Concierge bariatric endoscopy · UK
The gastric balloon, from first enquiry to removal.
A non-surgical, reversible weight-loss intervention — a saline or air balloon in the stomach for 4 to 12 months, placed by a bariatric endoscopist, and paired with the dietician and coaching that make it hold.
Why patients choose us
- 01
A bariatric endoscopist, not a sales team
The clinician placing the balloon is a consultant gastroenterologist or bariatric surgeon who does this weekly — not a coordinator on commission.
- 02
The right device for the right patient
Orbera, Elipse, Spatz3, Obalon — we compare them honestly against your BMI, tolerance and lifestyle before you commit.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What a private gastric balloon costs in the UK.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Prices include the pre-treatment OGD, insertion, removal (where relevant) and the dietician programme.
In short
A gastric balloon in our network: £3,500–£8,000 all-in, home the same day.
| Device / service | Indicative range | Insertion time | Time in situ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elipse (swallowable, no endoscopy) | £3,500–£5,500 | 30 min visit | 4 months in situ |
| Orbera (6-month endoscopic balloon) | £4,500–£6,500 | 20–30 min | 6 months in situ |
| Spatz3 (12-month adjustable balloon) | £5,500–£8,000 | 30 min | 12 months in situ |
| Obalon (three swallowable air balloons) | £4,000–£6,000 | 3 × 15 min | 6 months in situ |
| Removal only (endoscopic, previous balloon) | £1,200–£2,000 | 15–20 min | Same visit |
| Consultation only | £200–£400 | 30 min | Same visit |
Prices vary by clinic, by device, by whether the coaching programme is included as standard, and by whether sedation is delivered by a consultant anaesthetist. We come back with a firm, all-in quote within one working day.
The problem
The right device, the right patient, the right programme.
The gastric balloon market is unusually noisy — cheap deals, no coaching, no aftercare, and often the wrong device for the patient. We insist on all three being right before you commit.
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Not sure it is right for you?
A BMI of 27 is a very different case to a BMI of 40. We say honestly whether a balloon, an endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, or a definitive bariatric operation fits.
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Worried about the first fortnight?
Nausea and vomiting are the norm, not the exception. We prescribe antiemetics, PPI and antispasmodics as standard and keep a clinician reachable 24/7 for the first two weeks.
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Want the coaching, not just the device?
The balloon comes out. The habits are what stay. Every quote in our network includes a 6 to 12 month dietician and behaviour-coaching programme — not a leaflet.
The journey
From enquiry to removal — what happens, in order.
One clinical team from first message through the full 6 or 12 months — including removal.
Phase 1 · Before insertion
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · Insertion day
A morning at the clinic
Phase 3 · Programme and removal
Coaching through to end-of-treatment
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Height, weight, medical history, what you have tried, and why you are considering a balloon now.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: which device fits, whether a balloon is even the right tool for your BMI, and an indicative price including the coaching programme.
- 03
Before
Pre-treatment OGD and workup
A screening gastroscopy to exclude ulcer, large hiatus hernia or unsuitable anatomy. Bloods and a dietician assessment complete the picture.
- 04
Insertion day
Insertion day
Endoscopic placement under IV sedation (Orbera, Spatz3) or a swallowed capsule with X-ray confirmation (Elipse) — 20 to 30 minutes, home the same day.
- 05
After
The first two weeks
Nausea, vomiting and cramping are near-universal for 3 to 14 days. Antiemetics, PPI and antispasmodics are prescribed. Liquid diet, then soft, then modified normal.
- 06
After
Coaching and dietician programme
Fortnightly dietician review and behaviour coaching for the full 6 to 12 months — this is what turns the balloon into durable weight loss.
- 07
After
Removal or self-passage
Orbera, Spatz3 and Obalon come out endoscopically at 6 or 12 months. Elipse deflates and passes naturally at around 16 weeks — no second procedure.
Typical end-to-end: 2–4 weeks from enquiry to insertion. Time in situ: 4 to 12 months.
When it helps
When a gastric balloon is the right step.
The patient profiles we see most, plus the situations where a balloon is the wrong answer.
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BMI 27–35 and stuck
Enough excess weight to matter to your health, not enough to qualify for surgery on the NHS — the balloon’s sweet spot.
