Gastric Balloon Turkey — Non-Surgical Weight Loss from £1,673
Gastric balloon at MedProper Istanbul from £1,673 all-inclusive. Non-surgical, no incisions. Orbera and Spatz. 6-month dietary programme.
Is it safe?
Your hospital holds the same JCI accreditation as Cleveland Clinic and Johns Hopkins. Verified by TEMOS for international patient safety.
Will the price change?
Your price is locked before you book. Surgery, hospital, hotel, transfers, aftercare — one number, no extras.
What if something goes wrong?
Mandatory insurance required by Turkish law. If a revision is needed — flights, hospital, surgeon — covered. You never pay twice.
Who's my surgeon?
Confirmed before you pay. Full credentials, specialisation, and patient results shared upfront. No last-minute switch.
What happens after I fly home?
24/7 WhatsApp with your coordinator. Scheduled video check-ups with your surgeon. 12 months, not 12 days.
What Is a Gastric Balloon?
A gastric balloon (intragastric balloon) is a non-surgical weight loss procedure where a soft silicone balloon is placed inside the stomach through the mouth using an endoscope. Once positioned, the balloon is filled with saline solution (400-700 ml) to occupy space in the stomach, creating a feeling of fullness after eating smaller portions.
Unlike gastric sleeve or gastric bypass, a gastric balloon requires no incisions, no general anaesthesia, and is fully reversible. The procedure takes just 15-20 minutes under light sedation, and the balloon is removed after 6-12 months. It is the ideal starting point for patients with a BMI of 27-35 who do not qualify for — or do not want — permanent surgical procedures.
At MedProper Istanbul, gastric balloon packages start from £1,673 / €1,952 all-inclusive, including the procedure, sedation, hotel, VIP transfers, and a 6-month dietary programme with a dedicated nutritionist.
Gastric Balloon Turkey Cost 2026
| Balloon Type | MedProper (GBP) | MedProper (EUR) | UK Private | USA Private | You Save |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Gastric Balloon (Orbera) | from £1,673 | from €1,952 | £3,000-£5,000 | $6,000-$9,000 | up to 77% |
| Adjustable Balloon (Spatz) | price on request | price on request | £4,000-£6,000 | $7,000-$10,000 | — |
What's Included at These Prices
- Endoscopic balloon placement under light sedation
- FDA-approved / CE-marked balloon device (Orbera or Spatz)
- 5 nights in partnered 4-5 star hotel
- VIP airport transfers
- Pre-procedure blood tests and medical assessment
- Anti-nausea and anti-reflux medications for the first week
- Dietitian consultation + personalised 6-month nutrition plan
- Scheduled video check-ups at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months
- 24/7 WhatsApp support during balloon period
- Balloon removal (endoscopic, at 6-12 months)
Companion accommodation is included in your hotel room at no extra charge.
Types of Gastric Balloon
Standard Intragastric Balloon (Orbera/BIB)
The most widely used gastric balloon worldwide. A single silicone balloon filled with 400-700 ml of saline is placed endoscopically and left in the stomach for 6 months, then removed endoscopically.
- Placement: Endoscopic (through the mouth, 15-20 minutes)
- Removal: Endoscopic (15-20 minutes)
- Duration: 6 months
- Expected weight loss: 10-15% of total body weight
- MedProper price: from £1,673 / €1,952
Adjustable Gastric Balloon (Spatz)
An advanced balloon that can be adjusted (volume increased or decreased) during the placement period via endoscopy. This allows fine-tuning based on your progress and tolerance. The Spatz balloon can remain for up to 12 months — twice as long as standard balloons.
