Gastric Balloon in Bangkok to Achieve Sustainable Weight Loss

Gastric Balloon (Intragastric Balloon) is a non-invasive method involves placing a silicone balloon into the stomach through endoscopy.

Once filled with saline or a special solution, the balloon reduces stomach capacity, helping you feel full faster and eat smaller portions.

There are different types of gastric balloons to choose from, with durations ranging from 4 to 12 months, depending on the specific type. This flexibility means you can select an option that best aligns with your weight loss goals and lifestyle needs.

Finding the right gastric balloon and ensuring it suits your unique needs is key to a successful outcome. That’s why consulting a reputable clinic with experienced surgeons is so important. Choosing a team you trust can make all the difference in both safety and results.

At Rattinan Medical Center, our expert surgeons work closely with you to assess your health and recommend the most suitable balloon type.

With a personalized treatment plan tailored to your goals, we’re here to help you take the first step toward long-term weight loss success.

In Bangkok, there are many types of balloons available, often at lower costs, but not all of them meet the same safety and efficacy standards.

Non-FDA-approved balloons may carry a higher risk of complications, which can impact your health and results.

At Rattinan Medical Center, we take your safety seriously. That’s why we only use FDA-approved gastric balloons, including Spatz, Orbera, and Allurion.

These balloons have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they meet the highest standards for safety and effectiveness. When it comes to your health, you deserve nothing less than the best.

Here’s a closer look at the types of gastric balloons we offer and their unique features to suit your individual needs:

Which Gastric Balloon Is Right for You?

The choice of a gastric balloon depends on your weight loss goals, lifestyle, and medical history. At Rattinan Medical Center, our experienced surgeons carefully assess each patient to recommend the most suitable option, ensuring a safe and effective treatment tailored to your needs.

Why Choose Orbera
at Rattinan Medical Center?

At Rattinan Medical Center, the placement of the Orbera gastric balloon is performed by expert surgeons, including Dr. Panot Yim Charoen, using state-of-the-art endoscopic equipment that meets international standards.

Patients benefit from comprehensive, personalized care throughout the process:

• Thorough Health Assessment: Before the procedure, a detailed evaluation ensures that Orbera is the right fit for the patient’s weight loss goals and health condition.
• Precise Balloon Placement: The balloon is inserted with high precision using advanced endoscopic technology for safety and efficiency.
• Post-Treatment Care: Patients receive close follow-up, dietary guidance, and lifestyle support to help maintain and enhance their weight loss results.

With a commitment to safety, innovation, and effective outcomes, Rattinan Medical Center ensures a seamless and successful weight loss journey with Orbera, setting a benchmark for quality care in Bangkok.

Orbera is not just a weight loss aid—it’s the beginning of a long-term journey toward better health. For those seeking a safe and natural way to achieve sustainable weight loss, Orbera is the ideal solution. It empowers patients to adopt healthier eating habits, manage portions effectively, and take the first step toward a healthier and more confident life.

Are You a Suitable Candidate for a Gastric Balloon in Bangkok?

A gastric balloon (Intragastric Balloon) is an excellent option for individuals struggling with excess weight or obesity who seek an effective, non-surgical solution.

However, this treatment is not suitable for everyone and must be undertaken under the guidance of a qualified medical professional.

Ideal candidates for a gastric balloon typically meet the following criteria:

1. BMI Between 27–35

A gastric balloon is suitable for individuals with a BMI in the overweight to moderate obesity range. It’s a perfect option for those who are not yet candidates for surgical weight loss procedures like Gastric Bypass or Sleeve Gastrectomy.

2. Unsuccessful Weight Loss Attempts

This procedure is ideal for individuals who have tried traditional weight loss methods—such as dieting, exercise, or weight loss medications—without achieving their desired results. The gastric balloon provides a powerful tool for continuous weight reduction.

3. Those Who Wish to Avoid Surgery

For individuals seeking a safe, minimally invasive alternative to surgical interventions, the gastric balloon is an excellent choice. It requires no incisions or permanent alterations to the body.

4. Individuals Without Severe Health Conditions

Candidates must generally be in good health and free from severe gastrointestinal issues such as:

• Advanced acid reflux disease.
• Stomach ulcers.
• History of gastrointestinal surgery that might interfere with the placement of the balloon.

5. Commitment to Lifestyle Changes

The gastric balloon is not a permanent solution. Long-term success depends on the patient’s willingness to adopt healthier eating habits and maintain an active lifestyle. It is ideal for those motivated to change their lifestyle under expert guidance.

