The intragastric balloon is a device (balloon), which is placed in the stomach to create an early and prolonged sense of satiety after a small meal, thus producing markedly reduced energy intake and weight reduction.

If you are uncertain you will be successful with the gastric band surgery.A good test is the gastric balloon.

It is medical proven that if you have a good result with the gastric balloon the gastric band will help you for the rest of your life. No results with the gastric balloon: the results with the gastric band can be the same and a gastric bypass will be a much better surgery for you.

The balloon is placed under endoscopic guidance by a surgeon or an endoscopist. The procedure resembles a classic endoscopic examination of the stomach (gastroscopy) and is performed without general anesthesia. If patients are nervous or anxious sedation can be given by intravenous route prior to the placement of the balloon. The whole procedure takes approximately 20 minutes.

Through an external catheter the balloon is filled with air or a saline solution depending on the type of the balloon used. By filling, the balloon expands into a spherical shape, which is designed to float freely within the stomach. The balloon is designed to stay at least 6 months in place after which it is removed , once again by endoscopy.