- Placement: Endoscopic
- Adjustable: Yes (volume can be modified mid-treatment)
- Duration: Up to 12 months
- Expected weight loss: 12-18% of total body weight
- MedProper price: price on request
Comparison
| Feature | Orbera (Standard) | Spatz (Adjustable) |
|---|---|---|
| Placement method | Endoscopic | Endoscopic |
| Duration in stomach | 6 months | Up to 12 months |
| Adjustable volume | No | Yes |
| Removal method | Endoscopic | Endoscopic |
| Expected weight loss | 10-15% TBW | 12-18% TBW |
| Best for | Standard candidates | Patients needing longer treatment or adjustment |
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Gastric Balloon?
A gastric balloon is designed for patients who:
- BMI 27-35 — below the threshold for surgical bariatric procedures
- Have tried diet and exercise programmes without lasting success
- Are not ready for a permanent, irreversible surgical procedure
- Need to lose weight before another surgery (orthopaedic, fertility treatment, cardiac)
- Want a fully reversible option with no permanent changes to their anatomy
- Cannot or prefer not to undergo general anaesthesia
- Are looking for a structured weight loss programme with professional nutritional support
Who Is NOT Suitable
- BMI over 40 (surgical procedures recommended for better outcomes)
- Previous gastric surgery (sleeve, bypass, or band)
- Large hiatal hernia (>5 cm)
- Active gastric or duodenal ulcers
- Pregnant or planning pregnancy during balloon period
- Coagulation disorders or taking blood thinners that cannot be paused
- Active alcohol or drug dependency
The Gastric Balloon Procedure at MedProper
Day 1: Arrival
- VIP airport transfer to your partnered hotel
- Check-in and rest
Day 2: Procedure Day
- Transfer to hospital for pre-procedure assessment (blood tests, medical history review)
- Light sedation administered (you are conscious but relaxed; not general anaesthesia)
- Endoscope inserted through the mouth — the deflated balloon is guided into the stomach
- Balloon inflated with 400-700 ml of saline under direct endoscopic visualisation
- Procedure complete in 15-20 minutes
- Recovery in observation area for 2-4 hours
- Transfer back to hotel
- Clear liquid diet begins
Day 3: Follow-Up
- Check-up with your medical team
- Dietary instructions for the first 2 weeks
- Anti-nausea medication reviewed
- Return home after your hotel stay (5 nights in total)
Months 1-6 (or 12): Remote Support
- Personalised nutrition plan from MedProper dietitian
- Video consultations at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months
- 24/7 WhatsApp support for questions and concerns
- Adjustment appointment (Spatz balloon only, if needed)
Month 6 (or 12): Balloon Removal
- Return to MedProper Istanbul or arrange removal with a local gastroenterologist
- Endoscopic removal under light sedation (15-20 minutes)
- Balloon deflated and extracted through the mouth
- Post-removal dietary guidance to maintain results
How Much Weight Will I Lose with a Gastric Balloon?
| Starting Weight | Expected Loss (Orbera, 6 months) | Expected Loss (Spatz, 12 months) |
|---|---|---|
| 80 kg | 8-12 kg | 10-14 kg |
| 90 kg | 9-13.5 kg | 11-16 kg |
| 100 kg | 10-15 kg | 12-18 kg |
| 110 kg | 11-16.5 kg | 13-20 kg |
Average: 10-15% of total body weight over 6 months (Orbera) or 12-18% over 12 months (Spatz).
The most rapid weight loss occurs in the first 3 months. Results depend significantly on adherence to the dietary programme — the balloon is a tool, not a magic solution. Patients who follow MedProper's structured nutrition plan consistently achieve results at the upper end of the range.
Key insight: Weight loss continues after balloon removal if the healthy eating habits established during the balloon period are maintained. The balloon's primary value is as a behaviour change catalyst — it teaches portion control and healthy eating patterns during the 6-12 months it is in place.
