7 min read
Obesity Surgery
Gastric Balloon
Placing a saline-filled balloon inside the stomach to occupy space and encourage smaller food portions.
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- An interpreter with you throughout
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The gastric balloon is an inflatable device, inserted into the stomach endoscopically without incisions. Once in position, it is filled with a sterile saline solution to take up volume. This leaves less room for food, which aims to create a feeling of fullness with smaller meals. The procedure's suitability depends on an individual's digestive health, the absence of conditions like a large hiatal hernia or previous stomach surgery, and a readiness for the required dietary adjustments.
The balloon itself is a standard device, but its effect is not uniform for every person. The outcome is influenced by your starting body mass, your metabolism, and your adherence to the new eating patterns the balloon facilitates. A plan is therefore developed not just for the balloon's placement, but for the entire period it is in place. It is tailored to your specific dietary needs, lifestyle, and health history, rather than a universal weight-loss target.
Body Contouring at this clinic
ResultsThese are body contouring cases performed here, not all of them this operation — some include an uplift, which is a different procedure. Every pair is on the results page with its own description.
BBL
Shape moved, not added
Front and back. Fat taken from the waist is what fills the shape above it.
Liposuction
The waist, from the side
Side view of the abdomen and flank after liposuction.
Liposuction
A flatter front
Front view. Liposuction removes fat; it is not a treatment for loose skin.
Tummy Tuck
Skin removed, muscle repaired
The operation that does address loose skin, seen from the side.
Gynecomastia Surgery
A flat chest line
Side view, where the fullness under the nipple is what the operation removes.
The balloon is a temporary aid, designed to be removed after a set period. Its primary function is to serve as a training tool for portion control and mindful eating. The most important part of the treatment is not the device, but how the time it is in place is used to establish habits that can be sustained long after its removal. The goal is to learn a new relationship with food, so that the changes do not depend on the balloon's continued presence.
No price list. Every plan is quoted for one person and one anatomy, so a figure only means something once someone has looked at yours — you get one in writing before you commit to anything.
This article is general information, not medical advice, and does not replace a consultation. Every procedure carries risk and outcomes vary from person to person.
Guests of the clinic, on camera
Guest FilmsFilmed and published with our guests’ consent. Each speaks only for their own treatment — every face heals differently, and these are individual outcomes, not a promise of yours.
Questions people ask
Answered as far as they can be answered in writing. Anything that depends on your own anatomy is answered by a surgeon looking at it.
How is the gastric balloon different from gastric sleeve surgery?
The gastric balloon is a non-surgical, temporary device placed inside the stomach endoscopically. It works by occupying space. Gastric sleeve is a surgical procedure that removes a portion of the stomach to reduce its capacity. The balloon is a tool to support dietary changes over a fixed period, while the sleeve is an anatomical alteration of the digestive system. The choice depends on a person's health profile, medical history, and body mass index.
Is the gastric balloon adjustable after it's placed?
The volume of the balloon is determined during the initial endoscopic placement. It is filled with a specific amount of sterile saline solution tailored to the individual's stomach anatomy and the treatment plan. This volume is intended to remain constant throughout the period the balloon is in place. Adjustments are not part of the standard procedure; the focus is on adapting eating habits to the consistent feeling of fullness it provides.
What material is the gastric balloon made of?
The device is a soft balloon constructed from medical-grade silicone, a material widely used in medical implants for its biocompatibility. After insertion into the stomach, it is filled with a sterile saline solution, which is saltwater that is harmless to the body. The design and materials are standardized for internal use and intended to withstand the stomach's acidic environment for the duration of the treatment.
How is the gastric balloon removed?
Removal of the gastric balloon is, like its placement, an endoscopic procedure performed under sedation. A thin tube is passed through the mouth into the stomach. The balloon is first punctured and the saline solution is drained out. Once deflated, the empty silicone balloon is grasped with a surgical tool attached to the endoscope and withdrawn through the esophagus and mouth. No incisions are required for its removal.
Where is the gastric balloon procedure performed and who will be there?
The placement and removal of the balloon are conducted in a fully accredited hospital in Istanbul. The procedure takes place in an endoscopy suite, not an operating theatre. An anaesthesiologist from our own team manages the sedation and a surgeon performs the procedure. An interpreter is present throughout to ensure clear communication. The specific hospital is detailed in your written treatment plan provided before you travel.
What should I bring to my gastric balloon consultation?
For your consultation, please prepare a summary of your medical history, focusing on any past stomach or esophageal conditions like ulcers or reflux. Detail all previous attempts to manage your weight, including diets and programs. A list of current medications and supplements is also essential. It is helpful to think about your current eating patterns, not to be judged, but to establish a baseline for the dietary plan that will be developed with you.
Guest Stories
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Marina Clinic · BakırköyZeytinlik, Kennedy Cad. No: 24, İç Kapı No: 1, 34140 Bakırköy / İstanbul