Written by MASSH
Nov 04, 2025
Obesity has become one of the most pressing health challenges in India today. With urban lifestyles, desk jobs, and easy access to calorie-dense foods, managing weight has grown increasingly difficult for many. Particularly in cities like Delhi, where long commuting hours and stressful routines prevail, achieving sustainable weight loss through diet and exercise alone can feel overwhelming.
Over the past few years, more people in Delhi have started looking for modern, safe, and non-surgical alternatives to tackle obesity. Among these options, intragastric balloon treatment—often called “ballooning treatment” has emerged as a promising and minimally invasive approach for people struggling to lose weight despite repeated efforts. This method helps patients lose significant weight without surgery, long hospital stays, or extensive recovery periods. For many, it represents a bridge between lifestyle-based methods and surgical bariatric procedures, offering effective results with far less invasiveness.
Ballooning treatment, also known as intragastric balloon therapy, is an innovative, non-surgical procedure designed to support weight loss by temporarily reducing the stomach’s capacity. The process involves placing a soft, expandable balloon filled with saline inside the stomach. Once in place, this balloon occupies space, making patients feel full sooner and eat smaller portions of food. Over time, it helps retrain the body’s eating habits and promotes sustainable weight reduction.
The principle behind this method is straightforward by limiting the stomach’s available volume, the individual naturally consumes fewer calories each day. The presence of the balloon also delays stomach emptying, which helps manage hunger and reduce frequent cravings.
Ballooning is particularly suitable for individuals who are overweight or mildly to moderately obese and want to avoid surgical interventions. It also serves those who have not achieved long-term success through conventional methods such as dieting, workouts, or medical weight-loss programs. The treatment acts as a temporary yet effective tool, offering both physical and psychological support on a person’s journey toward healthier weight management.
The balloon typically remains in the stomach for about six months, after which it is safely removed. Throughout this period, lifestyle guidance and nutrition counseling form a crucial part of the program, ensuring lasting results even after balloon removal.
Ballooning treatment is designed for people who desire safe and medically supervised weight loss but are not yet suitable or willing to undergo surgery. It is typically recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) between 27 and 35, although some may qualify outside this range based on clinical evaluation.
However, not everyone is eligible for ballooning. Certain conditions may prevent a person from undergoing the treatment, such as:
Before finalizing eligibility, doctors conduct a detailed medical evaluation that includes physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies. A comprehensive discussion about expectations, benefits, and lifestyle commitments ensures candidates understand how the treatment fits into their long-term weight management plan.
Ballooning treatment is an outpatient, minimally invasive procedure that does not require incisions or general surgery. Below is a step-by-step look at what patients generally experience throughout the process.
Before scheduling the procedure, the patient undergoes a thorough evaluation managed by a multidisciplinary team, including a bariatric specialist, dietitian, and psychologist. This session focuses on reviewing medical history, explaining how the balloon works, discussing safe lifestyle changes, and setting achievable weight-loss goals. Doctors also rule out any potential health conditions that might complicate the procedure.
Patients are advised to fast for at least six to eight hours before the balloon insertion. Sedation or light anesthesia is administered to keep the patient relaxed and comfortable during the endoscopy.
Using an endoscope, a flexible tube with a small camera attached—the doctor gently guides the deflated balloon into the stomach through the mouth and esophagus. The process takes around 20 to 30 minutes.
Once inside the stomach, the balloon is filled with a sterile saline solution until it expands to approximately the size of a small grapefruit. The size and type of the balloon depend on the patient’s needs and doctor’s preference.
After insertion, patients are observed for a few hours in a recovery area for any signs of nausea, discomfort, or dizziness. Most individuals can return home on the same day. The total hospital stay is usually less than half a day.
During the first few days, the stomach adapts to the balloon’s presence. Mild nausea or cramps may occur but typically subside as the body adjusts. Doctors recommend starting with liquids and then gradually advancing to soft and solid foods as tolerated.
After about six months, the balloon gets dissolved and deflated and passes through normal stools. Many patients report that by this time, they have adopted new eating patterns and healthier habits that continue supporting weight management even after balloon removal.
The recovery after ballooning treatment is relatively short, but lifestyle adaptation plays a major role in long-term success. For the first few days after insertion, patients follow a structured diet plan beginning with clear liquids. Gradually, they move to pureed foods and then to a balanced solid diet after about a week, depending on medical advice.
The main focus is moderation and mindful eating. Since the stomach capacity is reduced, overeating may cause discomfort. A dietitian helps design an individualized meal plan that emphasizes fiber-rich vegetables, lean proteins, and adequate hydration while avoiding sugary or carbonated drinks.
Light physical activity such as walking or low-impact exercises typically starts within a week after the procedure. As comfort improves, the exercise plan can be expanded to include strength training and aerobic activities for better weight maintenance and metabolism improvement.
Regular follow-up visits are vital throughout the six-month balloon period. These sessions include medical reviews, nutritional counseling, and motivation support to ensure continued progress. Many patients find that the treatment period helps them reset their relationship with food shifting focus from restrictive dieting to balanced, portion-controlled meals.
