Gastric Balloon Side Effects and Risks

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What Most Patients Feel in the First Week

The stomach needs time to get used to the balloon. In the first three to seven days it is common to have:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Stomach cramps

• A heavy or very full feeling

• Acid reflux or burping

• Tiredness

These symptoms are usually strongest in the first three days and then ease. You are given anti-nausea medication, a stomach-protecting medicine and a liquid diet plan for this period. Drinking small sips often helps you avoid dehydration.

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Side Effects That Can Continue

Some patients notice the following while the balloon is in place:

• Reflux or heartburn, especially when lying down after eating

• Bad breath or burping

• Constipation, often from eating and drinking less

• Discomfort after eating too quickly or too much

A stomach-protecting medicine (a proton pump inhibitor) is normally taken for as long as the balloon is in the stomach. Eating slowly and stopping at the first sign of fullness prevents most discomfort.

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Rare but Serious Complications

• Persistent intolerance: a small number of patients cannot tolerate the balloon and need it removed early

• Stomach ulcer or irritation of the stomach lining

• Balloon deflation: a deflated balloon can move into the bowel and cause a blockage

• Bowel obstruction

• Over-inflation of the balloon inside the stomach

• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

• Perforation of the stomach or oesophagus, which is very rare

• Risks related to endoscopy and sedation for balloons placed that way

Fluid-filled balloons contain a blue dye in some systems, so a change in urine colour can show a leak early. Ask us whether this applies to your balloon.

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Warning Signs: Contact a Doctor Urgently

• Severe or constant stomach pain that does not ease with medication

• Vomiting that continues beyond the first week, or being unable to keep fluids down

• A swollen, hard abdomen

• Blue or green urine

• Black stools or vomiting blood

• Fever with abdominal pain

• Sudden loss of the full feeling, which can mean the balloon has deflated

If you have any of these at home, go to an emergency department and tell them you have a gastric balloon and which brand. Contact our team on WhatsApp as well so the doctor can advise the local team.

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Are the Risks Different Between Balloons?

The early side effects are similar for all balloons. The differences are mainly these:

• Allurion is swallowed, so there is normally no endoscopy or sedation risk at placement. It passes naturally, and in rare cases it can cause a blockage on the way out.

• ORBERA365 and MedSil are placed and removed by endoscopy under sedation.

• Spatz3 can be made smaller if a patient does not tolerate it, which can avoid early removal. An adjustment is an additional endoscopic procedure.

Avoiding endoscopy does not make any balloon risk-free.

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Who Should Not Have a Gastric Balloon

The exact list depends on the device. In general a balloon is not suitable if you have:

• Had previous stomach or bariatric surgery

• A large hiatal hernia

• An active stomach ulcer or inflammatory bowel disease

• Swallowing disorders or narrowing of the oesophagus

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding, or a plan to become pregnant during treatment

• Regular use of anti-inflammatory painkillers or blood thinners that cannot be stopped

• Serious liver disease or bleeding disorders

• An untreated eating disorder or alcohol dependence

This is why we ask for your medical history before you travel. See also who is suitable for a gastric balloon.

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How We Reduce the Risks

• Your history and medications are reviewed by the doctor before a date is set

• We use original balloon systems only

• You receive anti-nausea and stomach-protecting medication

• You get a written diet plan and dietitian support

• You are told the warning signs and how to reach the team

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Weight Regain After Removal

This is not a complication, but it is the most common disappointment. The balloon does not change the stomach permanently. If earlier eating habits return after it is removed, the weight usually returns too. The months with the balloon are the time to build habits you can keep.

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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.