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BMI 35–40, surgery-averse
You would qualify for a sleeve or bypass but do not want an irreversible operation yet — a balloon buys you 6 to 12 months to try.
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BMI 40–45, pre-surgical weight loss
Higher-BMI patients sometimes use a balloon to lose 10–15% before definitive bariatric surgery, reducing operative risk.
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Failed diet and lifestyle attempts
Multiple serious attempts at structured weight loss that have not held. The balloon provides the satiety mechanism the willpower cannot.
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Weight-related comorbidity
Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnoea or fatty liver that a 10–15% weight loss would meaningfully improve.
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Event or life-stage deadline
A wedding, a fertility plan, a return to sport — a defined 4 to 6 month window where a balloon is a realistic tool.
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Post-bariatric weight regain
Regain after a previous sleeve or bypass — a balloon can be used to restart the process (with careful case selection).
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Red flag: this is not for you
Active peptic ulcer, prior gastric surgery (except selected cases), large hiatus hernia, pregnancy, eating disorder or unstable mental health — a balloon is not safe.
Device options
One category, several very different devices.
What each device on the UK market actually involves — and which suits which patient.
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Orbera (Apollo)
The longest track record. A saline-filled balloon (400–700 ml) placed endoscopically under sedation, removed at 6 months. Well-studied, ~13% total body weight loss at end of treatment.
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Elipse (Allurion)
Swallowed as a capsule attached to a thin drain tube — filled with saline, X-ray confirmed, no sedation, no endoscopy. Deflates and passes at ~16 weeks. The lowest-friction option.
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Spatz3 (adjustable)
A 12-month indwelling balloon whose volume can be adjusted upwards at 3 months (to boost effect) or downwards (to relieve intolerance). Endoscopic placement and removal.
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Obalon (swallowable air)
Three small air-filled balloons swallowed at 3-week intervals, all removed endoscopically at 6 months. Gradual loading is gentler on early tolerance.
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ReShape Duo
A dual-balloon device — largely superseded by newer options in UK private practice but occasionally offered where the anatomy suits.
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BIB (historical)
The original Bioenterics intragastric balloon, superseded by Orbera and the newer devices. Included for context only.
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Balloon removal alone
For patients whose balloon was placed elsewhere — an endoscopic aspiration and removal under sedation, 15 to 20 minutes, home the same day.
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Consultation only
An honest discussion of whether a balloon is the right tool for you, or whether an endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty or definitive bariatric surgery would serve you better.
Our vetted UK network
A small panel of bariatric endoscopists, we picked them.
CQC-registered day-case units in London, Manchester and Birmingham. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every endoscopist and clinic in our network.
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Consultant gastroenterologists or bariatric surgeons who insert balloons weekly
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CQC-registered day-case units with anaesthetist cover for sedation
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A structured 6 to 12 month dietician and behaviour-coaching programme included in the price
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24/7 access to the clinical team for the first two weeks — the period when problems arise
Safety and recovery
What to expect afterwards — honestly.
The gastric balloon is safe and reversible, but not gentle in the first fortnight and not a cure without the coaching. The full picture is below.
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Nausea and vomiting are near-universal
For 3 to 14 days after insertion. Antiemetics, a PPI and an antispasmodic are prescribed. About 3 to 5% need IV rehydration for severe symptoms.
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Early intolerance can force removal
Around 5 to 15% of patients cannot tolerate the balloon and ask for it out early. This is not a rare event and worth pricing in emotionally before starting.
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Reflux and abdominal cramps
Acid reflux and cramps are common for the whole time the balloon is in place. A PPI usually controls them; occasionally the balloon has to come out early.
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Gastric ulcer or perforation
Very rare (<0.1% for modern devices) but serious. Persistent severe pain or vomiting blood is a same-day emergency.
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Deflation and obstruction
Very rare — if the balloon deflates it can pass into the bowel and obstruct. Orbera contains methylene blue: green urine means the balloon has leaked. Alert the team immediately.
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Aspiration and oesophageal injury
Small risks during insertion or removal — <1% combined. An experienced endoscopist and appropriate sedation minimise both.
