Specialised medicine division - gastroenterology / weight management
Obesity and intragastric balloon: which patients can be offered this treatment?
An intragastric balloon is a temporary endoscopic device that takes up space in the stomach to help people feel full sooner. It is part of an obesity treatment programme combining nutrition, physical activity, and medical and behavioural follow-up. It is not a stand-alone or permanent solution.
Written by the Polycrabat Sevamed team · Published on · Updated on
In brief
- The balloon is a temporary therapy and requires structured follow-up before and after its removal.
- Selection depends on BMI, treatments already tried, other illnesses and digestive or anaesthetic contraindications.
- Maintaining weight loss depends above all on lasting changes and on follow-up after the device.
The intragastric balloon is a temporary tool
The intragastric balloon is placed in the stomach endoscopically, then filled according to the type of device. It takes up space and helps people feel full more quickly. It does not permanently change the anatomy of the digestive tract and must be removed after the period planned for the device.
Depending on the model, it may also slow stomach emptying. It sits among the other treatments for obesity: lifestyle measures, medicines, other endoscopic therapies and metabolic surgery.
Who can it be offered to?
The indication is based on body mass index, associated diseases, previous attempts at weight loss, anaesthetic risk and the overall strategy for managing obesity. The AGA guidelines suggest the balloon for certain people with obesity who have not achieved sufficient results with conventional measures, in combination with a structured lifestyle intervention.
The balloon is not suitable for everyone. Previous stomach surgery, certain digestive lesions, certain clotting disorders, pregnancy or other situations may be contraindications depending on the device and the specialist assessment.
Nutritional follow-up is central
The balloon does not replace a long-term strategy. Guidelines emphasise nutritional and behavioural support during treatment and after removal. Without lasting changes in habits, weight regain is possible.
The programme sets the goals, protein intake, hydration, physical activity and the long-term strategy.
What are the risks?
Initial digestive effects are common. More rarely, a balloon can deflate, migrate, or cause an ulcer, an obstruction, pancreatitis or a perforation. Severe pain, persistent vomiting or a very distended abdomen must be assessed promptly.
After removal
The weight maintenance plan must be decided before removal: dietary follow-up, activity, drug treatment if indicated, a new endoscopic strategy or bariatric surgery depending on the profile.
Comparison with medicines and surgery
For some patients, drug treatment or bariatric surgery may be more appropriate. The choice depends on the severity of the obesity, associated diseases, goals, previous treatments and preferences. Balanced information must present all the relevant options.
Questions to ask
- Why is the balloon more suitable than the other options in my case?
- Which model and what duration are planned?
- What follow-up programme accompanies the device?
- What strategy is planned after its removal?
What Polycrabat Sevamed can coordinate
The coordination team can organise the gastroenterology, nutritional and anaesthetic assessment needed before an endoscopic therapy, and then follow-up after the procedure.
Frequently asked questions
Does the balloon replace a diet?
No. It is part of a nutritional and behavioural care programme.
How long does it stay in place?
It depends on the device; the patient must follow precisely the check-up and removal schedule set by the team.
Can weight be regained after removal?
Yes, especially if lifestyle changes and follow-up are not maintained.
This content provides general medical information. It does not replace a consultation or a personalised decision by your care team. In case of serious or sudden symptoms, contact the emergency services in your country or a doctor without delay.
Further reading
Pages of the website related to this guide
Related guides
Would you like a file to be reviewed?
The Polycrabat Sevamed coordination team directs your request to the doctors concerned. It does not make any diagnosis.
All Health Info guides
Care pathways and tests
- Organising your medical pathway in Morocco, from request to return
- When to ask for a second opinion? Useful cases and limits
- EVASAN to Morocco: when is it necessary?
- Medical stay in Morocco: preparing continuity of care
- Personalised check-up: which tests according to age and risk?
- CT, MRI, PET scan, ultrasound: which test to choose?
- PET scan in oncology: indications and limits
- Morocco–Africa medical cooperation: missions and skills
Preparing your care in Morocco: practical steps
- Choosing a medical facility in Morocco: the criteria
- Medical estimate for a hospital stay in Morocco
- Cost of a private hospital stay in Morocco: the items
- Visa for medical treatment in Morocco: steps and documents
- Sending your medical file to Morocco: documents and formats
- Referring doctors: referring a patient to Morocco
- Preparing for a hospital stay in Morocco: admission and packing
- Accompanying a relative in hospital in Morocco: the guide
- Flying after an operation and preparing follow-up at home
Medical evacuation and medical transport
Critical care, specialised techniques and rehabilitation
Neurology and neurosurgery
- Stroke: every minute counts, signs, diagnosis and aftercare
- Brain tumours: diagnosis and treatments
- Meningioma: monitoring, surgery or radiosurgery?
- Gamma Knife: indications for brain radiosurgery
- Hydrocephalus: signs, tests and treatments
- Herniated disc: when should you see a neurosurgeon?
- Spine surgery: when is an operation needed?
Cardiology
- High blood pressure: an often silent disease
- Heart rhythm disorders: when should a pacemaker be considered?
- Rheumatic heart disease: protecting the heart valves
- Coronary angiography, angioplasty and stents: when are they useful?
- Heart surgery: assessment, hospital stay and follow-up
- Congenital heart disease in children: signs and treatments
Oncology
- Cancer: preparing a treatment pathway in Morocco
- Cancer: why the multidisciplinary team meeting is essential
- Pathology: reviewing slides before treating cancer
- Breast and gynaecological cancers: screening and diagnosis
- Cervical cancer: from HPV screening to treatment
- Prostate cancer: PSA, MRI, biopsy and treatments
- Liver cancer: diagnosis and choosing the right treatment
- Radiotherapy, brachytherapy, chemotherapy: the differences
- Radiotherapy in Morocco: organising your treatment
Infectious diseases and haematology
- Malaria: signs, diagnosis and prompt treatment
- Meningitis: recognising a neurological and infectious emergency
- Tuberculosis: diagnosis, treatment and follow-up until cure
- HIV: testing, treatment and living with a controlled infection
- Hepatitis B and C: detecting the infection and protecting the liver
- Sickle cell disease: screening, crises and long-term follow-up
- Anaemia: find the cause before treating
Internal medicine, kidneys and breathing
Surgery, urology and trauma
- Minimally invasive surgery: benefits, limits and indications
- Orthopaedic surgery in Morocco: joint replacement and fractures
- Inguinal hernia: when to monitor and when to operate?
- Gallstones: when is surgery needed?
- Kidney stones: pain, tests and lithotripsy
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia: urinary symptoms
- Hand injuries: preserving function after trauma
How is it inserted?
An endoscopy usually checks the stomach first. The balloon is placed under sedation or anaesthesia according to the protocol. The first few days are often marked by nausea, cramps or vomiting; preventive anti-sickness and antacid treatment is therefore important.