Support Weight Management
A gastric balloon is a temporary, saline-filled device placed in the stomach to take up space, which may help some people feel full sooner and reduce the amount they can comfortably eat. Unlike bariatric surgery, it does not involve permanent changes to the stomach or digestive system, and the device is removed after a set treatment period.
At OptiWeight, choosing the most appropriate weight management treatment begins with a comprehensive assessment. During your consultation, Dr Ashok Gunawardene will review your medical history, overall health and treatment goals to determine whether a gastric balloon may be suitable for your circumstances. He will also explain how a gastric balloon compares with other weight management options, including non-surgical medical treatments and bariatric procedures such as gastric sleeve surgery, helping you make an informed decision about your care.
A gastric balloon, also known as an intragastric balloon, is a soft silicone device placed into the stomach and filled with sterile saline. It occupies space in the stomach, which may reduce how much a person can comfortably eat.
The balloon is placed via gastroscopy using a thin, flexible camera passed through the mouth into the stomach. No incisions are made, and the stomach and intestines are not cut, stapled or rerouted. Placement is usually performed as a day procedure.
Although it is sometimes referred to as gastric balloon surgery, the procedure is not a surgical procedure. It is an endoscopic treatment, which differs from bariatric procedures such as gastric sleeve surgery and gastric bypass surgery.
At OptiWeight, Dr Ashok uses the Orbera and Spatz3 gastric balloon systems. The Spatz3 is an adjustable balloon, allowing its volume to be modified during treatment if clinically appropriate. The most suitable device depends on your individual assessment.
A gastric balloon typically remains in place for 6 to 12 months before removal. Whether it is appropriate depends on an individual assessment of your health, weight management history, treatment goals and clinical needs. It should be considered as part of a broader, medically supervised weight management plan.
When clinically appropriate and combined with dietary changes, lifestyle support and follow-up care, a gastric balloon may offer benefits for some people. Depending on your individual health and circumstances, these may include:
A gastric balloon may also be considered for some people who are not suitable for, or who do not wish to undergo, bariatric surgery.
Outcomes vary between individuals and depend on factors such as your overall health, starting weight, and long-term adherence to dietary, lifestyle, and follow-up recommendations. During your consultation, Dr Ashok will discuss the potential benefits, risks and limitations of the procedure based on your individual circumstances.
A gastric balloon is not suitable for everyone. Suitability is determined through an individual clinical assessment. As a general guide, the procedure may be considered for adults who:
A gastric balloon may not be appropriate for everyone. Factors such as previous stomach surgery, a hiatus hernia, reflux symptoms, certain gastrointestinal conditions, medical history and overall health are considered when assessing suitability. Dr Ashok will determine whether a gastric balloon may be appropriate for your individual circumstances following a comprehensive consultation.
For self-funded patients, an all-inclusive intragastric balloon procedure at OptiWeight typically starts from approximately $7,000. This may include the gastric balloon, placement and removal procedures, and up to 12 months of follow-up care, including support from a bariatric dietitian.
Following your consultation, the OptiWeight team will provide a personalised, itemised estimate outlining the expected costs of your treatment. If you have any questions about consultation fees, procedure costs or payment options, our team will be happy to discuss these with you.
Your care begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr Ashok. He will assess your medical history, weight management history, overall health and treatment goals to determine whether a gastric balloon may be appropriate for your circumstances.
The consultation will also cover the potential benefits, risks, limitations, what to expect after balloon removal, and how a gastric balloon compares with other weight management options, including medical weight management and bariatric surgery. Dr Ashok will also discuss whether the Orbera or Spatz3 gastric balloon system may be appropriate for you.
Before placement, further investigations may be recommended to assess your suitability and help plan your care. Depending on your medical history and symptoms, these may include a gastroscopy, which can be performed at the time of balloon placement.
You will also meet with an OptiWeight bariatric dietitian, who will provide guidance on nutrition, eating behaviours and preparing for the period immediately after balloon placement.