At Rattinan Medical Center, Bangkok, the placement of a gastric balloon (Intragastric Balloon) is a safe and expertly performed procedure by experienced surgeon such as Dr. Panot Yim Charoen. Utilizing advanced, internationally certified equipment, the process ensures both safety and effectiveness. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the entire procedure:

Post-gastric balloon care requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach combining medical management, nutritional guidance, and intensive lifestyle changes to ensure successful weight loss and prevent complications.

Immediate Side Effect Management (First 2 Weeks):

Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, cramps, indigestion, bloating, and diarrhea. Your care team will provide:

• Scheduled anti-emetic regimen for 2 weeks to manage nausea and vomiting
• Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI) at lowest effective dose (typically once daily) to prevent tissue injury
• Daily multivitamin supplementation (1-2 adult doses)

Essential Lifestyle Modifications:

Success depends on high-intensity lifestyle interventions starting immediately:

• Low-calorie diet: 1200-1500 kcal/day with adjusted eating habits
• Aerobic exercise: 200-300 minutes per week
• Counseling sessions with trained interventionists for psychological support and motivation
• Multidisciplinary support: unlimited phone support, dietitian follow-up, nutrition counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy

Ongoing Monitoring & Follow-Up:

• Regular doctor appointments to monitor balloon functionality and overall health
• Physician office visits (typically included in post-operative costs)
• Adherence to follow-up is critical for safety and success

Balloon Duration & Removal:

• Most balloons remain in place for up to 6 months (some devices up to 12 months)
• Removal timing is critical—missing the recommended window can cause life-threatening complications like balloon deflation, migration, and bowel obstruction
• Most require endoscopy and sedation for removal (some self-emptying balloons pass naturally after ~4 months)

Long-Term Success Strategy:

The balloon is a temporary tool—long-term success requires continuing lifestyle modifications after balloon removal. Patients who maintain diet, exercise, and behavioral changes experience ongoing weight loss, while those who revert to old habits often regain weight. Your responsibility includes strict adherence to diet/exercise programs and all follow-up sessions throughout and beyond the treatment period.

The gastric balloon jumpstarts weight loss, but your commitment to permanent lifestyle changes determines lasting success.

Limitations of the Gastric Balloon

While gastric balloons offer a less invasive weight loss option, they have significant limitations you should understand before proceeding.

Temporary Solution & Weight Regain Risk:

The balloon is not a permanent fix—it remains in place for only 6-12 months (some as short as 4 months). The critical limitation is that 78.7% of patients regain weight after removal if lifestyle changes aren’t maintained. Only about 21% achieve satisfactory long-term results, proving limited durability for obesity treatment. Success depends entirely on your commitment to permanent diet and exercise changes that continue after removal.

Lower Weight Loss Compared to Surgery:

Balloons typically produce 20-30% excess weight loss versus 60-80% with gastric bypass surgery. Most weight loss (up to 80%) occurs in the first 3 months, then plateaus. Patient satisfaction is often low—less than 50% are satisfied with weight loss achieved, and under 40% are satisfied with the overall procedure.

Procedural Limitations:

• Most require endoscopy and sedation for placement/removal (added cost and risk)
• Swallowable balloons bypass pre-screening, missing potential ulcers or anatomical problems
• Requires experienced providers—complications can be serious

Who Cannot Have the Balloon:

Absolutely contraindicated if you have: prior stomach surgery, active ulcers, hiatal hernia >5cm, chronic NSAID use, blood thinners, liver disease, uncontrolled psychiatric illness, eating disorders, or substance abuse.

The gastric balloon is a temporary jumpstart tool, not a cure. Expect modest weight loss that requires lifelong lifestyle commitment to maintain, accept common uncomfortable side effects, understand serious complication risks, and be prepared for likely weight regain if you don’t permanently change your habits. If you want substantial, lasting weight loss, bariatric surgery offers better long-term results.

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Common Side Effects:

Expect nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, cramps, indigestion, bloating, and diarrhea, especially in the first weeks. About 2.2% require premature removal due to intolerance. Fluid-filled balloons cause more severe nausea/vomiting than gas-filled types.

Serious Safety Risks (Rare but Life-Threatening):

• Balloon deflation and migration can cause bowel obstruction (1.4% rate)—life-threatening and potentially requiring emergency surgery
• Missing the removal deadline is dangerous: one patient kept their balloon 14 months (instead of 6) and suffered deflation, bowel obstruction, septic shock, and permanent short bowel syndrome requiring lifelong IV nutrition
• Gastric perforation (0.1% mortality rate)
• Overall mortality: 0.08%

A gastric balloon (Intragastric Balloon) is a non-surgical, effective, and sustainable weight loss solution. It works by limiting the stomach’s capacity to reduce food intake during meals. Here’s how the gastric balloon aids in achieving weight loss:

1. Reducing Stomach Space

When the balloon is placed in the stomach, it is filled with saline or a specialized solution, occupying part of the stomach’s volume. Typically, the balloon has a capacity of 400–700 milliliters, leaving less space for food. As a result, patients feel full after consuming smaller portions, making it easier to manage calorie intake.