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Weight regain without lifestyle change
The honest truth: 30–50% of the lost weight is regained by 24 months if the dietician and coaching work is not sustained. The balloon is a tool, not a cure.
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Not funded on the NHS
The intragastric balloon is not routinely commissioned by the NHS — this is a private-only pathway in the UK.
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Red flags
Persistent severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black stools, high fever, or green urine (Orbera) — call the clinic or A&E the same day.
Reading your procedure note
Your insertion note in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever device was placed, the note the endoscopist sends you keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Endoscopy language is precise and can read coldly — we translate it for you.
If you would like us to talk you through the note before your dietician review, just ask.
- 01 Header
Device, volume and indication
Which device was placed (Orbera, Elipse, Spatz3, Obalon), the fill volume in millilitres, and the clinical reason it was chosen for you.
- 02 Technique
Sedation, endoscopy and placement
Whether sedation was used, the endoscopist’s findings on the pre-placement OGD, and confirmation the balloon is correctly seated in the stomach.
- 03 Findings
Stomach lining, hernia, incidentals
Notes on the gastric mucosa, whether a hiatus hernia was found, and any incidental findings (polyps, gastritis, H. pylori suspicion).
- 04 Impression
Aftercare, diet and follow-up
Read this first: your antiemetic and PPI regimen, the diet progression (liquid to soft to normal), and the dates of your dietician and clinical reviews.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Most UK private medical insurers exclude weight-loss procedures including the gastric balloon — this is almost always a self-pay pathway. We confirm any partial cover (e.g. for the pre-treatment OGD) before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about the gastric balloon.
Quick answers on eligibility, cost, the first fortnight, weight-loss expectations and when the balloon comes out.
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Am I eligible for a gastric balloon?
Typically BMI 27–40 (some centres to 45), motivated to combine the balloon with a serious lifestyle programme, no active peptic ulcer, no prior gastric surgery in most cases, no large hiatus hernia, not pregnant, no active eating disorder, and mentally stable. We screen for all of this before booking.
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How much weight will I actually lose?
Realistically 10–15% of total body weight at the end of treatment — best data is around 13% for Orbera at 6 months. Durable at 12 months if you stick to the programme; expect 30–50% regain by 24 months if you do not.
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Endoscopic Orbera or swallowable Elipse — which is better?
Neither is medically superior. Elipse avoids sedation and endoscopy, which many patients prefer, and passes naturally. Orbera has the longest evidence base and can be adjusted or removed early if needed. We match the device to you, not the other way round.
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How much does a gastric balloon cost privately in the UK?
Roughly £3,500–£5,500 for Elipse, £4,500–£6,500 for Orbera, £5,500–£8,000 for Spatz3, and £4,000–£6,000 for Obalon. The price should include the pre-treatment OGD, insertion, removal (where relevant) and the 6 to 12 month dietician programme.
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What are the first two weeks really like?
Rough. Nausea, vomiting and cramping for 3 to 14 days is the norm, not the exception. You will be on liquids only for the first 3 to 7 days, then soft food. Antiemetics, a PPI and an antispasmodic are prescribed. Around 3 to 5% of patients need IV fluids for dehydration.
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What happens when the balloon comes out?
Orbera, Spatz3 and Obalon are removed endoscopically under sedation — 15 to 20 minutes, home the same day, no dietary restriction afterwards. Elipse deflates on its own at around 16 weeks and passes through the bowel naturally — no removal procedure at all.
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Can I have a gastric balloon on the NHS?
Not routinely. The intragastric balloon is not commissioned by NHS England in most areas — this is a private-only pathway in the UK. The NHS bariatric route is a sleeve gastrectomy or gastric bypass for patients meeting the NICE thresholds.
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When should I call the clinic urgently?
Persistent severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood, black stools, a high fever, or — if you have an Orbera — green or blue urine (which means the balloon has leaked). Any of these are same-day contact with the clinic or A&E, not the morning-after inbox.
Related treatments
Looking for something else?
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Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty
A stitched, non-surgical alternative to the sleeve.
Learn more -
Gastric band surgery
The adjustable band — reversible, older technology.
Learn more -
Gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy)
Definitive bariatric surgery for higher BMI.
Learn more -
All tests and procedures
Every test and procedure we arrange.
Learn more
Nearby in the library