What is a gastric balloon?
The gastric balloon is a safe, minimally invasive, reversible procedure with proven effectiveness for weight loss.
It is indicated in patients who are overweight and have type I obesity, and also as a treatment prior to bariatric surgery in people with very high surgical risk.
This device occupies space in the stomach, partially filling the gastric cavity, and plays a dual role in weight loss:
It has a purely mechanical effect by occupying space.
It has a hormonal effect because, upon contact with the satiety receptors in the gastric fundus, it sends a signal to the brain, suppressing hunger.
The expected weight loss with this instrument ranges from 14 to 16 kilograms.
Success depends on the patient's adherence to the 24-month follow-up programme we offer at Clínica Planas. This is a cross-disciplinary approach that our multidisciplinary team—including psychologists, nutritionists, and sports trainers—offers to patients.
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What does the procedure involve?
The gastric balloon is one of many endoscopic methods used for weight loss. It is administered exclusively through the mouth on an outpatient basis.
The procedure for inserting and removing the device is performed in the endoscopy room under sedation.
It takes approximately 15 minutes. If all goes well, the patient can return home within a few hours.
Benefits of the gastric balloon
The main benefit of the gastric balloon is weight control; and from there, integrating health as a way of life.
By removing the balloon and, thanks to the support of our multidisciplinary team, the patient will consolidate their weight loss by adopting healthy habits.
1. Health. Obesity and being overweight are risk factors for cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, among others. Therefore, when losing weight, it is essential to be able to modify eating behaviours and assimilate the recommendations that our team may suggest during the 24-month follow-up period. By following these guidelines, the patient's health will improve.
2. Aesthetic. By improving their relationship with their body and their own perception in the mirror, patients gain confidence, self-esteem and tools to manage their relationship with food and exercise.
3. 24-month follow-up to learn how to maintain all these healthy habits over time. Success is losing weight, but the goal is only achieved when the patient learns to maintain this weight over time. To achieve this, our offer includes:
Study of resting metabolism. Based on the results of this test, patients learn which foods their bodies burn most easily, enabling them to quantify the specific amount of fat, carbohydrates, or protein their bodies need.
Gas stress test. The results of this test are used to define a personalised training routine that allows for increased fat loss while maintaining and improving muscle structure, always supervised by our medical team and personal trainer.
Personal trainer. With a holistic view of the patient, our physical coaches promote healthy exercise, adapting workout routines specially designed for each patient's body mass index.
Team of psychologists. Comprised of a therapeutic group with first-rate training and experience.
Intragastric balloon price
When a patient who is obese or overweight wants to lose weight without undergoing surgery, they not only want to know how much the gastric balloon costs, but they also need to understand what the gastric balloon is and how it works.
At Clínica Planas, we take a cross-disciplinary and holistic approach.
Our multidisciplinary team accompanies the patient for two years so that they can modify their eating habits and adopt a healthy lifestyle. This entire 24-month process is included in the price.
The next time someone asks, 'How much does a gastric balloon cost?' just tell them: at Clínica Planas, it's one price, and everything is included:
€120.00 per month (48 monthly payments) Gastric balloon 6 months
€140.00 per month (48 monthly payments) Gastric balloon 12 months
The gastric balloon price includes:
Initial medical assessment and guidance.
Study of resting metabolism.
Gas stress test.
Preoperative tests.
Pre-anaesthetic consultation.
Endoscopic technique for placing and removing the device after performing a gastroscopy.
Device and necessary materials.
Anaesthesiology service.
Medication inherent to the process during the stay at the centre.
Two-year nutritional monitoring.
Psychology service with assessment and preliminary report and one year of follow-up.
6-month Personal Training Service.
- Visita médica informativa.
- Estudio metabolismo en reposo.
- Prueba de esfuerzo con gases.
- Pruebas preoperatorias.
- Visita preanestésica.
- Técnica endoscópica propia de la colocación y extracción del dispositivo previa realización de la gastroscopia
- Dispositivo y material necesario.
- Servicio de anestesiología.
- Medicación inherente al proceso durante la estancia en el centro.
- Seguimiento Unidad Nutricional durante 2 años.
- Servicio de Psicología con valoración e informe previo y seguimiento 1 año.
- Servicio de Entrenador Personal 6 meses.
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Gastric balloon preoperative stage
As with all bariatric endoscopies, it is essential to undergo a prior medical examination to detect any possible causes that could contraindicate the procedure.
The placement and removal of this device requires a proper assessment of each case in order to customise the final result according to the particularities of each patient. Among other factors, BMI, comorbidities, physical constitution, and current condition are analysed.
Based on this initial assessment, a medical team will personalise the most suitable type of balloon for each case and the length of time the patient should use it.
If you regularly take any type of medication, both your doctor and anaesthetist will tell you what steps to take.
Gastric balloon postoperative stage
The procedure takes approximately 15 minutes and, as it is an outpatient treatment, does not require hospitalisation.
In most cases, there will be some common symptoms during the first few days: nausea, vomiting and stomach ache, but our medical team will explain in detail the guidelines to follow to reduce this discomfort.
Furthermore, Clínica Planas is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. This means that if the patient has any concerns during the postoperative period, in addition to answering the telephone, our team is available to attend to them at the clinic, as required by the patient.
F.A.Q.
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Are there any contraindications for gastric balloon placement?
As with any scientifically proven procedure, there are certain contraindications that are generally related to the patient's previous medical conditions. Before fitting a gastric balloon, our medical team will assess the patient and act accordingly.
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How long will the gastric balloon remain in the stomach?
The gastric balloon lasts between 6 and 12 months, depending on the selected device. Each patient will have personalised medical criteria to determine the best option for greater weight loss success.
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What effect does the gastric balloon have on the stomach?
Slowing down gastric emptying is one of the effects caused by the balloon. It takes longer for food to leave the stomach and move into the intestine. As the food stays in your stomach for longer, it will take longer to feel hungry again and you will be able to space out your meals more effectively.
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What problems can arise when removing the gastric balloon?
One of the problems that can occur when removing the gastric balloon is finding a lot of food debris, which hinders endoscopic vision and, consequently, the removal of the balloon. To avoid this situation, the patient is prepared prior to balloon removal with medical and nutritional instructions, thereby minimising possible risks associated with the presence of food content in the gastric cavity.
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What preventive measures should be taken when removing an intragastric balloon?
Given the problems that may arise during gastric balloon removal, it is essential to take certain important measures to ensure the success of the procedure and minimise potential risks. We recommend a liquid diet for 3 or 4 days prior to removal and a complete fast for 8 hours prior to the procedure.
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What are the most common adverse effects?
In the case of gastric balloon intolerance, the most common effects that may occur are nausea, vomiting, and persistent abdominal pain.


