Who Is Suitable for a Gastric Balloon? BMI and Requirements

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The Usual BMI Range

• BMI 27 to 30: overweight. A balloon can be considered, especially if weight is already affecting your health.

• BMI 30 to 40: the group for which gastric balloons are most often used.

• BMI above 40: bariatric surgery is usually more effective. A balloon may still be used in selected cases, for example to reduce weight before an operation or when surgery is not possible.

• BMI below 27: a balloon is generally not recommended.

The approved range differs by device and by country. For example, the US indication for Allurion covers adults aged 22 to 65 with a BMI of 30 to 40, while in Europe several balloons are used from a BMI of 27.

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How to Calculate Your BMI

BMI is your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared.

Example: 95 kg and 1.70 m gives 95 / (1.70 x 1.70) = 32.9.

If you send us your height and weight, we calculate it for you.

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Age

Most balloons are used in adults from 18 up to about 65. Above that age the decision depends on general health and is made individually by the doctor.

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Other Requirements

• You have already tried to lose weight with diet and exercise

• You are ready to follow a dietitian program during and after treatment

• You can take a stomach-protecting medicine for as long as the balloon is in place

• You are not pregnant and do not plan a pregnancy during the treatment period

• For balloons that are removed by endoscopy, you can come back for removal after 6 or 12 months

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When a Balloon Is Not Suitable

A balloon is generally not placed if you have had previous stomach or bariatric surgery, a large hiatal hernia, an active stomach ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease, a swallowing disorder, or if you take blood thinners or anti-inflammatory painkillers that cannot be stopped. The full list is on our side effects and risks page.

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What We Ask Before You Travel

• Age, height and weight

• Current medications

• Medical conditions such as diabetes, reflux, heart or thyroid disease

• Previous abdominal or stomach surgery

• Previous weight-loss treatments

• How much weight you hope to lose

The doctor reviews this first. If a balloon is not a sensible option for you, we tell you before you book a flight.

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Which Balloon for Which Situation

• You want to avoid endoscopy and anesthesia: Allurion, about 4 months

• You want the lowest-priced option: MedSil, about 6 months

• You want more time and the option to adjust the volume: Spatz3, up to 12 months

• You want a long-duration, fixed-volume balloon: ORBERA365, up to 12 months

A higher starting BMI usually benefits from a longer treatment period, because there is more time to lose weight and settle into new habits.

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How Much Weight Can You Expect to Lose?

Studies of gastric balloons report an average loss of about 10% to 15% of total body weight. For a person of 100 kg that means roughly 10 to 15 kg. Some patients lose more and some less. The balloon limits portions, and the result depends on what and how you eat during those months.

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If Your BMI Is Too High for a Balloon

For a BMI of 40 or more, or 35 or more with weight-related illness, surgery usually gives better and longer-lasting results. See gastric balloon vs gastric sleeve for an honest comparison.

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Ask Which Balloon May Suit You

Send us your age, height, weight and medical history on WhatsApp or through our contact page. We will tell you which balloons may be suitable and confirm the package in writing.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Onur Peşluk, General Surgeon. Last reviewed: November 2026.

Medical disclaimer: This page gives general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Gastric balloon treatment has risks and is not suitable for everyone.