If a gastric balloon is appropriate and you decide to proceed, the procedure will be performed by Dr Ashok as a day procedure. The balloon is placed into the stomach via gastroscopy and, once positioned, filled with sterile saline. No incisions are required.
Before treatment, you will receive information about the procedure, including the potential risks, the expected adjustment period and the planned timing of balloon removal.
After surgery, you will receive guidance on recovery, eating progression, activity levels and follow-up care. You will usually follow a staged diet over several weeks, starting with liquids, then progressing to softer foods and eventually to more regular textures, as advised by your care team.
Ongoing nutritional and clinical support forms an important part of care after gastric bypass surgery. As the procedure can affect nutrient absorption, long-term vitamin and mineral supplementation and regular monitoring are generally required. Dr Ashok will typically review surgical patients at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months and 12 months after surgery, with longer-term follow-up at 6–12 monthly intervals.
Depending on the balloon system used, a gastric balloon typically remains in place for 6 to 12 months before being removed endoscopically as a day procedure. The balloon may also be removed earlier if clinically required.
Follow-up care continues after balloon removal to support ongoing weight management and discuss whether any further treatment or support may be appropriate for your individual circumstances.
A gastric balloon is a medical procedure and, like all procedures, carries potential risks and complications. These may include:
This is not a complete list of potential risks and complications. During your consultation, Dr Ashok will discuss the potential risks, expected benefits and alternative treatment options relevant to your individual circumstances before you decide whether to proceed.
FRACS
MBChB Hons
GESA
PhD
ANZMOSS
Dr Ashok Gunawardene is a registered specialist general surgeon with subspecialist training in upper gastrointestinal and weight loss surgery. With over 15 years of clinical experience across the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia, he brings a considered, evidence-informed approach to weight management care.
As Director of OptiWeight, Dr Ashok supports patients through both surgical and non-surgical treatment pathways, helping them understand their options and make informed decisions about their health. His approach focuses on ensuring patients feel supported, informed and respected throughout their care.
“My approach is simple: I want every patient to feel safe, supported, and never rushed. Surgery is a tool – your long-term health is the goal.”
If you’re considering a gastric balloon procedure, a private consultation with Dr Ashok Gunawardene allows you to ask questions, discuss your health history and understand whether a gastric balloon procedure may be appropriate for your circumstances. Dr Ashok will explain the potential benefits, risks, alternatives and follow-up requirements before any treatment pathway is planned.
It’s common to notice the gastric balloon during the first few days after placement while your stomach adapts. During this time, symptoms such as nausea, abdominal cramping and vomiting are common but usually improve within the first week. Most people become less aware of the balloon as treatment continues.
Yes, once the initial adjustment period has passed, most people can gradually return to physical activity as advised by their care team. Regular exercise, together with dietary changes and ongoing support, forms an important part of long-term weight management.
Yes, after placement, you will follow a staged eating plan, beginning with liquids, progressing to soft foods, and then to a more regular diet. Your OptiWeight bariatric dietitian will provide personalised guidance throughout your treatment.
Yes, although a gastric balloon is usually removed after 6 to 12 months, it may be removed earlier if clinically required, such as when symptoms cannot be adequately managed, or another medical reason arises. Dr Ashok will discuss this with you if it becomes necessary.
Yes, a gastric balloon is a temporary treatment and does not permanently change the stomach or digestive system. If clinically appropriate, bariatric surgery or another weight management treatment may still be considered after the balloon has been removed.
Weight loss with a gastric balloon varies between individuals and depends on factors such as your starting weight, overall health, and ongoing dietary and lifestyle changes. During your consultation, Dr Ashok will discuss the outcomes that may reasonably be expected based on your individual circumstances.
This page is general information only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Weight loss surgery is a significant decision with benefits and risks that differ for each person. Outcomes vary and cannot be guaranteed. Please consult Dr Ashok Gunawardene or your GP to discuss whether a procedure is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