Gastric Balloon vs Gastric Sleeve vs Ozempic: Which Is Right for You?
| Factor | Gastric Balloon | Gastric Sleeve | Ozempic/Wegovy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Non-surgical | Surgical | Medication |
| Anaesthesia | Light sedation | General | None |
| Duration | 15-20 min | 45-75 min | Ongoing weekly injection |
| Weight loss | 10-15% TBW | 25-30% TBW | 15-20% TBW |
| Reversible | Yes | No | Yes (stops working) |
| Recovery | Same day | 2-3 weeks | None |
| Cost (MedProper) | from £1,673 | from £2,093 | £200-300/month (UK) |
| 12-month cost | £1,673 (one-time) | £2,093 (one-time) | £2,400-£3,600 |
| Best for BMI | 27-35 | 35+ | 27+ (ongoing cost) |
| Permanent change | No | Yes | No |
| Diet programme included | Yes (6 months) | Yes (12 months) | No (varies) |
When to choose balloon over sleeve: Your BMI is 27-35 (below surgical threshold), you want a reversible option, you prefer to avoid general anaesthesia, or you need to lose weight before another procedure.
When to choose balloon over Ozempic: You want a structured programme with professional dietitian support, you prefer a one-time cost versus ongoing monthly payments, or you want to avoid lifelong medication.
Gastric Balloon Side Effects and Risks
Common Side Effects (Expected, Temporary)
Most patients experience some side effects in the first 3-7 days as the body adjusts to the balloon:
- Nausea and vomiting — most common in days 1-3, managed with anti-nausea medication (ondansetron)
- Abdominal cramping — typically resolves within 5-7 days
- Acid reflux — temporary, managed with PPI medication (omeprazole)
- Bloating and gas — resolves as the body adapts
- Feeling of fullness — this is the intended effect, but can feel uncomfortable initially
MedProper provides anti-nausea and anti-reflux medication as standard with all balloon packages.
Rare Complications
| Complication | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Balloon intolerance (early removal) | ~5% | Persistent nausea/vomiting that does not respond to medication |
| Balloon deflation | <1% | Saline leak detected by blue dye in urine (safety feature) |
| Gastric perforation | <0.1% | Extremely rare, associated with pre-existing conditions |
| Obstruction | <0.1% | Extremely rare, usually from deflated balloon migrating |
MedProper Safety Measures
- FDA-approved / CE-marked devices only (Orbera, Spatz)
- Procedure performed by experienced gastroenterologist (not general surgeon)
- Pre-procedure screening to exclude contraindications
- Anti-nausea medication protocol for first week
- 24/7 WhatsApp support during entire balloon period
- Blue dye marker in balloon saline (turns urine blue/green if balloon deflates — early warning system)
- Scheduled video check-ups at 2 weeks, 1, 3, and 6 months
Life with a Gastric Balloon
First Week: Adjustment Period
The first 3-7 days are the most challenging. Nausea is common and managed with medication. You are on a clear liquid diet (water, broth, sugar-free jelly). This passes — by day 7-10, most patients feel significantly better.
Weeks 2-3: Transition
Pureed and blended foods introduced. You begin to notice reduced appetite and smaller portion sizes. This is when the balloon starts working effectively.
Week 4 Onwards: New Normal
Soft foods, then gradually normal foods in much smaller portions. You should feel satisfied after eating one-third to one-half of what you ate before. This is when lasting habit change begins.
Monthly Nutritionist Check-Ins
MedProper's dietitian provides:
- Personalised meal plans adjusted monthly
- Protein intake targets (50-60g/day)
- Exercise recommendations (light walking from week 1, full exercise from week 2)
- Behavioural guidance for emotional eating, portion awareness, and meal timing
- Progress tracking and encouragement
The Key to Long-Term Success
The balloon is a 6-12 month tool that creates a window of opportunity. During this time, you learn to eat smaller portions, choose healthier foods, and establish exercise habits. The patients who maintain their weight loss after balloon removal are those who use the balloon period to permanently change their relationship with food.
Frequently Asked Questions (12)
How much does a gastric balloon cost in Turkey?
