Bariatric Surgery
Gastric Balloon — Non-Surgical Weight Loss, No Incisions Required
A soft silicone balloon placed endoscopically in the stomach reduces its effective capacity, promoting portion control and early satiety — with no surgery, no general anaesthesia and no hospital stay required.
Starting from
€2,800
All-inclusive: balloon placement, 6-month programme with dietitian support & removal
Techniques & Packages
Choose the approach that fits your goals and budget.
Saline Balloon — 6 Months (Orbera)
The most widely used intragastric balloon worldwide. A deflated silicone balloon is passed through the mouth via endoscope and inflated with 400–700 ml of saline solution once positioned in the stomach. Removed endoscopically after 6 months. Produces the highest weight-loss velocity of any balloon option.
€2,800 – €3,500
Saline Balloon — 12 Months (Spatz3)
An adjustable balloon that remains in the stomach for up to 12 months. The fill volume can be increased or decreased endoscopically during the placement period — useful for managing tolerance side effects or boosting effect at the weight-loss plateau typically seen at month 6.
€3,500 – €4,500
Gas-Filled Balloon (Obalon)
Swallowed as a capsule attached to a thin catheter — no endoscope required for placement. The capsule dissolves and the balloon is inflated with nitrogen gas. Lighter than saline balloons and associated with fewer nausea side effects in the first week. Up to three balloons placed over the 6-month programme.
€3,200 – €4,200
Recovery Timeline
Stage 1
Day 1 — Placement Procedure
Pre-procedure endoscopy confirms no contraindications (ulcers, large hiatal hernia). Light intravenous sedation administered. The deflated balloon is passed through the mouth via flexible endoscope, positioned in the stomach and inflated under direct vision. Total procedure time: 20–30 minutes. You rest for 1–2 hours and go home the same day.
Stage 2
Days 2–7 — Adaptation Week
The first week is the most challenging. Nausea, cramping and a sensation of fullness are common as the stomach adapts to the balloon. Anti-nausea medication is prescribed. Diet is clear liquids for the first 48 hours, progressing to full liquids. Most patients feel significantly better by day 5–7.
Stage 3
Month 1–2 — Diet Programme
Weekly nutritionist check-ins (video or in-person). Structured meal plan of small, protein-rich portions. The sensation of early satiety is strong — patients naturally reduce calorie intake without hunger. Average loss in this phase: 4–6 kg.
Stage 4
Month 3 — Midpoint Assessment
Review of weight loss progress, dietary habits and lifestyle changes. For the Spatz3 adjustable balloon, a volume increase can be considered here if weight loss has plateaued. Blood panel checks for nutritional status.
Stage 5
Month 6 (or 12) — Balloon Removal
Removed endoscopically under the same light sedation as placement. Duration 15–20 minutes. Completely painless. You go home the same day. The critical post-removal phase begins: the habits and portion control developed during the balloon period must be maintained independently.
Stage 6
Post-Removal — Maintenance
A structured 6-month post-removal nutritionist programme is included to consolidate weight loss and prevent rebound. Patients who engage with behavioural support maintain an average of 70–80% of their balloon-period weight loss at 2-year follow-up.
