Bariatric Surgery — Intragastric balloon

Weight loss
Without surgery

A non-surgical, temporary first step towards lasting change

A saline-filled silicone balloon is placed in your stomach via endoscopy. No incisions, no general anaesthesia. It reduces stomach capacity, helping you feel full sooner and eat less.

The balloon remains in place for 6–12 months. Combined with a structured nutritional programme, it supports meaningful weight loss and builds the habits that last beyond removal.

Request an intragastric balloon consultation

Who this is for

Not ready for surgery.
Still ready to change.

Not everyone who wants to lose weight is ready, or suitable, for surgical intervention. The intragastric balloon offers a structured, medically supervised alternative that does not require going under the knife.

It works as a first step: giving your body time to adjust to smaller portions, building the habits that support long-term results, and in some cases helping patients reach a lower BMI before a surgical procedure becomes viable.

The balloon is a tool. It creates the conditions for change. The change itself still requires commitment.

Results and recovery

What you can expect

The balloon is the most accessible bariatric option, but results depend heavily on how you use the time it gives you. Here is what the evidence shows.

10-15%
Total body weight lost

Most patients lose 10–15% of total body weight during the balloon period. Results depend strongly on dietary adherence and lifestyle changes.

1 week
Back to normal activity

Most patients return to light work within a week. The first 3–5 days involve adjustment symptoms, nausea and discomfort, managed with medication.

6–12 mo
Balloon duration

The balloon is removed after 6–12 months via endoscopy. Removal is as straightforward as placement. A structured nutritional programme runs throughout.

No surgery · no general anaesthesia · structured nutritional programme throughout · removal included
· coordinator available for the full duration.

The procedure

How the intragastric balloon works

The entire procedure is endoscopic. No incisions, no surgery. The balloon is swallowed or inserted via a thin tube and inflated once in place. The process takes 20–30 minutes.

Step 1

Placement

A deflated balloon is guided into the stomach via endoscopy under local anaesthesia. Once in position, it is filled with saline solution. 20–30 minutes total.

Step 2

6–12 months in place

The balloon occupies space in the stomach, reducing capacity and creating a feeling of fullness sooner. A structured nutritional programme runs throughout this period.

Step 3

Removal

After 6–12 months the balloon is deflated and removed via endoscopy. No surgery required. The habits built during the balloon period are what determine long-term results.

Transparent pricing

50–65% less than
in Europe

Intragastric balloon in Europe is often not covered by insurance and comes with a significant out-of-pocket cost. German Select offers the same quality, German-trained specialists, certified clinics, at a fraction of the price.

Germany / Belgium / Netherlands €3–5k

United Kingdom £3–5k

Typically not covered by insurance. Nutritional programme often billed separately.

German Select — Egypt, all-inclusive from €1.800

Placement procedure, specialist fees, nutritional programme and aftercare coordination. Recovery accommodation in Hurghada bookable via the website. Fixed price confirmed before travel.

All prices are indicative. Your exact quote is confirmed during the free consultation and is fixed, it does not change after you arrive.

Eligibility

Is the intragastric balloon
right for you?

The intragastric balloon is suitable for a wider range of patients than surgical bariatric procedures. It is often the right choice as a first step, or for patients who do not qualify, or are not ready, for surgery.

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BMI between 27 and 40

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Seeking a non-surgical first step towards weight loss

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Not yet eligible for bariatric surgery due to BMI or medical conditions

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Wanting to reduce weight before a planned surgical procedure

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Committed to following a structured nutritional programme throughout

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No previous stomach surgery, severe reflux or relevant gastrointestinal conditions

About the screening process

Not every patient is suitable for balloon placement. A pre-procedure endoscopic assessment confirms whether the stomach anatomy is appropriate. Your specialist reviews your medical history and discusses expectations before the procedure is confirmed.

Request an intragastric balloon consultation

What the balloon changes

The balloon physically reduces the space in your stomach. You feel full sooner, eat smaller portions, and, with the right nutritional guidance, begin to build new habits around food. It does not change your anatomy permanently.

Balloon vs. sleeve, which suits you?

The sleeve is permanent and produces significantly more weight loss. The balloon is temporary, non-surgical, and suited to patients who want a lower-risk first step or who do not yet qualify for surgery. Your specialist advices during consultation.

Recovery timeline

No hospitalisation. First 3–5 days: adjustment symptoms managed with medication. Back to light work within a week. Full activity within 2 weeks. Balloon removed after 6–12 months.

Also considering

Gastric Bypass Greater metabolic impact →

Mini Bypass Shorter procedure time →

Gastric Sleeve Permanent, stronger results →

Your treatment journey

Everything planned
before you travel

Your coordinator handles the full pathway. You always know what comes next and someone is available throughout every stage.

