Bariatric · Non-Surgical · ASMBS/IFSO-aligned

Gastric Balloon in Turkey — Orbera, Spatz3 & Allurion at Eyeglow Istanbul

Intragastric balloon — reversible, non-surgical weight loss for BMI 27–35. Three device options: Orbera (6-month silicone, FDA-cleared), Spatz3 (adjustable, 12-month), and Allurion (16-week swallowable capsule, no endoscopy). Average 7–15 kg weight loss during the balloon period. Coordinated through our partner accredited endoscopist and nutrition team in Istanbul, with structured 6-month lifestyle programme and honest FDA adverse event disclosure.

Check your eligibility Compare with gastric sleeve

Procedure typeEndoscopic (non-surgical)

AnaesthesiaLight sedation (Orbera/Spatz3) · None (Allurion)

Placement time20–30 minutes

Stay in Istanbul2–3 days (placement)

Balloon indwell6 months (Orbera) · 12 months (Spatz3) · 16 weeks (Allurion)

Average weight loss7–15 kg during balloon period

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What it is

What is a gastric balloon (intragastric balloon)?

An intragastric balloon is a soft silicone device placed inside the stomach — endoscopically or swallowed as a capsule — and filled with saline to reduce available stomach space, producing earlier satiety and reducing total caloric intake. It is a reversible, non-surgical intervention indicated for BMI 27–35, pre-surgical conditioning, or surgery-averse patients. Average weight loss: 7–15 kg during the balloon period. There is no anatomical change, no incision, and no general anaesthesia in most cases.

At Eyeglow Health, intragastric balloon is coordinated through our accredited partner bariatric and endoscopy clinic in Istanbul. The endoscopist and aftercare nutrition team are partner specialists. Eyeglow Health is an eye-care specialist clinic — this partnership arrangement is disclosed transparently at every stage. Both Eyeglow and the partner clinic hold the Turkish Ministry of Health International Health Tourism Authority Certificate. We follow ASMBS (American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery) Position Statement on Intragastric Balloons (2018) and IFSO Global Registry guidance for candidacy selection, device choice, monitoring, and programme support.

Three devices are available: Orbera (Apollo Endosurgery, FDA-cleared 2015, 6-month, fluid-fill), Spatz3 (adjustable volume, 12-month, endoscopic), and Allurion (previously Elipse — swallowable capsule, no endoscopy, self-deflating at 16 weeks). Each has a distinct risk-benefit profile — device selection is based on your BMI, anatomy, sedation preference, and programme goals, not on which device the clinic prefers to place.

