Gastric Balloon
in Medellín
Swallowable gastric balloon: no surgery, no endoscopy and no anesthesia. A capsule you swallow, nutritional guidance from Dr. Bladimiro Bula Márquez and results over 6 months. The alternative to lose weight when you don't want —or don't yet need— surgery.
Gastric balloon:
a non-surgical option to lose weight
The swallowable gastric balloon is a soft silicone device placed in the stomach to take up space and help you feel full with smaller portions. Unlike other balloons, it requires no endoscopy and no anesthesia: it comes inside a capsule that you simply swallow with a little water.
Once in the stomach, the balloon is filled with a sterile solution and stays there for about 6 months, while you work —with nutritional guidance— on building new eating habits. When the treatment ends, the balloon empties on its own and is eliminated naturally through the digestive tract, with no procedure to remove it.
How it works
The gastric balloon works through two complementary mechanisms:
- Restriction and satiety: by occupying part of the stomach, you eat smaller portions and feel satisfied sooner.
- Habit re-education: the 6 months with the balloon, together with nutritional support, help you consolidate a new eating pattern that lasts after it is removed.
Four stages of your treatment
Assessment
Consultation with Dr. Bula and a nutritional evaluation to confirm you are a candidate and prepare the treatment.
You swallow the capsule
In the office you swallow a small capsule with a little water. Inside is the deflated balloon, attached to a very thin catheter. No endoscopy or sedation.
The balloon is filled
We confirm the position with a quick X-ray and fill the balloon with sterile solution through the catheter, which is then gently removed. The whole thing takes about 20 minutes.
Natural elimination
At ~6 months a valve in the balloon opens, the balloon empties and is eliminated naturally through the digestive tract. No procedure is needed to remove it.
What you need to know
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type of procedure | Non-surgical — swallowable balloon |
| Endoscopy | Not required |
| Anesthesia or sedation | Not required |
| Placement time | ~20 minutes (outpatient) |
| Time in the stomach | About 6 months |
| Balloon removal | Natural elimination (no procedure) |
| Hospital stay | None |
| Return to activities | Same day / 24–48 hours |
| Expected weight loss | 10% to 15% of body weight |
| Main indication | BMI between 27 and 35, or those who prefer to avoid surgery |
| Reversible | Yes — it is a temporary treatment |
| Location | Medellín, Colombia |
Who benefits most
The swallowable gastric balloon is mainly indicated for people who meet at least one of these criteria:
Indications by BMI
- BMI between 27 and 30 (overweight) who cannot lose weight with diet and exercise
- BMI between 30 and 35 (mild obesity) without an indication for surgery
- BMI above 35 as a bridge or preparation before bariatric surgery (at the physician's discretion)
Clinical indications
- People who prefer a non-surgical, reversible option
- Those looking for a kickstart to begin changing their habits
- No previous gastric surgery
- Commitment to nutritional follow-up during the 6 months
- A favorable medical evaluation
When is the gastric balloon NOT recommended?
- Previous gastric or bariatric surgery
- Large hiatal hernia, active ulcers or gastritis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Uncontrolled psychiatric disorders or active addictions
- Continuous use of anti-inflammatories or anticoagulants (assessed case by case)
During your assessment with Dr. Bula we evaluate your BMI, history and habits to confirm whether the gastric balloon is the best option for you, or whether another procedure should be considered.
Before, during and after
Before the procedure
- Comprehensive assessment: consultation with Dr. Bula and a nutritional evaluation.
- Basic tests according to your case to confirm you are a good candidate.
- Fasting for about 12 hours before placement.
- Instructions for the first days: a liquid-diet plan and medication for nausea.
The day of placement
- You arrive at the office; you do not need someone to accompany you for anesthesia, because there is no sedation.
- You swallow the capsule with the balloon and we confirm its position with an X-ray.
- The balloon is filled with sterile solution and the catheter is removed (~20 minutes).
- A short observation period and you go home the same day.
