Intragastric Balloon for Weight Loss
A temporary, non-surgical endoscopic weight-loss option offered as part of a comprehensive, physician-supervised program.
Intragastric Balloon in Massachusetts
An intragastric balloon is a temporary, non-surgical weight-loss option for selected adults with obesity. The balloon is placed into the stomach during an upper endoscopy and then filled to occupy space within the stomach. This can help patients feel full earlier, reduce portion size, and begin weight loss while participating in a structured lifestyle and nutrition program.
At Integrated Gastroenterology Consultants, intragastric balloon therapy is offered through our Weight Management & Lifestyle Medicine Center. Our program is physician-led and designed to help patients choose the most appropriate treatment from a range of options, including lifestyle medicine, nutrition counseling, weight-loss medications, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, intragastric balloon therapy, TORe, and referral for bariatric surgery when appropriate.
IGIC serves patients in Lowell, Haverhill, Andover, Newburyport, and across the Merrimack Valley, Southern New Hampshire, and the greater Boston region.
What is an intragastric balloon?
An intragastric balloon is a soft balloon placed into the stomach through the mouth using an endoscope. Once positioned, the balloon is filled, usually with fluid, so that it occupies space in the stomach. The goal is to help patients feel satisfied with smaller amounts of food.
The balloon is temporary. It is removed endoscopically after the approved treatment period. Long-term success depends on the lifestyle, nutrition, and medical plan that continues after balloon removal.
Orbera and Spatz3 balloon options
IGIC offers intragastric balloon options, including Orbera and Spatz3. Orbera is FDA-approved for adults with BMI 30–40 who have not achieved adequate weight loss with conservative methods and is used together with a long-term supervised diet and behavior modification program. The maximum placement period for Orbera is 6 months.
Spatz3 is an adjustable intragastric balloon. FDA materials describe Spatz3 as indicated for temporary weight loss in adults with BMI 35–40, or BMI 30–34.9 with at least one major obesity-related comorbid condition, after failure to achieve and maintain weight loss with a supervised weight-control program.
The best balloon option depends on the patient’s BMI, medical history, anatomy, prior treatment attempts, tolerance, preferences, and physician assessment.
Who may be a candidate?
An intragastric balloon may be considered for selected adults who:
Have obesity or weight-related medical concerns
Have not achieved durable weight loss with lifestyle treatment alone
Prefer a temporary, non-surgical endoscopic option
Are willing to participate in structured follow-up
Understand that the balloon is a tool, not a stand-alone cure
A balloon may not be appropriate for patients with certain stomach conditions, prior gastric surgery, large hiatal hernia, active ulcers, pregnancy, bleeding risk, or medical conditions that make endoscopy or anesthesia unsafe. A consultation is required.
What happens during placement?
Balloon placement is performed during an upper endoscopy. The physician passes an endoscope through the mouth into the stomach, places the deflated balloon, and fills it once it is in position. The procedure does not require external incisions.
Patients typically go home the same day, but the exact plan depends on the patient’s health and the judgment of the care team.
What happens after balloon placement?
The first several days after balloon placement can include nausea, bloating, cramping, reflux, or abdominal discomfort as the stomach adjusts. Patients follow a staged diet and receive instructions about hydration, medications, activity, and warning symptoms.
Follow-up is essential. The balloon is temporary, so the treatment period is used to build durable nutrition, activity, and behavioral changes that can continue after the balloon is removed.
Intragastric balloon vs ESG
Both intragastric balloon and endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty are incision-free endoscopic weight-loss procedures, but they are different.
A balloon is temporary and removable. ESG uses endoscopic suturing to reduce stomach volume and is intended as a more durable endoscopic intervention. Balloon therapy may be a good option for patients seeking a temporary treatment, while ESG may be considered for patients who want a more durable procedural approach without traditional bariatric surgery.
Risks and considerations
Intragastric balloon therapy is less invasive than surgery, but it still has risks. Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, reflux, dehydration, balloon intolerance, ulceration, balloon deflation, obstruction, or need for early removal. Rare serious complications can occur.
Patients should discuss benefits, risks, alternatives, expected follow-up, and costs before proceeding.
FAQ for intragastric balloon
Is an intragastric balloon the same as a gastric balloon?
Yes. “Intragastric balloon” is the medical term. “Gastric balloon” is a common shorter term.
Is balloon placement surgery?
No. Balloon placement is performed endoscopically through the mouth, without external incisions. It is still a medical procedure requiring appropriate evaluation and monitoring.
How long does the balloon stay in place?
This depends on the specific balloon system. Orbera is placed for up to 6 months. Spatz3 has different approved use parameters and is adjustable. Your physician will discuss which option is appropriate.
How much weight can I lose?
Weight loss varies. Results depend on the balloon type, starting weight, nutrition, activity, medical conditions, and follow-up. The balloon should be viewed as part of a supervised weight-management program.
What happens after the balloon is removed?
After removal, patients continue the nutrition, lifestyle, and medical plan developed during treatment. Long-term maintenance depends heavily on follow-up and sustained behavior change.
Can balloon therapy be combined with weight-loss medications?
Sometimes. Medication use before, during, or after balloon therapy depends on medical history, side effects, treatment response, and goals.
Is it covered by insurance?
Coverage varies and is often limited. Patients should confirm benefits with their insurer and discuss expected costs with IGIC’s billing team, who can discuss options including payment plans.
Who performs intragastric balloon placement at IGIC?
Balloon placement is performed by Dr. Allen Hwang and Dr. Erik Holzwanger, our advanced endoscopists with specialized training in endoscopic weight-loss procedures.
To learn whether intragastric balloon therapy is appropriate for you, request a consultation with the IGIC Weight Management & Lifestyle Medicine Center.
Call 978-459-6737 to request a Weight Management Consultation.
Sources:
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data: ORBERA™ Intragastric Balloon System. PMA P140008. FDA; 2015.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Summary of Safety and Effectiveness Data: Spatz3 Adjustable Balloon System. PMA P190012. FDA; 2021.
Muniraj T, Day LW, Teigen LM, Ho EY, Sultan S, Davitkov P, Shah R, Murad MH. AGA Clinical Practice Guidelines on Intragastric Balloons in the Management of Obesity. Gastroenterology. 2021;160(5):1799-1808. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2021.03.003.
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Erik Holzwanger
Lasts reviewed: 4/30/26
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