How it works

From eligibility review to post-removal follow-up

01
Online eligibility review — BMI, comorbidities, prior bariatric history
You share your height, weight, BMI, medical history, and current medications. Our partner endoscopist reviews ASMBS and IFSO intragastric balloon criteria — typically BMI 27–35, no prior bariatric surgery, no large hiatus hernia (>5 cm), no history of oesophageal or gastric disease. If you have a prior bariatric procedure or contraindicated anatomy we tell you honestly before any package is quoted. Balloon is also considered for higher BMI patients as pre-surgical conditioning before gastric sleeve.
02
Pre-procedure assessments in Istanbul (day 1)
Blood panel (CBC, metabolic profile, HbA1c, liver function, thyroid, iron stores), upper-GI endoscopy to exclude hiatus hernia, active gastric ulcer, oesophagitis, varices or other pathology that would make balloon placement unsafe. Allurion capsule patients require a fluoroscopy screen instead of sedation. Your dietitian conducts an initial nutrition assessment to set caloric targets and protein goals for the balloon period.
03
Endoscopist consultation + balloon type selection + informed consent
The endoscopist discusses all three balloon options, expected weight-loss range (7–15 kg average, not guaranteed), the importance of structured lifestyle support during and after the balloon period, removal protocol, and the honest data on post-removal regain (approximately 50% within 12 months without continued lifestyle change, per published registry data). FDA adverse event transparency: the Orbera and ReShape balloons were associated with reports of spontaneous hyperinflation and five patient deaths reported to FDA in 2017–2018; updated labelling, endoscopic monitoring and strict BMI eligibility reduce but do not eliminate this risk.
04
Balloon placement (Orbera / Spatz3 — 20–30 minutes under light sedation)
Under light intravenous sedation, a deflated silicone balloon is advanced through the mouth via endoscopy and positioned in the stomach body. For Orbera, the balloon is filled with 400–700 ml of sterile saline tinted with methylene blue (a colour indicator — blue-tinted urine indicates balloon deflation and requires urgent contact). For Spatz3, the adjustable port allows later volume increase or decrease via a brief outpatient endoscopy if tolerance or weight loss is suboptimal. The endoscope is withdrawn, the patient recovers for 30–60 minutes, and most patients are discharged the same day or next morning.
04b
Allurion capsule placement (swallowable — no endoscopy, no sedation)
Allurion (formerly Elipse) is swallowed as a small capsule attached to a thin fill tube under X-ray guidance. Once the capsule is in the stomach, the balloon inside is filled with approximately 550 ml of fluid via the fill tube, which is then withdrawn. No anaesthesia, no endoscopy, no incision. The balloon self-deflates and passes naturally via the bowel at approximately 16 weeks — no removal endoscopy required. Allurion is the lower-risk option for patients who wish to avoid sedation, but indwell is shorter and not adjustable.
05
First 72 hours — managing tolerance
The first 3–7 days involve nausea, cramping and vomiting in the majority of patients — this is expected and manageable. Anti-nausea medication (ondansetron, metoclopramide), proton-pump inhibitor (omeprazole) and antispasmodic (hyoscine) are prescribed at discharge. A clear liquid diet is maintained for the first week. Your coordinator is available 24/7; if vomiting is severe and persistent, an early endoscopy for volume adjustment or removal is arranged. Patients travelling home within 48–72 hours should confirm tolerance before flying — your coordinator coordinates this.
06
6-month structured lifestyle programme (for all balloon types)
Weekly dietitian video check-ins for the first 6 weeks, then monthly. A protein-priority, calorie-moderated plan (typical target 800–1,200 kcal) during the balloon period. Behavioural coaching: eating speed, plate composition, hunger recognition. Scheduled bloods at 3 months. The balloon is a mechanical assist — the dietary behaviour you build during the balloon period is what determines whether weight loss is maintained after removal. Patients who do not engage with the lifestyle programme almost universally regain.
07
Balloon removal (Orbera/Spatz3 — endoscopic at 6 or 12 months)
Removal is performed under light sedation. The balloon is punctured endoscopically, deflated, and withdrawn via the mouth. The procedure takes approximately 15–20 minutes. Longer indwell beyond labelled duration is contraindicated — an Orbera balloon left in place beyond 6 months carries ulceration and spontaneous deflation risk. After removal, a brief endoscopy confirms no mucosal damage. The follow-up phase begins immediately: continued dietitian support and weight monitoring for 6 months post-removal.

Device comparison

Orbera vs Spatz3 vs Allurion vs Gastric Sleeve

All three intragastric balloon devices achieve non-surgical weight loss with meaningfully different profiles. Gastric sleeve is included for context — to show the magnitude difference between balloon and surgical outcomes:

Aspect	Orbera	Spatz3	Allurion	Gastric Sleeve (for comparison)
Placement method	Endoscopic insertion under light sedation	Endoscopic insertion under light sedation	Swallowed as capsule — no endoscopy, no sedation	Laparoscopic surgery under general anaesthesia
Reversibility	Removed endoscopically at 6 months	Removed or adjusted endoscopically at 12 months	Self-deflates + passes naturally at ~16 weeks	Irreversible (stomach permanently removed)
Adjustability	Not adjustable after placement	Volume adjustable via outpatient endoscopy	Not adjustable	Not applicable
Average weight loss	7–15 kg (15–30% EWL)	10–18 kg (extended period)	7–12 kg at 16 weeks	28–40 kg (60–70% EWL at 5 years)
BMI range indicated	BMI 27–35	BMI 27–40	BMI 27–40	BMI ≥35 (with comorbidity) or ≥40
Hospital stay	0–1 night	0–1 night	None (outpatient)	3 nights
Post-removal regain risk	High without lifestyle change (~50% within 12 months)	Moderate with extended programme	Moderate to high	Moderate (15–20% inadequate loss at 5 years)

Pricing

Personalised pricing

Every treatment plan is priced individually after your consultation. Request a written, all-inclusive quote — clear, itemised, and with no obligation.

