Losing weight can feel overwhelming, especially when diet and exercise alone aren’t giving you the results you want. For people who aren’t ready or eligible for bariatric surgery, the gastric balloon offers an effective, nonsurgical option for achieving significant weight loss. But how does it work — and what makes it different from surgical procedures? At VIVE Bariatrics, we help patients understand how this innovative treatment can help them take control of their health safely and effectively.
What Is a Gastric Balloon?
A gastric balloon is a soft, silicone device that’s temporarily placed inside your stomach to help you feel full faster and eat less. It doesn’t require surgery, cuts, or stitches — making it one of the least invasive weight loss treatments available.
The balloon is inserted through the mouth using an endoscope, a thin flexible tube guided down your throat while you’re under mild sedation. Once it reaches your stomach, the balloon is inflated with saline until it reaches the ideal size. The procedure takes about 20 minutes, and you can go home the same day.
How the Gastric Balloon Helps You Lose Weight
The gastric balloon works by creating a sense of fullness and limiting how much food your stomach can hold. Here’s how it helps you lose weight effectively:
- Reduced portion sizes: The balloon takes up space in your stomach, helping you feel full after smaller meals.
- Slower digestion: Food stays in your stomach longer, extending the feeling of fullness.
- Behavioral changes: Because you eat less and more mindfully, you learn healthy portion control habits.
- No permanent changes: Unlike surgery, your stomach anatomy remains intact, and the balloon is later removed.
On average, patients lose 20–50 pounds during the six months the balloon is in place — depending on their commitment to diet and lifestyle changes.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Gastric Balloon?
The gastric balloon is ideal for individuals who:
- Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 30 and 40
- Struggle to lose weight with diet and exercise alone
- Prefer a non-surgical weight loss option
- Are motivated to follow a healthy eating and exercise plan
- Do not have prior stomach surgery or medical conditions affecting digestion
Your doctor at VIVE Bariatrics will perform a full evaluation to confirm whether the gastric balloon is the safest and most effective option for your goals.
What to Expect After the Procedure
For the first few days after placement, mild nausea or bloating is normal as your body adjusts. These symptoms typically subside within a week. You’ll begin with a liquid diet and gradually reintroduce soft and solid foods over time.
Because the balloon is only temporary, it stays in place for about six months before being removed in a quick, similar procedure. During this period, you’ll work closely with your VIVE Bariatrics team — including nutritionists and health coaches — to build healthy habits that last well beyond the treatment.
Benefits of the Gastric Balloon
The gastric balloon offers many advantages for those seeking a safe and nonsurgical path to weight loss:
- No incisions or scars
- Fast recovery time — resume normal activity within days
- Adjustable to individual needs
- Proven results for moderate weight loss
- Encourages long-term lifestyle change
Patients often report not just physical improvement but emotional benefits as well — increased energy, confidence, and motivation to stay healthy.
The Long-Term Impact
The true success of the gastric balloon comes from what happens after it’s removed. By the time the balloon comes out, patients have spent months learning portion control, mindful eating, and sustainable nutrition habits. This behavioral change is what makes the results last. At VIVE Bariatrics, our team provides continuous follow-up care to help you maintain your progress and enjoy long-term success.
Why Choose VIVE Bariatrics
At VIVE Bariatrics, we specialize in both surgical and nonsurgical weight loss solutions. Our multidisciplinary team of surgeons, nutrition experts, and support staff ensures each patient receives a customized plan that fits their lifestyle. Whether you’re just starting your weight loss journey or looking for the next step, we offer compassionate, science-based care focused on real, lasting results.
The Bottom Line
The gastric balloon is a safe, simple, and effective way to lose weight without surgery. By reducing your hunger and helping you develop healthier eating habits, it sets the foundation for long-term success. At VIVE Bariatrics, we make your transformation journey personalized, comfortable, and empowering — so you can feel confident in your results and your health.