At MedProper Istanbul, a standard gastric balloon (Orbera) starts from £1,673 / €1,952 all-inclusive. An adjustable balloon (Spatz) is priced on request. Both include the procedure, hotel, VIP transfers, a 6-month dietary programme, and balloon removal. UK prices for the same procedure range from £3,000-£6,000.
Is a gastric balloon painful?
The procedure itself is painless — you are under light sedation. In the first 3-7 days, most patients experience nausea, cramping, and a feeling of fullness as the body adjusts. MedProper provides anti-nausea medication to manage these symptoms. By day 7-10, most patients feel significantly better and the discomfort subsides.
How much weight will I lose with a gastric balloon?
On average, patients lose 10-15% of their total body weight over 6 months with a standard balloon (Orbera), or 12-18% over 12 months with an adjustable balloon (Spatz). For a 100 kg patient, this means 10-18 kg of weight loss. Results depend significantly on adherence to the dietary programme.
Can a gastric balloon burst inside me?
Modern gastric balloons are made from medical-grade silicone and are extremely durable. Deflation (not "bursting") occurs in less than 1% of cases. All MedProper balloons contain a blue dye marker — if the balloon deflates, your urine turns blue or green, providing an early warning to contact your medical team for removal.
Do I need to come back to Turkey for balloon removal?
MedProper recommends returning to Istanbul for removal, which is a simple 15-20 minute endoscopic procedure under light sedation. However, if travel is not possible, MedProper can provide your medical records to a local gastroenterologist in your home country who can perform the removal.
How long does the gastric balloon procedure take?
The procedure takes 15-20 minutes. You are under light sedation (not general anaesthesia). Most patients are in the recovery area for 2-4 hours and return to their hotel the same day. Total time at the hospital: approximately 3-4 hours including pre-procedure preparation.
Can I exercise with a gastric balloon?
Yes. Light walking is encouraged from day 1. Most patients can resume their normal exercise routine from week 2. Exercise is an important part of the weight loss programme and is encouraged throughout the balloon period. Your MedProper nutritionist will provide exercise guidelines tailored to your fitness level.
What happens after the gastric balloon is removed?
The balloon is removed endoscopically under light sedation (15-20 minutes). Your stomach returns to its normal size. The key question is whether you have used the balloon period to establish lasting dietary and exercise habits. Patients who follow the structured nutrition programme during the balloon period are significantly more likely to maintain their weight loss after removal.
Is a gastric balloon better than Ozempic?
They serve different purposes. A gastric balloon is a one-time procedure (£1,673) with a structured 6-month dietary programme, producing 10-15% weight loss. Ozempic is an ongoing weekly injection (£200-300/month, £2,400-3,600/year) producing 15-20% weight loss but requiring lifelong use — 60-70% of weight is regained within 12 months of stopping. A balloon may be better if you prefer a one-time intervention with professional dietary support rather than indefinite medication.
What is the minimum BMI for a gastric balloon?
At MedProper, the minimum BMI for a gastric balloon is 27. This is significantly lower than the threshold for surgical procedures (BMI 35+ for sleeve/bypass). The balloon is specifically designed for patients in the BMI 27-35 range who have moderate excess weight but do not qualify for or do not want surgical intervention.
Can I get a gastric balloon if I've had previous stomach surgery?
Generally no. Previous gastric surgery (sleeve gastrectomy, gastric bypass, gastric band) is a contraindication for gastric balloon placement. If you have had previous surgery and need further weight loss intervention, MedProper offers revisional bariatric surgery as an alternative.
How do I book a gastric balloon at MedProper?
Contact MedProper via the website form, WhatsApp, or email with your height, weight, and medical history. You receive a personalised assessment within 48 hours confirming eligibility and an exact all-inclusive price. If you decide to proceed, pay the deposit and your coordinator arranges the procedure date, hotel, and transfers. Most patients travel to Istanbul within 2-3 weeks of booking.
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