Request a written quote

Package transparency

What's included in your gastric balloon package

Included in package

Pre-procedure upper-GI endoscopy + blood panel + dietitian nutrition assessment
Endoscopist consultation and balloon type selection review
Balloon placement procedure at partner accredited endoscopy centre
Light sedation (Orbera/Spatz3) · Fluoroscopy positioning (Allurion)
Anti-nausea and anti-spasm medication kit for first-week tolerance
Hotel accommodation — 2 nights post-placement (Istanbul)
VIP airport transfers + clinic transfers
6-month structured dietitian programme (weekly → monthly video sessions)
Balloon removal endoscopy (Orbera/Spatz3) at 6 or 12 months
Post-removal follow-up bloodwork interpretation + 6-month post-removal check-in
Multilingual bariatric coordinator — 24/7 during stay and programme duration
Complication insurance policy (Türkiye Ministry of Health certified, covers surgical complications including infection, retreatment, and emergency intervention up to package value)

Paid separately

Items below are not part of the medical package — your coordinator helps you arrange them at no markup.

Flights to/from Istanbul
Personal expenses and food after discharge
Conversion to bariatric surgery if balloon is insufficient (quoted separately as bariatric package)
Post-removal dietitian follow-up beyond the 6-month post-removal programme
Travel insurance (recommended — covers flight cancellation, baggage, non-surgical medical emergencies abroad; we coordinate referral if needed)

Candidacy

Is a gastric balloon the right option for you?

You may be a good candidate if

Your BMI is 27–35 — the range where ASMBS and IFSO position balloon as indicated without meeting bariatric surgery thresholds.
You are considering bariatric surgery (BMI ≥35) but wish to trial a reversible, non-surgical option first, or need pre-surgical weight reduction to lower operative risk.
You have a preference for non-surgical approaches and understand the weight loss is substantially lower than surgical options (average 7–15 kg vs 28–40 kg for sleeve).
You are willing to engage fully with the 6-month structured lifestyle programme — without this the balloon is a short-term restriction tool only, and regain after removal is expected.
You have no prior bariatric surgery, no hiatus hernia >5 cm, and are not taking NSAIDs regularly (NSAID use combined with intragastric balloon increases ulcer risk).

Balloon is not the right choice if

Your BMI is above 40, or above 35 with obesity-related comorbidities — bariatric surgery (sleeve or bypass) gives substantially more durable weight loss. Balloon in this range is typically pre-surgical conditioning only.
You have had prior bariatric surgery — balloon is generally contraindicated in an altered gastric anatomy.
You have a large hiatus hernia (>5 cm) — increases displacement and aspiration risk.
You take NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac) regularly and are unable to stop — balloon combined with NSAIDs significantly increases gastric ulcer risk.
You have known oesophageal varices, severe oesophagitis, or active gastric ulcer — balloon is contraindicated.
You are not prepared to follow a structured dietary programme for the full balloon duration — the clinical benefit is directly proportional to lifestyle engagement.

Disclaimer. Information on this page is consistent with ASMBS Position Statement on Intragastric Balloons (2018), IFSO Global Registry guidance, and Turkish Ministry of Health International Health Tourism Authority Certificate requirements. Device selection and eligibility is a case-by-case clinical decision. This page includes transparent disclosure of FDA adverse event history (2017–2018 Safety Communications for Orbera and ReShape Duo) as required by informed consent standards. This is educational information — not medical advice.