2. Suppressing Appetite

The presence of the balloon stimulates the stomach’s nerves, particularly the Vagus Nerve, which signals fullness to the brain. This reduces the frequency of hunger pangs, helps patients feel full for longer periods, and supports better control over eating habits.

3. Encouraging Healthier Eating Behaviors

While the balloon remains in the stomach (4–12 months, depending on the type), patients have the opportunity to develop healthier eating habits, such as:

• Avoiding high-calorie foods.
• Controlling portion sizes to prevent overeating.
• Balancing meals with nutrient-dense options.

These changes not only aid in weight loss during the treatment period but also prepare patients for long-term success after the balloon is removed.

4. Promoting Fast Weight Loss

The gastric balloon delivers noticeable results in a short time. On average, patients lose 10-15% of their body weight within 6–12 months. The exact weight loss depends on the type of balloon used and the patient’s adherence to medical advice.

5. Comprehensive Support from a Dedicated Team

At Rattinan Medical Center, the gastric balloon program goes beyond placing the device. Patients benefit from the expertise of a supportive care team that includes:

• Dietitians who design tailored meal plans for effective weight management.
• Specialist doctors who monitor progress and ensure safety throughout the treatment.
• Counselors who provide advice to prevent weight regain and maintain motivation.

Who Is It Best For?

The gastric balloon is an ideal solution for individuals with a BMI between 27–35 who want to lose weight without surgery. It’s particularly suitable for those ready to make lifestyle changes to sustain their results in the long term.

At Rattinan Medical Center, located in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand, we provide gastric balloon placement services following AACI-standard care, ensuring high-quality treatment at transparent and competitive pricing.

Our packages include comprehensive support and follow-ups by our expert medical team. Below are the details of the costs:

Value of Treatment at Rattinan Medical Center in Bangkok

• Specialized expertise: Care is provided by surgeons with extensive experience, ensuring precision and safety during the procedure.
• Close follow-up care: Continuous monitoring and personalized guidance from both doctors and dietitians to help you achieve your weight loss goals safely and sustainably.

Rattinan Medical Center stands out as a premier clinic for weight loss and gastric balloon placement (Intragastric Balloon) in Bangkok. With years of experience and adherence to AACI standards, we are a top choice for those seeking a safe, effective, and comprehensive weight loss solution.

1. Expert Team and Proven Experience

• Procedures are led by renowned specialists such as:
  • Dr. Panot Yim Charoen, a highly skilled surgeon with extensive weight loss expertise.
  • Dr. Setthasiri Pantanakul, a recognized expert in weight loss and bariatric surgery.
• The team has vast experience with various types of gastric balloons, including Orbera, Spatz, and Allurion.
• Numerous patients have successfully achieved their weight loss goals under our care.

2. International Standards and Advanced Technology

• Operating rooms and facilities meet AACI, Ministry of Public Health, and ISO standards.
• All equipment, including endoscopic tools and balloons, is certified by the US FDA and Thai FDA.
• Procedures are conducted with the utmost safety and in line with global best practices.

3. Comprehensive Care Throughout the Treatment Journey

At Rattinan Medical Center, patients receive end-to-end care, including:

• Initial Health Assessment: A thorough evaluation to determine the most suitable treatment approach.
• Nutritional Guidance: Professional dietitians design personalized meal plans tailored to each patient’s needs.
• Post-Treatment Follow-Up: Regular check-ups to assess progress and adjust plans for optimal results.

4. Comfortable and Friendly Environment

• The clinic offers a modern, clean, and private atmosphere, ensuring a relaxing experience for every patient.
• Our staff provides compassionate care and clear communication, helping patients feel confident and supported throughout the process.

5. Reliable Results

• Patients undergoing gastric balloon placement at Rattinan Medical Center achieve an average weight loss of 10-15% of their body weight within 6–12 months.
• Many have experienced life-changing improvements in both weight and overall health.

6. Transparent Pricing

• Gastric balloon placement starts at 190,000 THB (Approx. $5,645 USD), inclusive of comprehensive care.
• Additional fees, such as balloon removal, are clearly explained upfront with no hidden costs.