Intragastric Balloon
Weight Loss
A non-surgical weight loss option — a soft silicone balloon placed inside the stomach to help patients feel full faster and eat less. No incisions, no anesthesia, no hospital stay.
What Is the Intragastric Balloon?
The intragastric balloon is a soft, flexible silicone balloon that is placed inside the stomach using an endoscope (a thin flexible tube passed through the mouth) — no surgery, no incisions, and no general anesthesia required.
Once in place, the balloon is filled with saline solution to take up space in the stomach. This reduces the amount of food you can comfortably eat at one time, promoting fullness with smaller meals and supporting weight loss when combined with a structured diet and exercise program.
After 6 months, the balloon must be removed using the same endoscopic technique. It cannot be left in the stomach permanently.
Two systems are available: the ORBERA (a single balloon) and the ReShape (a dual-balloon system). Both are FDA-approved for weight loss in appropriate patients.
Our Honest Position on Intragastric Balloons
Currently not offered at Better Weigh Center
Although our surgeons are trained on both the ORBERA and ReShape balloon systems, we are not currently offering balloon treatment at Better Weigh Center. This is due to limited demand in the Corpus Christi market and our surgeons' concerns about the long-term safety profile and unclear long-term benefit of balloon treatments.
For patients seeking balloon treatment specifically, we recommend visiting the ORBERA manufacturer's website to find practices currently offering this option in your area.
BMI 30–40 with no qualifying conditions for surgery
Patients with a BMI between 30 and 40 who don't yet qualify for surgical procedures — or who prefer to avoid surgery — may benefit from the balloon as a bridge tool while preparing for a healthier lifestyle.
Long-term weight maintenance varies widely
The key limitation of the balloon is what happens after it's removed at 6 months. Weight maintenance outcomes vary significantly across different patient groups — most of the benefit depends on lasting lifestyle changes made during the treatment period.
Some patients cannot tolerate the balloon
A proportion of patients experience significant nausea, vomiting, or discomfort that makes the balloon intolerable and requires early removal. This risk should be discussed thoroughly before proceeding.
GLP-1 medications as a non-surgical option
Patients seeking non-surgical weight loss in 2026 may find that GLP-1 medications (semaglutide/tirzepatide) offer comparable or superior results to the balloon — with the ability to continue treatment longer than 6 months. Ask our team about medical weight loss options.
Exploring All Your Weight Loss Options
The intragastric balloon is just one of many weight loss tools. Here's how it compares to the options we do offer at Better Weigh Center.
| Factor | Intragastric Balloon | Medical Weight Loss | Gastric Sleeve | Gastric Bypass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surgery required | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Weight loss | Moderate | Moderate | 60–70% EWL | 65–75% EWL |
| Duration | 6 months only | Ongoing | Permanent | Permanent |
| Insurance coverage | No | Often yes | Often yes | Often yes |
| Ideal BMI | 30–40 | Any | 35–50 | 35–55+ |
| Hospital stay | None | None | 1–2 days | 2–3 days |
Looking for a Non-Surgical Weight Loss Solution?
Our medical weight loss program — including GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide — may be a great fit. Book a consultation and our team will find the right path for you.