Risks & outcomes

Realistic outcomes — the risks that actually matter

Intragastric balloon is a lower-risk option than bariatric surgery, but carries its own profile of expected side effects and rare serious complications. We present these in the same plain language used at consultation:

Nausea and vomiting (first 3–7 days — nearly universal)

Nearly all patients experience nausea, cramping, and vomiting in the first 3–7 days after placement — this is an expected physiological response, not a complication. Anti-nausea and antispasmodic medication is prescribed at discharge. Most symptoms resolve by day 7. If vomiting is severe and persistent (>72 hours), the endoscopist will assess whether a volume adjustment or early removal is appropriate. Patients should not be driving or operating machinery in the first 48–72 hours post-placement.

Spontaneous deflation (1–2%)

Spontaneous balloon deflation occurs in approximately 1–2% of Orbera placements per published registry data. The methylene blue dye in the saline fill acts as a clinical indicator — patients who notice blue-green tinting of their urine should contact the coordinator immediately and attend for an endoscopy to confirm deflation and plan early removal. A deflated balloon can migrate distally and cause intestinal obstruction if not promptly removed. Allurion balloons are designed to self-deflate and pass at 16 weeks, which is its intended mechanism.

Gastric ulceration (2–3%)

Contact pressure from the balloon against the gastric mucosa can cause erosion or ulceration. Risk factors include balloon-over-fill, continued NSAID use, and prolonged indwell. Proton-pump inhibitor (omeprazole) is prescribed throughout the balloon period to reduce acid and mucosal injury risk. Patients with known H. pylori are treated before placement. Symptoms of ulceration include new-onset pain, haematemesis or melaena — immediate contact with the coordinator is required.

FDA adverse event history — hyperinflation and fatalities (2017–2018 reports)

In 2017–2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Safety Communication and updated labelling for Orbera (Apollo Endosurgery) and ReShape Duo (ReShape Medical) intragastric balloons following reports of five patient deaths and spontaneous over-inflation events. Contributing factors in the reported cases included: spontaneous deflation or hyperinflation, delayed response to acute complications, and off-label use outside BMI criteria. FDA subsequently required a Patient Checklist and endoscopic monitoring protocol. At Eyeglow Health, we disclose this history at consultation — patients should know this record exists before consenting. The ReShape Duo balloon was withdrawn from the market; Orbera remains available under updated safety labelling. Allurion (Elipse) is a different mechanism (self-deflating capsule) and was not part of the 2017–2018 adverse event reports.

Post-removal weight regain (common without lifestyle change)

Published data consistently show that approximately 50% of intragastric balloon patients regain the majority of weight within 12 months of balloon removal if no sustained lifestyle change is maintained. The balloon provides mechanical restriction for its duration — it does not produce the hormonal changes that occur after bariatric surgery (ghrelin reduction in sleeve, or GLP-1 enhancement in bypass). Patients who do not engage with dietitian support during and after the balloon period should expect weight regain as the norm, not the exception. We are direct about this in consultation: the balloon is a behavioural change tool with a time limit, not a standalone treatment.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about gastric balloon in Turkey

What is an intragastric balloon and how does it work?

An intragastric balloon is a soft silicone balloon placed inside the stomach — either endoscopically (Orbera, Spatz3) or swallowed as a capsule (Allurion). Once filled with saline (400–700 ml), the balloon occupies space in the stomach, causing earlier satiety with smaller meals and reducing total caloric intake. Unlike bariatric surgery, there is no anatomical change — the stomach is not removed or rerouted. The balloon is a temporary mechanical tool: when removed (or self-deflated in Allurion's case), the restriction disappears. Weight loss depends on concurrent dietary change and is typically 7–15 kg during the balloon period, per published registry data from ASMBS and IFSO member centres.

How much weight will I lose with a gastric balloon?

Honest data: the average weight loss with an intragastric balloon is 7–15 kg during the balloon period, representing approximately 15–30% excess weight loss (EWL). This compares to 60–70% EWL for gastric sleeve at 5 years. In clinical terms, a 100 kg patient with an ideal weight of 70 kg has 30 kg excess weight — they would typically lose 4.5–9 kg of that excess during the balloon period under this model. Individual results vary considerably based on baseline BMI, caloric compliance, activity level, and degree of lifestyle engagement. Patients who combine the balloon with full dietitian programme engagement typically achieve the higher end of this range. Patients who do not engage with dietary support achieve the lower end, or see minimal weight loss.

