Intragastric balloon

Intragastric balloon placement is a weight-loss procedure that involves placing a saline-filled silicone balloon in your stomach. This helps you lose weight by limiting how much you can eat and making you feel full faster. Placing an intragastric balloon is a temporary procedure that does not require surgery.

The intragastric balloon procedure may be an option if you have concerns about your weight, and diet and exercise haven't worked for you.

Like other weight-loss procedures, an intragastric balloon requires commitment to a healthier lifestyle. You need to make permanent healthy changes to your diet and get regular exercise to help ensure the long-term success of the procedure.

Who it's for

An intragastric balloon may be an option for you if:

• Your body mass index (BMI) is between 30 and 40.

• You're willing to commit to healthy lifestyle changes, get regular medical follow-up and participate in behavioral therapy.

• You have not had any previous stomach or esophageal surgery.

Intragastric balloons aren't the right choice for everyone who is overweight. A screening process will help your doctor see if the procedure might be beneficial for you.

The cost for placing and removing the intragastric balloon may not be covered by health insurance. If it's not covered, it would be an out-of-pocket expense.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/intragastric-balloon/about/pac-20394435