Gastric Balloon (Non-Surgical Weight Loss)

The gastric balloon programme arranged by myMedical Prague is a non-surgical weight-loss intervention: a soft silicone balloon is placed into the stomach endoscopically under sedation in a 20–30 minute outpatient procedure — no incisions, no anatomy change — creating early satiety so portion sizes and total intake fall substantially. Options include the Orbera balloon for 6 or 12 months and the adjustable Spatz balloon for 12 months, with typical losses of 10–25 kg reported across balloon programmes when paired with dietary change. It suits patients with a BMI roughly 27–40 who want meaningful weight loss without bariatric surgery.

Between dieting and bariatric surgery sits a wide gap: patients carrying 15–40 kg of excess weight for whom diets repeatedly fail, but for whom stapling or bypass surgery is too invasive a step. The intragastric balloon fills exactly this gap — reversible, incision-free, and removable. **How it works:** Under light sedation, a deflated silicone balloon is passed into the stomach through the mouth alongside a thin endoscope, then filled with sterile saline (typically 400–600 ml). The filled balloon occupies a significant share of stomach volume, so meals satisfy far sooner and grazing urges diminish. The procedure takes 20–30 minutes; patients leave the clinic the same day. **Device options:** - *Orbera 6 months (from €2,170):* the most established balloon globally, removed endoscopically after 6 months — the period of fastest loss. - *Orbera 12 months (from €2,570):* extended wear for larger total loss and longer habit consolidation. - *Spatz 12 months (from €2,770):* the adjustable balloon — its fill volume can be increased mid-course if loss plateaus, or reduced if intolerance occurs, a flexibility unique to this device. **What to expect:** The first 3–7 days involve adaptation symptoms — nausea, cramping, reflux — managed with prescribed medication, after which the balloon is generally well tolerated. Weight loss across balloon programmes typically ranges 10–25 kg depending on starting weight, device duration and dietary adherence; the balloon is a tool that enforces portion control while new eating habits form, not a standalone cure. A structured eating plan accompanies the programme. **Candidacy:** Generally BMI ~27–40; not suitable with previous gastric surgery, large hiatal hernia, or certain medication dependencies — screened in the remote assessment. Removal at the end of the wear period is endoscopic, similar to placement. **Travel practicality:** Placement requires only 1–3 days in Prague; the agency arranges transfers and the clinic provides adaptation medication and dietary guidance. Removal is scheduled as a short return visit at the end of the balloon period.