You discuss your health goals, weight history and medical background with a German-trained specialist. The consultation takes place online at a time that suits you, in English or German. No commitment to proceed. Your coordinator sends a written summary and answers any further questions before you decide.

Format Online video call

Duration 30–45 minutes

Languages EN / DE

Cost Free, no obligation

Before placement, an upper endoscopy assessment confirms that your stomach anatomy is appropriate for balloon placement. This is carried out on arrival in Hurghada. Your specialist reviews your medical history and confirms the procedure plan before the placement date.

Includes Endoscopy, medical history review

Location On arrival in Hurghada

Result Procedure confirmed or alternative discussed

The balloon is placed via endoscopy under local anaesthesia. No surgery, no incisions. The procedure takes 20–30 minutes. You are monitored briefly afterwards and discharged the same day. No hospital stay required.

Technique Endoscopic, local anaesthesia

Duration 20–30 minutes

Clinical stay None, same day discharge

Throughout the balloon period, you follow a structured nutritional programme coordinated by your German Select team. Regular check-ins track your progress. Coordinator support is available throughout. Adjustment symptoms in the first week are managed with medication provided before you leave.

Programme Structured nutritional guidance

Duration 6–12 months

Support Coordinator available throughout

After 6–12 months, the balloon is deflated and removed via endoscopy. The same procedure as placement, in reverse. No surgery required. Your coordinator arranges the removal appointment and provides guidance on maintaining results after removal.

Removal Endoscopic, local anaesthesia

Duration 15–20 minutes

After removal Maintenance guidance provided

What is included

Everything confirmed
before you travel

Your procedure is managed end to end. Everything below is in your fixed quote, confirmed before you travel.

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Pre-procedure consultation & endoscopy assessment

Medical history review and stomach assessment before placement is confirmed.

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Balloon placement procedure

All fees for your German-trained specialist, endoscopy team and certified clinic.

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Balloon removal after 6–12 months

Removal is included in your package, no additional procedure cost.

Z

Structured nutritional program

Guided nutrition throughout the full balloon period. The program that determines your results.

Z

Recovery accommodation — book via the website

Curated resorts in Hurghada for your stay. Bookable standalone or combined with your procedure.

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All airport and clinic transfers

All ground transfers coordinated by your personal coordinator.

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Dedicated personal coordinator

One point of contact available throughout the full balloon period.

Ready to explore your options
No commitment required. Your coordinator responds within 24 hours and can answer any questions before you decide.

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The same quality

The same quality.
A fraction of the price.

European medical standards combined with Red Sea recovery. Without a waiting list, in your own language, with a fixed price you see before you travel.

German-trained surgeons

All procedures are performed by surgeons qualified in Germany. You are not choosing between quality and cost, you are getting both.

One coordinator, start to finish

Your questions are answered before you think to ask them. Available in English and German, from first contact to final follow-up.

Fixed price, confirmed in writing

The quote you receive before travel is the price you pay. No unexpected clinic fees. No surprises. Everything included, confirmed in writing.

Common questions

What patients ask
before deciding

What is an intragastric balloon?

A saline-filled silicone balloon placed in the stomach via endoscopy. It reduces stomach capacity, helping you feel full sooner and eat less. No surgery or general anaesthesia required. The procedure takes 20–30 minutes.

How long does the balloon stay in?

6–12 months, depending on the type. It is then removed via endoscopy, the same straightforward procedure as placement. Removal is included in your package.

Is the intragastric balloon painful?

The placement itself is not painful. Most patients experience nausea, cramping or discomfort in the first 3–5 days as the stomach adjusts. This is managed with medication and typically resolves within a week.

How much weight will I lose?

Most patients lose 10–15% of total body weight during the balloon period. Results depend strongly on dietary adherence and lifestyle changes. The balloon creates the conditions for change, the program and your commitment determine the outcome.

What is the difference between balloon and gastric sleeve?

The balloon is temporary and non-surgical, removed after 6–12 months. The sleeve is a permanent surgical procedure producing significantly more weight loss. The balloon is suitable for patients who want to avoid surgery or achieve initial weight loss before a surgical procedure becomes viable.

Who is suitable for an intragastric balloon?

Adults with a BMI between 27 and 40 who want a non-surgical first step, or who do not qualify for bariatric surgery. Not suitable for patients with previous stomach surgery, severe reflux or certain gastrointestinal conditions. Eligibility confirmed during free consultation.

Ready to take
the first step?

A free consultation is all it takes to understand exactly what a gastric sleeve means for you. Your procedure, your costs, your recovery.

Request free consultation

View all bariatric options

Weight loss Without surgery