What is the difference between Orbera, Spatz3 and Allurion?

Three currently available devices with meaningfully different profiles. Orbera (Apollo Endosurgery, FDA-approved 2015): 6-month silicone balloon, filled with 400–700 ml saline, placed and removed under light sedation via endoscopy. Volume not adjustable after placement. Spatz3 (Spatz Medical): adjustable — volume can be increased or reduced at any point via a brief outpatient endoscopy, allowing tolerance management and extended treatment up to 12 months; placed and removed endoscopically under sedation. Allurion (previously Elipse): swallowed as a small capsule — no endoscopy, no sedation required. Balloon fills to approximately 550 ml via a thin tube that is then withdrawn. The balloon self-deflates and passes naturally at approximately 16 weeks. The trade-off: shorter indwell, no adjustability, and not suitable for all patients (fluoroscopy required for positioning confirmation). All three require concurrent structured lifestyle support for meaningful weight loss outcomes.

Are there FDA safety warnings about the gastric balloon?

Yes — and we disclose this directly. In August 2017 and February 2018, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued Safety Communications for the Orbera (Apollo Endosurgery) and ReShape Duo intragastric balloons, reporting five patient deaths and cases of spontaneous balloon hyperinflation in the post-marketing period. The FDA required updated patient labelling, a Patient Checklist, and enhanced monitoring protocols. The ReShape Duo device was subsequently withdrawn from the US market. Orbera remains approved and available under updated safety labelling. Contributing factors in the adverse events included spontaneous over-inflation, delayed complication recognition, and off-label patient selection. The Allurion (Elipse) balloon was not part of this advisory — it operates on a different self-deflating mechanism. Eyeglow Health discloses this history at every balloon consultation because informed consent requires it.

What happens when the balloon is removed?

Orbera and Spatz3 removal is performed endoscopically at the scheduled end of treatment (6 months for Orbera; 12 months for Spatz3, or earlier if clinically indicated). Under light sedation, the balloon is punctured with a needle catheter, deflated, and withdrawn via the mouth. The procedure takes approximately 15–20 minutes. A brief endoscopy at the same time confirms no mucosal injury. Allurion requires no removal procedure — the balloon is designed with a valve that opens at approximately 16 weeks and the contents drain into the bowel, with the deflated material passed naturally. After all removal types, the post-removal structured period begins: continued dietitian follow-up and weight monitoring for 6 months, because this phase determines whether the weight lost during the balloon period is maintained.

Will I regain weight after the balloon is removed?

Published evidence is clear: approximately 50% of intragastric balloon patients regain the majority of weight within 12 months of balloon removal when no structured lifestyle change is maintained. The balloon provides mechanical restriction only — it does not reduce ghrelin (the appetite hormone — this is a mechanism of gastric sleeve), does not alter GLP-1 or gut hormone signalling (this is a mechanism of gastric bypass), and does not produce lasting changes to hunger physiology. Once removed, appetite typically returns to pre-balloon baseline. The only evidence-supported method of maintaining balloon weight loss is sustained dietary modification and physical activity — this is why the 6-month post-removal dietitian programme is included in the Eyeglow package, not optional. Patients considering balloon primarily for permanent weight change should discuss sleeve gastrectomy or bypass candidacy with the bariatric surgeon.

Can I have the balloon if my BMI is over 40?

Balloon as a primary long-term weight-loss treatment is not recommended for BMI above 40 — the weight loss achieved (7–15 kg) represents a much smaller fraction of the excess weight at that BMI range, and bariatric surgery (sleeve or bypass) provides far more durable outcomes. However, balloon at BMI 40+ is used as pre-surgical conditioning: reducing liver size (to make laparoscopic access safer), improving metabolic parameters before general anaesthesia, and demonstrating dietary engagement before committing to an irreversible procedure. In this context the balloon is a 3–6 month bridge to surgery, not a final destination. If your BMI is above 40 and you are asking about balloon, our bariatric surgeon will discuss honestly whether pre-surgical conditioning or direct surgery is the appropriate recommendation for your specific profile.