Adaptation and diet
| Time | Nutritional stage | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–5 | Clear liquids | Possible nausea or cramping (managed with medication). Relative rest. |
| Days 6–14 | Full liquids and purées | Discomfort subsides; back to normal life. |
| Week 3 onward | Soft then solid diet | Small portions, balanced eating. |
| Months 1–6 | Healthy eating | Nutritional support to consolidate habits. |
Medical follow-up
We carry out check-ups throughout the 6 months (approximately at 2 weeks, at one month and then every 4 to 6 weeks) to adjust your nutritional plan and support your progress. After the balloon is eliminated we continue follow-up to help you maintain the results. This support is one of the pillars of a successful treatment.
What you will experience
Results with the gastric balloon depend on your commitment to the nutritional plan, but the reported averages are consistent:
| Time | Expected weight loss | Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | 3% to 5% of body weight | Adaptation, reduced appetite |
| Month 3 | 7% to 10% of body weight | Habit change taking hold |
| Month 6 | 10% to 15% of body weight | Maximum result of the treatment |
| After removal | Maintenance | Habits sustained with follow-up |
Beyond weight
- Metabolic improvement: losing weight often improves blood sugar, blood pressure and the lipid profile.
- New habits: the 6 months serve to install a way of eating that lasts.
- More energy and mobility from the weight reduction.
- A bridge: for many patients it is the first step toward a healthier lifestyle.
Risks and considerations
The swallowable gastric balloon is a safe, non-surgical procedure, but it is worth knowing its considerations in order to make an informed decision.
Common effects (first days)
- Nausea, vomiting and cramping during the first 3 to 5 days while the body adapts. These are managed with the medication we prescribe from the start.
- A feeling of heaviness or mild reflux, which usually subsides within the first week.
Considerations to keep in mind
- It is a temporary tool: results are maintained if you consolidate healthy habits during and after the treatment.
- Intolerance (uncommon): if discomfort does not subside, the balloon can be removed early.
- Early deflation (very rare): this is why medical follow-up is key.
- It does not replace bariatric surgery in cases of severe obesity, where other procedures offer greater weight loss.
Dr. Bula performs a careful assessment to confirm you are a good candidate and to minimize discomfort.
An investment in your health
The cost of the gastric balloon in Medellín depends on the package and the findings of your assessment. Medellín has become one of the leading medical-tourism destinations in Latin America thanks to its excellent value compared with the United States, Canada and Europe.
What the package includes
- The swallowable gastric balloon and its placement
- Control X-ray
- Nutritional support during the 6 months
- Treatment follow-up consultations
- Instructions and medication for the adaptation phase
First assessment consultation
The first assessment consultation with Dr. Bula costs $170,000 COP. It includes a comprehensive clinical evaluation, a review of your history and a personalized recommendation of the most suitable procedure for your case.
A detailed package quote is provided after the initial assessment, as it depends on your case. Financing options are available.
Coming from outside Colombia?
We care for patients traveling from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Ecuador, Panama and Europe. Because it is a non-surgical procedure, the gastric balloon requires only a short stay in Medellín.
Before the trip
- Virtual assessment by video call
- Review of your medical history and confirmation of candidacy
- Scheduling of the placement
- Recommendation of nearby lodging
During your stay
- Balloon placement (outpatient, ~20 minutes)
- 1 to 3 days of adaptation in Medellín (recommended)
- Nutritional and medication instructions
- Virtual follow-up during the 6 months and until removal
Why with Dr. Bula?
Dr. Bladimiro Bula Márquez
General and Bariatric Surgeon · Professional License 79788744 · More than 2,000 successful surgeries and experience in both surgical and non-surgical weight-loss treatments.
- Undergraduate and Postgraduate degree in General Surgery — Universidad Metropolitana de Barranquilla (2012)
- Certification in Bariatric Surgery — IRCAD Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Member of the Colombian Association of Obesity and Bariatric Surgery (ACOCIB)
- Practices at Clínica Las Vegas and Clínica El Rosario, Medellín
Your questions answered
Take the first step
Schedule your assessment with Dr. Bula and find out whether the gastric balloon is the right option for you. In-person care in Medellín and virtual care for international patients.
Before and after
Real transformations of Dr. Bladimiro Bula's patients. Every result is individual and depends on each person's commitment to their process.
