among the first in the nation to safely place and monitor the gastric balloon.

3D illustration of a gastric balloon placed inside the stomach to aid weight loss.
Candidates

Is the Gastric Balloon Right for You?

The gastric balloon is a great option for individuals who want to lose weight without surgery. It’s designed for those who are ready to commit to lifestyle changes and need a jumpstart—but don’t yet qualify for or want a permanent procedure.

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Benefits

Why Choose Gastric Balloon?

PATIENT SPOTLIGHT — JENNIFER BLACK

"The ESG gave me my life back."

After struggling with her weight for years, Jennifer chose the Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG) and went from 216 to 153 lbs—regaining her energy, confidence, and joy in everyday life.
Testimonials

Patient Before & After

Providers

Providers that perform Endoscopic Weight Loss

Mimi Tan, MD

Bariatric & Metabolic Surgeon, Board Certified General Surgeon

Profile picture of Dr. VanderWel wearing scrubs in front of blue background

Brandon VanderWel, MD

Bariatric & Metabolic Surgeon, Board Certified General Surgeon

Smiling male doctor in a white coat with a yellow tie and blue shirt, sitting in a bright medical office.

Robert Landerholm, MD

Board Certified General Surgeon, Bariatric & Advanced Minimally Invasive Surgery

Our Process

How our Endoscopic Weight Loss Program Works

Schedule a Virtual Consultation

Meet with an endoscopic weight loss doctor to learn which procedure is right for you.

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Step 2.
Intake + Insurance Review 

Your Bariatric Pathway Coordinator (BPC) is here to help every step of the way—navigating insurance approvals, clinical milestones, or walking you through the self-pay process.

Step 3.
Procedure Day

Your journey begins today—and you’re in the best hands. Our streamlined outpatient approach means most patients are home the same day, recovering comfortably and confidently with support from our experienced team.

FAQ

Most Popular Questions

How much weight can I expect to lose with the gastric balloon?

Most patients lose 10–15% of their total body weight during the 6-month period the balloon remains in place. However, results depend on your dietary habits, activity level, and how well you follow the recommended care plan.

No, it’s not. The gastric balloon is a temporary, non-surgical device that stays in your stomach for about 6 months. After that, your provider removes it during a short outpatient visit.

Typically, patients return to normal activities within 2–3 days. Although some may experience nausea or cramping early on, these symptoms usually improve quickly as the body adjusts.

The balloon helps you feel full sooner and stay full longer, reducing overall appetite. Most patients report a noticeable decrease in hunger, especially when following the dietary guidelines provided.

In most cases, insurance does not cover gastric balloon procedures, as they are considered elective. However, we offer affordable self-pay options and accept financing options to make treatment accessible.

Some common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and cramping, especially in the first few days. Rare risks—such as balloon deflation or intolerance—are uncommon, and our team monitors you closely to ensure your safety.

Patients follow a staged diet, starting with liquids, then pureed foods, followed by soft solids, and eventually a regular balanced diet. Your care team will guide you through each phase.

Placement takes about 20–30 minutes and is done under mild sedation. It’s typically an outpatient procedure, and no incisions are involved.

Procedures we offer at Eviva

Our surgeons work closely with you to determine which weight loss procedure best matches your goals, medical needs, and lifestyle. From advanced laparoscopic techniques to non-surgical endoscopic procedures, each option we offer is backed by proven outcomes and long-term success. We also offer revision surgery for patients who’ve had prior procedures and need additional support.

  • Overview: The gastric sleeve, or sleeve gastrectomy, is a laparoscopic procedure where approximately 80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a tubular “sleeve” that limits food intake.

  • How It Works: By reducing stomach size and removing the hunger-inducing hormone-producing part (fundus), it decreases appetite and promotes satiety.

  • Benefits: Patients typically experience a 25–30% total body weight loss. The procedure also improves conditions like type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and sleep apnea.

  • Ideal Candidates: Individuals with a BMI over 35. It is also frequently performed on BMI between 30–35.

  • Recovery: Most patients go home the same day. Recovery involves a staged diet starting with liquids and gradually progressing to solids over several weeks.

  • Overview: Gastric bypass is a laparoscopic procedure that alters both the stomach and small intestine to reduce food intake and calorie absorption. A small pouch is created at the top of the stomach and connected directly to the small intestine.

  • How It Works: The procedure limits how much food you can eat and bypasses part of the intestine to reduce calorie absorption. It also influences hormones involved in hunger and blood sugar regulation.

  • Benefits: Patients may lose 30–35% of their total body weight. Gastric bypass has strong results for resolving type 2 diabetes, GERD, and metabolic syndrome.

  • Ideal Candidates: Individuals with a BMI over 35, especially those with type 2 diabetes, severe acid reflux, or complex metabolic conditions.

  • Recovery: Most patients go home the same day. Recovery includes a gradual diet progression and routine follow-ups for long-term support.

  • Overview: The lap band involves placing an adjustable silicone band around the upper portion of the stomach, creating a small pouch to restrict food intake.
  • How It Works: The band creates early satiety by limiting how much food the pouch can hold. The tightness of the band is adjusted through a port placed under the skin.
  • Benefits: Less invasive with no stomach cutting or stapling. Adjustable and reversible. Typically results in 15–20% total body weight loss.
  • Ideal Candidates: Patients who prefer a reversible option or who may not qualify for sleeve or bypass procedures.
  • Recovery: Same-day discharge is common. Return to work within a few days. Band adjustments are performed in the clinic as needed.
  • Overview: The lap band involves placing an adjustable silicone band around the upper portion of the stomach, creating a small pouch to restrict food intake.
  • How It Works: The band creates early satiety by limiting how much food the pouch can hold. The tightness of the band is adjusted through a port placed under the skin.
  • Benefits: Less invasive with no stomach cutting or stapling. Adjustable and reversible. Typically results in 15–20% total body weight loss.
  • Ideal Candidates: Patients who prefer a reversible option or who may not qualify for sleeve or bypass procedures.
  • Recovery: Same-day discharge is common. Return to work within a few days. Band adjustments are performed in the clinic as needed.
  • Overview: A gastric balloon is a temporary device inserted endoscopically and filled with saline to occupy space in the stomach and limit food intake.
  • How It Works: The balloon takes up stomach space, promoting earlier satiety and reducing meal sizes. It is removed after approximately six months.
  • Benefits: Non-surgical and reversible. Can aid weight loss of 10–15% of total body weight when combined with lifestyle changes.
  • Ideal Candidates: Individuals seeking short-term weight loss support or those preparing for another procedure like surgery.
  • Recovery: Minimal downtime. Patients may experience nausea or discomfort for the first few days. Normal activities resume quickly.

Revision​ Procedures

  • Overview: Revision surgery involves modifying or converting a previous weight loss procedure—such as converting a Lap Band to a Sleeve or Bypass—when initial results are inadequate or complications arise.

  • How It Works: Depending on the patient’s history and current needs, the revision may involve removing or modifying existing devices, reshaping the stomach, or rerouting the intestines.

  • Benefits: Offers a second chance at weight loss success. Can resolve issues such as inadequate weight loss, band slippage, reflux, or weight regain.

  • Ideal Candidates: Patients who had prior bariatric surgery but experienced complications, minimal results, or weight regain.

  • Recovery: Varies by procedure. Most are still performed laparoscopically with a focus on minimal downtime and tailored aftercare.

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