Is the gastric balloon safe during the balloon period — what should I watch for?

The gastric balloon is a low-risk non-surgical procedure compared to bariatric surgery, but it is not without monitoring requirements. During the balloon period, contact the coordinator immediately if you notice: blue-green tinted urine (indicates possible balloon deflation — Orbera uses methylene-blue-tinted saline as a visual indicator); persistent vomiting beyond 7 days; sudden onset of severe abdominal pain; haematemesis (blood in vomit) or melaena (dark tarry stools, indicating gastrointestinal bleeding); or difficulty breathing or chest pain (rare, may indicate balloon migration). Take your proton-pump inhibitor (omeprazole) daily throughout the balloon period — stopping it significantly increases gastric mucosal risk. Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac) entirely during balloon indwell. Alcohol is not recommended — it is absorbed faster with an occupied stomach and impairs dietary control.

Can I fly home quickly after balloon placement?

Most Orbera and Spatz3 patients can fly home 2–3 days after placement, once the first 48–72 hours of tolerance (nausea/vomiting) management has passed and anti-nausea medication is effective. Flying with uncontrolled nausea and vomiting is inadvisable — if the first 48 hours are particularly difficult, an extra night in Istanbul is arranged. Allurion patients can typically return home the same day if there is no fluoroscopy-confirmed positioning concern. Your coordinator will confirm clearance to fly before you book the return flight. DVT prophylaxis is recommended for flights over 4 hours post-procedure.

How does gastric balloon compare to weight-loss medication (GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide)?

Both intragastric balloon and GLP-1 receptor agonists (semaglutide, tirzepatide) target non-surgical weight loss in overlapping BMI ranges. Key differences: balloon is a 6-16 week mechanical device (one-time procedure, discontinued after removal); GLP-1 agonists are ongoing medication (weight regain on discontinuation is nearly universal in clinical trial data). Weight loss magnitude: GLP-1 agonists achieve 10–15% total body weight loss in clinical trials, which is comparable to balloon. GLP-1 agonists offer additional cardiovascular benefit (SELECT trial data for semaglutide). Cost: GLP-1 agonists are expensive and often not covered — long-term costs may exceed balloon programme cost. Contraindications differ. Many patients in the BMI 27–35 range explore both; the bariatric surgeon can discuss which is the more appropriate starting point for your specific metabolic profile, or whether a combined approach makes sense.

Can I have two balloon placements in succession?

Repeat balloon placement after successful completion of a first course is possible for some patients, but is not routine and is subject to endoscopic assessment of mucosal condition after the first removal. If the first balloon achieved meaningful weight loss with full lifestyle engagement, a second balloon can extend the period of behavioural reinforcement in selected patients. However, repeat balloon placement is not a substitute for addressing the underlying dietary patterns that led to regain. If repeat placement is requested primarily because of regain after first balloon removal, the bariatric surgeon will typically recommend a frank discussion about whether conversion to bariatric surgery is the more appropriate next step. The endoscopist will assess the stomach at removal and provide a clear recommendation.

Why does Eyeglow coordinate balloon through a partner clinic, and who performs the procedure?

Eyeglow Health is an eye-care specialist clinic. All bariatric and endoscopic procedures — including intragastric balloon placement, removal and follow-up — are coordinated through our partner accredited bariatric and endoscopy clinic in Istanbul, whose endoscopist and aftercare nutrition team perform and supervise all aspects of treatment. The partner clinic holds the Turkish Ministry of Health International Health Tourism Authority Certificate. Eyeglow coordinates care, provides the multilingual bariatric coordinator, manages communication from inquiry to programme completion, and holds the complication insurance policy. We are transparent about this arrangement because you deserve to know exactly who is performing your procedure.