Gastric Balloon

A gastric balloon - sometimes called an intragastric balloon - is a soft balloon which is surgically inserted into the stomach and inflated so that it takes up some of the room in the stomach. This means the patient does not need to eat as much to feel full. 

The balloon is inserted into the stomach through the mouth using a thin, flexible tube known as an endoscope. The balloon is then filled with a saline, or salt water, solution to inflate it.

A gastric balloon is designed to be temporary and will usually be removed after six months. It is sometimes used to help the patient lose enough weight to undergo weight loss surgery such as gastric banding or gastric bypass surgery.