Ultimately, the real success of ballooning lies not just in the balloon itself but in lasting behavioral transformation. Maintaining weight loss requires dedication to new habits, ongoing activity, and emotional well-being all of which are supported by the multidisciplinary team guiding the patient.
Ballooning treatment offers several significant advantages for individuals looking for effective, non-surgical weight management.
Most patients experience noticeable weight loss within the first few months. On average, many lose between 10–20 percent of their total body weight, though results vary based on diet adherence and physical activity.
Weight loss positively impacts multiple obesity-related conditions. Patients often see better blood sugar control, reduced cholesterol levels, and lower blood pressure. For some, it helps delay or minimize the need for diabetes or hypertension medication.
Shedding extra kilograms leads to improved stamina, easier mobility, and enhanced self-image. It also reduces joint strain and sleep apnea symptoms, improving overall quality of life.
Unlike bariatric surgeries such as gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, ballooning requires no incisions or permanent alterations to the stomach. The balloon can be removed anytime if medically necessary, making the approach safe and reversible.
Patients typically resume their normal routines within a day or two after insertion. The lack of surgical wounds reduces the risk of infections and minimizes downtime from work or personal activities.
The balloon is not a quick-fix device but a tool that supports behavior modification. By physically limiting portion size and reducing cravings, it encourages healthier eating patterns laying a foundation for lifelong weight management.
When compared to surgical bariatric procedures, intragastric balloon therapy offers a middle path: less invasive but still clinically proven for significant results. It suits individuals who want measurable outcomes with fewer procedural risks and faster recovery.
Ballooning treatment is generally safe when performed by experienced gastroenterologists and bariatric specialists. However, temporary side effects can occur as the stomach adjusts to the balloon’s presence.
Common issues during the first few days may include nausea, stomach cramps, mild discomfort, or vomiting. These symptoms are manageable through medications and dietary tweaks and usually resolve within a week.
Rare complications such as balloon deflation or intestinal blockage are extremely uncommon due to advancements in modern balloon design and strict procedural protocols. Regular medical follow-ups help detect and address any unusual symptoms early.
Choosing a reputable center with trained endoscopic specialists and reliable aftercare programs significantly reduces potential risks and ensures a smooth, safe experience.
The cost of ballooning treatment in Delhi varies based on several factors, including the hospital’s infrastructure, the experience of the bariatric physician, the type or brand of balloon used, anesthesia charges, and the extent of post-procedure care. Comprehensive packages may also include nutritional counseling, fitness sessions, and follow-up visits. The estimated cost may vary depending on the hospital and package inclusions.
Note: The final cost may differ based on individual assessment and hospital-specific factors.
Delhi has evolved into a center for advanced obesity and weight-loss management. The city houses multiple well-established hospitals, specialized endoscopy suites, and expert bariatric teams offering comprehensive solutions for patients seeking long-term results.
Renowned specialists in Delhi bring a combination of medical precision and patient-centered care. Most clinics follow international guidelines and use FDA-approved intragastric balloon systems, ensuring both safety and high success rates.
Additionally, Delhi’s medical institutions often integrate nutritionists, fitness experts, and psychological counselors into their programs. This multidisciplinary collaboration gives patients a complete weight management framework—addressing not just physical change but emotional and behavioral wellness as well.
With its accessibility, competitive pricing, and world-class facilities, Delhi stands out as an ideal destination for individuals considering ballooning treatment in India. Patients from other parts of the country and even abroad—often choose Delhi for its expertise and quality post-procedure support.
For individuals struggling with obesity and finding it difficult to shed weight through traditional methods, ballooning treatment offers renewed hope. It provides an effective balance between non-surgical management and sustainable outcomes. By promoting early satiety and sound eating habits, this therapy empowers patients to take control of their health without undergoing major surgery.
However, the success of ballooning goes beyond the device—it depends on commitment, medical guidance, and lifestyle adaptation. Consulting a certified bariatric expert is the best first step in understanding whether this treatment aligns with your health goals. With proper follow-up and determination, ballooning can become the start of a genuine transformation toward a healthier, more active life.
MASSH Hospitals in Delhi have emerged as a trusted destination for obesity and weight-loss management. Their specialized minimally invasive and endoscopic weight management program combines medical expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver safe, lasting results.
At MASSH, ballooning treatment is performed by a multidisciplinary team of experienced bariatric surgeons, gastroenterologists, dietitians, and psychologists. Comprehensive pre- and post-procedure counseling ensures that every patient receives personalized guidance throughout their journey. The hospital’s advanced endoscopic equipment allows precise balloon placement and gentle removal, enhancing both safety and comfort.
Beyond the procedure, MASSH places strong emphasis on long-term lifestyle coaching, balanced nutrition, and follow-up support to help patients maintain their progress even after the balloon is removed. Their patient-centric approach ensures each individual feels supported, informed, and motivated toward healthy living.
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