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Gastric balloon removal
FOLLOW-UP CARE FOR AN INTRAGASTRIC BALLOON
After up to six months of weight loss, your gastric balloon will need to be removed with a non-surgical procedure
Having a gastric balloon
The gastric balloon system is a clinical weight loss option for people who can't or would prefer not to undergo surgery.
The balloon works by taking up space inside of your stomach, helping you to feel full faster.
The gastric balloon lasts for up to six months before you'll need to have it removed.
Need to know
The process for removing your gastric balloon is similar to having it inserted. Your consultant will use a local anaesthetic spray to numb your throat before inserting a thin flexible telescope (endoscope) through your mouth and into your stomach.
They'll then puncture the balloon to deflate it before removing it through your mouth. The procedure only takes around 15 minutes and shouldn't be painful, but you may be given a sedative to help you relax.
Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. They'll let you know what you need to do to prepare, including how long to avoid eating and drinking beforehand.
Along with fasting immediately before the procedure, you may need to avoid solid food for a few days. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you. As you may be having a sedative, you should arrange for someone to help you get home after your procedure.
Depending on your weight-loss goals and health needs, you may have another gastric balloon inserted at the same appointment.
Your consultant will recommend the best option for you. They can also offer dietary and lifestyle advice to help you reach and maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI). You should be able to go home the same day as your procedure. You may feel some discomfort or nausea for a few days, but this shouldn't last longer than that.
Your consultant will let you know what to expect and when you can get back to normal activities, including work.
Don't wait, pay for yourself
We offer this treatment at a fixed price at some of our facilities.
Our Gastric balloon removal locations
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Digestive Centre
41 Welbeck Street W1G 8EA London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.