The gastric balloon procedure is a temporary treatment for obesity that helps you lose weight by reducing the volume of your stomach without surgery.

A deflated balloon made of silicone rubber (especially designed for the stomach) is placed in the stomach by a doctor using an endoscope to insert the balloon through the mouth.

The balloon is then filled with saltwater and can stay in the stomach for six months. It is then removed.By decreasing the stomach volume, a gastric balloon can help people with obesity feel full with less food and gradually lose weight.

This procedure is recommended for people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 to 40 or for those who prefer a less invasive form of bariatric surgery.