About Gastric Balloon Surgery
Key Highlights
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Non-Surgical & Minimally Invasive: No incisions or permanent alterations to the stomach anatomy.Effective Weight Loss Kickstart: Can help patients lose 10-15% of their total body weight.Short Procedure Time: Typically takes about 20-30 minutes to perform.listrongReversible & Temporary:/strong The balloon is removed after 6-12 months, making it a non-permanent intervention./lilistrongFacilitates Lifestyle Change:/strong Provides a crucial period to adopt healthier eating habits and behaviors with professional support./li/ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Body Mass Index (BMI) between 30 and 40 kg/m².
- Patients who have not achieved long-term weight loss with supervised diet, exercise, and behavioral programs.
- As a bridge to more definitive bariatric surgery for higher-risk patients (super-obese) to reduce surgical risk.
- To help improve obesity-related co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or sleep apnea.
- For patients who are not candidates for or wish to avoid invasive weight-loss surgery.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive medical evaluation, including blood tests and sometimes an upper endoscopy.
- Consultation with a multidisciplinary team including a bariatric surgeon, dietitian, and psychologist.
- Beginning a high-protein liquid diet 1-2 weeks before the procedure to shrink the liver.
- Fasting (no food or drink) for at least 12 hours prior to the balloon placement.
- Discontinuation of certain medications, like blood thinners, as advised by the doctor.
- Arranging for transportation home post-procedure, as sedation is used.
Risks & possible complications
- Early Tolerance Issues: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and reflux are common in the first few days.
- Balloon Deflation/Leakage: Rare, but can lead to intestinal blockage requiring urgent removal.
- Gastric Ulceration or Erosion: The balloon may cause pressure sores on the stomach lining.
- Esophageal Irritation: During placement or removal.
- Infection or Adverse Reaction: To the saline solution or procedure.
- Inadequate Weight Loss: Success heavily depends on patient adherence to dietary and lifestyle changes.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediate Post-Procedure: Monitored for a few hours; patients can usually go home the same day.
- First Week: Strict liquid diet progressing to pureed foods. Medications are provided to manage nausea and acid reflux.
- Ongoing Care: Regular follow-ups with the medical team for dietary counseling, support, and monitoring.
- Activity: Light activities can be resumed within a day or two; avoid heavy lifting for a week.
- Balloon Removal: Scheduled for 6-12 months later, performed endoscopically in a similar manner.
- Long-Term: Focus on maintaining new eating habits and exercise routines to sustain weight loss after balloon removal.
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Typical hospital stay: 0-1 days (typically outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: 3-5 days to return to normal activities, 1-2 weeks for full dietary adaptation
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering gastric balloon surgery in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for gastric balloon surgery in India include Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform gastric balloon surgery. MediFyr helps you compare bariatric surgeons and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for gastric balloon surgery compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 150 Thousand – 350 Thousand | 0-1 days (typically outpatient) | ~ 3-5 days to return to normal activities, 1-2 weeks for full dietary adaptation | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 525 Thousand – 1.23 Million | 0-1 days (typically outpatient) | ~ 3-5 days to return to normal activities, 1-2 weeks for full dietary adaptation | Know More |
Top hospitals for Gastric Balloon Surgery in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated bariatric surgery teams and experience managing patients undergoing gastric balloon surgery.
Sai Khan, a 42-year-old software engineer...
Sai Khan, a 42-year-old software engineer and father of two, had struggled with his weight since his twenties. His demanding job meant long hours sitting and frequent takeout meals. Despite trying numerous diets and gym memberships, he could never lose more than 15 pounds before hitting a plateau and regaining the weight. He suffered from worsening acid reflux, pre-diabetes, and chronic knee pain that kept him from playing with his kids. His primary care physician, concerned about his metabolic health, referred him to a bariatric surgeon. The doctor recommended a gastric balloon as a less invasive, temporary tool to help Sai jumpstart significant weight loss and establish healthier habits, as he was not ready to consider permanent surgery. The procedure itself was quick, done endoscopically under sedation. Sai experienced significant nausea and cramping for the first three days, requiring medication, but it gradually subsided. Over the six months the balloon was in place, with the support of a dedicated dietitian, Sai lost 48 pounds. He learned portion control, prioritized protein, and started walking daily. His reflux vanished, his blood sugar normalized, and his knee pain improved dramatically. Emotionally, Sai felt defeated and trapped in his own body before the procedure. Afterward, he felt a profound sense of hope and control. The balloon gave him the 'breathing room' he needed to break old cycles, and he is now confidently maintaining his weight loss, feeling like an active, present father again.
Bariatric surgeons for Gastric Balloon Surgery
Explore experienced bariatric surgeons who regularly perform gastric balloon surgery and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 26 Years Experience
- Bariatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- Bariatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Bariatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore
- 26 Years Experience
- Bariatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 22 Years Experience
- Bariatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 35 Years Experience
- Bariatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 30 Years Experience
- Bariatric surgeon
- 21 Years Experience
- Bariatric surgeon
- 16 Years Experience
- Bariatric surgeon
- 8 Years Experience
- Bariatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Dwarka, Delhi
- 11 Years Experience
- Bariatric surgeon
Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore