12-Month Gastric Balloon in Turkey

How a 12-Month Gastric Balloon Works

A 12-month gastric balloon is a soft, silicone balloon that is placed inside your stomach and filled with saline (salt water) solution. It occupies approximately one-third of your stomach capacity, leaving less room for food and helping you feel satisfied with smaller meals.

Placement: The balloon is inserted through your mouth and down your oesophagus using an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera). Once inside your stomach, it is filled with 400-700ml of saline solution through a small catheter. The entire procedure takes approximately 15-20 minutes under light sedation, you will not feel or remember anything.

During the 12 months: The balloon sits freely in your stomach. You will notice that you feel full more quickly, can eat less at each meal, and experience reduced hunger between meals. Combined with professional dietary guidance, this creates a sustained calorie deficit that drives steady weight loss over the full 12-month period.

Removal: At the end of 12 months, the balloon is removed through a second endoscopic procedure, also under light sedation. The saline is drained from the balloon, and it is extracted through your mouth. The removal takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

12-Month vs 6-Month Balloon

The main advantage of a 12-month balloon over a 6-month balloon is time. Twelve months provides a longer window for weight loss and a better opportunity to develop sustainable habits. Patients with a 12-month balloon typically lose more total weight than those with a 6-month balloon, as they benefit from appetite reduction for twice as long.

A 12-month gastric balloon may be right for you if:

• Your BMI is between 27 and 40
• You want to lose weight without surgery
• You are looking for a longer-duration non-surgical option than a 6-month balloon
• You are committed to following a structured dietary programme alongside the balloon
• You need to lose weight before qualifying for a surgical procedure (such as a joint replacement or IVF)

You may not be suitable if:

• You have had previous gastric surgery
• You have a large hiatal hernia, active stomach ulcers, or inflammatory bowel disease
• You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant during the 12-month programme
• You have conditions affecting your oesophagus that make endoscopy unsafe
• Your BMI is above 40 (surgical options may be more effective)

Your free consultation includes a medical review to confirm your suitability and discuss whether a 12-month balloon, a 6-month balloon, or a different approach is the best fit for your goals.

Before Your Procedure

Your patient coordinator reviews your medical history, BMI, and weight loss goals during your free consultation. You receive preparation guidance, including fasting instructions for the day of your procedure.

On the Day

You arrive at the clinic having fasted for at least 6 hours. The placement takes approximately 15-20 minutes under light sedation:

1. Light sedation is administered, you will be relaxed and comfortable but not under general anaesthesia.
2. The endoscope is passed through your mouth into your stomach.
3. The deflated balloon is guided into your stomach through the endoscope.
4. The balloon is filled with 400-700ml of saline solution.
5. The catheter and endoscope are removed.

You remain at the clinic for monitoring after the procedure and can typically go home or back to your hotel within a few hours. Most patients spend one night in hospital for observation.

After Placement

The first 2-3 days are the most uncomfortable as your stomach adjusts to the balloon. Nausea, cramping, and bloating are common during this period and managed with medication. Most patients feel significantly better by day 3-4 and can resume normal activities.

What to Expect

Days 1-3: Nausea, stomach cramps, and a feeling of fullness are common as your body adjusts. Anti-nausea medication helps manage these symptoms. Stick to clear liquids during this period, water, clear broth, and sugar-free drinks.

Days 4-7: Symptoms settle significantly. You begin introducing soft foods, yoghurt, soup, pureed vegetables. Most patients can return to work and light daily activities.

Week 2-4: You transition to regular meals in smaller portions. You will notice that you feel full much sooner than before and that your appetite is reduced. This is the balloon working as intended.

Month 1-12: Steady, gradual weight loss. Most patients lose 15-25 kilograms over the full 12-month period, with the most rapid weight loss typically occurring in the first 3-4 months. Your dietary support programme helps you make the most of this window and build habits that last beyond the balloon.

Month 12, Removal: You return for the removal appointment. The second endoscopy takes approximately 15-20 minutes under light sedation. The saline is drained from the balloon, and it is removed through your mouth. You can typically go home the same day.

After Removal

The habits you built during the 12 months are your foundation for maintaining your weight loss. Your stomach capacity returns to normal after removal, so the eating patterns and portion control you developed during the programme become essential for keeping the weight off long-term.

Gastric balloons have been used safely for decades and carry a lower risk profile than surgical weight loss procedures.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea, cramping, and bloating in the first 2-3 days (the most common side effect, experienced by most patients)
• Acid reflux (manageable with medication)
• Constipation or changes in bowel habits
• Occasional feeling of heaviness in the stomach

Less Common Risks

• Early deflation of the balloon (rare; if the balloon leaks, the saline is dyed blue so you will notice a change in urine colour and should seek immediate medical attention)
• Balloon migration or bowel obstruction if a deflated balloon moves into the intestine (very rare)
• Gastric ulceration from balloon contact with the stomach lining (uncommon, monitored during the programme)
• Persistent intolerance requiring early removal (approximately 3-5% of patients)

How Your Safety Is Managed

The balloon is placed and monitored by experienced gastroenterologists. The saline solution contains a blue dye as a safety feature, if the balloon deflates, your urine turns green or blue, alerting you to seek medical attention. Your care team is available throughout the 12-month programme to address any concerns.