• The intragastric balloon is easily and simply inserted through the mouth under a light anaesthetic. It is performed as a day case procedure in hospital
• The intragastric balloon can help patients to lose 10 to 20 kg of weight relatively quickly
• The balloon must be removed after six months
• For 3 to 5 days after the balloon is inserted you may be uncomfortable and may experience nausea, vomiting and crampy abdominal pain
• LapSurgery Australia will provide you with appropriate medication to assist with these initial symptoms. In some instances you may need to be admitted to hospital to be rehydrated with an intravenous drip and will incur further costs.

1. Long term maintenance of weight loss

2. Possible control or remission of serious illness associated with obesity including:

• Raised Blood Pressure
• Diabetes
• Sleep Apnoea
• Depression

3. Improved quality of life, being able to stop dieting

4. Ability to participate in family activities eg. swimming, playing sport, chasing the kids

5. Ability to purchase clothes in mainstream shops

When comparing costs, please be aware that our costs include all of the following:

• Initial consultation with Surgeon
• Dietitian consultations inclusive of 1x pre-insertion, 2x post-insertion appointments
• Surgeon and Anaesthetist
• Access to on-call Surgeon at all times
• Comprehensive after care

Our operations are performed only in Private Hospitals. These costs can vary according to your particular private health cover.

See if you are eligible for the Intragastric Balloon, and check out our quote generator here:

Early Intolerance

Some patients may not be able to tolerate the presence of the balloon and may request its removal in the first 2-3 weeks. There is no refund of costs in this situation.

Obstruction of the intestine by the balloon

If the balloon were to develop a leak, it can deflate and block the intestines. This is rare but a very major problem requiring abdominal surgery. Deflation of the balloon prior to 6 months of it being in place is exceptionally rare but becomes more likely after six months which is why we insist the balloon is removed after six months.

Injury to the digestive tract during placement of the balloon

LapSurgery Australia’s surgeons are fully trained in the techniques of insertion of the intragastric balloon and such an injury is judged extremely unlikely but nevertheless possible.

Continued nausea and vomiting

Whilst this ceases after a few days for most people, a small number of people may experience ongoing symptoms requiring the balloon to be removed.

Gastric reflux

Some patients will experience quite severe heartburn. In most cases this will be controlled with appropriate medication.

Other complications

A variety of other possible complications are possible but very rare. For a complete list of possible complications please contact us.

Varied Results

A small percentage of patients may not achieve any significant weight loss and some patients may not be able to maintain the weight loss that is achieved at the time the balloon is removed.

What you have read above is a summary of the Intragastric Balloon. This is not sufficient information in itself and every aspect of the procedure, including the preparation for insertion and the possible complications, is always specific to an individual and must be discussed at length with your surgeon.