What Is A Gastric Balloon?

A gastric balloon, also known as an intragastric balloon or belly balloon, is a soft balloon that is inserted into your stomach through your mouth using an endoscope, non-surgically.

The balloon is then filled with saline solution, which partially fills your stomach, leaving less room for larger amounts of food and/or drink intake. The gastric balloon is designed to be temporarily placed and is removed after six months.

With the gastric balloon in place, it creates a feeling of early and prolonged fullness after and between meals. The New York Bariatric Group’s Dr. Shawn Garber is one of the first doctors certified in the US to administer these procedures, and the Obalon™ and Orbera™ balloons have just been approved for use in the US.