Is a gastric balloon permanent?

No. A gastric balloon is temporary. Depending on the type, it stays in place for about 16 weeks to 12 months, then it is removed or passes naturally.

Who may suit a gastric balloon?

Medical therapy or gastric balloons may be considered for people with a BMI of 27 or higher. A consultation is required to determine suitability.

Which option is right for me?

It depends on your BMI, medical history and goals. Dr Lim will explain the options at your consultation.

Gastric Balloon vs Weight Loss Surgery

Many people in Brisbane find that diet and exercise alone have not been enough to reach their weight loss goals. Two options often come up: a gastric balloon and weight loss surgery. They work in different ways, and which one is appropriate depends on your health and what you want from treatment.

This article compares the two so you know what to ask at a consultation. Dr Aaron Lim offers both gastric balloons and weight loss surgery, so the choice can be based on your health and goals.

What Is a Gastric Balloon?

A gastric balloon is a non-surgical, temporary weight loss tool. It sits in the stomach and helps you feel full on smaller portions, which can make it easier to build new eating habits. It is an option for people who want support beyond diet and exercise but are not ready for, or do not need, surgery.

Balloon Options

Dr Lim offers three balloons:

Allurion: swallowed as a capsule during a clinic visit, with no surgery or endoscopy. The balloon stays in place for about 16 weeks, then passes naturally.
Orbera: placed endoscopically under light sedation and in place for 6 months.
Spatz3: placed endoscopically, adjustable, and able to stay in place for up to 12 months.

How It Works

The balloon is placed in your stomach, either by swallowing a capsule or through a short endoscopic procedure.
It stays in place for 4 to 12 months, depending on the balloon.
It is then removed, or passes naturally, leaving your body unchanged.
During this time you have dietitian and nurse support to help you build new habits.

Key Features

Non-surgical and minimally invasive
No permanent changes to your stomach
A shorter recovery than surgery
A structured program of support while the balloon is in place

Weight loss varies from person to person, and Dr Lim will discuss a realistic goal with you at your consultation.

What Is Weight Loss Surgery?

Weight loss surgery, also called bariatric surgery, makes lasting changes to the digestive system to support weight loss over the long term. Dr Lim performs three procedures:

Gastric sleeve: about 80% of the stomach is removed, leaving a narrow sleeve that limits how much you can eat.
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: the stomach is made smaller and part of the small intestine is rerouted, which limits both how much you can eat and how much you absorb. It is a more complex operation.
Mini gastric bypass: a single-loop bypass that combines a smaller stomach with a bypass of part of the small intestine.

All three are performed laparoscopically (keyhole), and all require lifelong follow-up and vitamin supplementation.

Which Option May Suit You?

The two options are not rivals so much as different tools for different situations.

A gastric balloon may suit people who want a temporary, non-surgical option. Medical therapy or gastric balloons may be considered for people with a BMI of 27 or higher.
Weight loss surgery is generally considered for people with a BMI above 35, or above 30 with weight-related conditions such as type 2 diabetes or sleep apnoea.

Your medical history, previous attempts at weight loss and personal goals all matter. A consultation is the way to work out which option, if either, is appropriate for you.

Take the Next Step

If you are weighing up a gastric balloon and weight loss surgery, book a consultation with Dr Aaron Lim. You will have time to ask questions about the risks and benefits of each option before deciding.