Weight Loss · Non-Surgical
Gastric Balloon in Turkey
A non-surgical, reversible weight loss option in two forms: the Allurion swallowable balloon — a capsule you swallow, with no endoscopy and no sedation — and endoscopic balloons, placed under light sedation for 6 or 12 months. Either way, a soft balloon in the stomach helps you eat less and build lasting habits, with no incisions.
Placement time
15–30 min
Hospital stay
Day case
Stay in Antalya
2–3 days
Balloon duration
4–12 months
OVERVIEW
What is a gastric balloon?
A gastric balloon is a soft, temporary balloon placed in the stomach to take up space, so you feel full with smaller meals and stay satisfied for longer. There is no surgery and no permanent change to your anatomy. At NewMe you can choose the Allurion swallowable balloon, which passes naturally after around 16 weeks, or an endoscopic balloon that stays for 6 or 12 months. Placement is a day case at Anatolia Hospital in Antalya, most UK patients stay just 2–3 days, and typical results are 10–15% of total body weight with our dietitian programme.
TWO BALLOON OPTIONS
Allurion swallowable balloon or endoscopic balloon: which is right for me?
The Allurion balloon needs no endoscopy or sedation and passes naturally after around 16 weeks; endoscopic balloons are placed under light sedation and removed after 6 or 12 months.
| Feature | Allurion swallowable balloon | Endoscopic balloon |
|---|---|---|
| How it is placed | Swallowed as a capsule | Placed through the mouth with an endoscope |
| Endoscopy | None | Yes — for placement and removal |
| Sedation | None | Light sedation |
| Incisions | None | None |
| Stays in the stomach | Around 16 weeks | 6 or 12 months |
| How it comes out | Empties itself and passes naturally | Removed endoscopically |
| Often chosen for | A sedation-free start and a shorter programme | A longer programme and a higher weight-loss target |
Not sure which one fits? Your target weight loss, timeline and preference for sedation-free placement decide — ask us on WhatsApp →
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
Am I a candidate for a gastric balloon?
The balloon suits people who want meaningful weight loss without surgery. Final suitability is confirmed after a medical assessment.
✓ Your BMI is between 27 and 35 — below the usual threshold for weight loss surgery
✓ You prefer a non-surgical, fully reversible option with no permanent change to your anatomy
✓ You want a structured kick-start — the balloon works best combined with our dietitian programme
✓ You have no previous stomach surgery, large hiatus hernia or active stomach ulcer
Higher BMI? Explore gastric sleeve surgery →
OPTION 1 · NO ENDOSCOPY, NO SEDATION
How does the Allurion swallowable balloon work?
The Allurion balloon is swallowed as a capsule — there is no endoscopy, no sedation and no removal procedure.
1
Swallow the capsule
The balloon comes folded inside a small capsule attached to a thin tube. You swallow it with water, and its position is checked with a quick X-ray.
2
Filling
The balloon is filled through the thin tube, which is then removed. It now takes up space in your stomach, so you feel full with smaller meals.
3
Passes naturally
After around 16 weeks the balloon empties itself and passes naturally — there is no removal procedure.
OPTION 2 · 6 OR 12 MONTHS
How do endoscopic gastric balloons work?
Endoscopic balloons are placed through the mouth with an endoscope under light sedation, and stay in the stomach for 6 or 12 months depending on the balloon you choose.
1
Placement
The deflated balloon is placed through the mouth with an endoscope under light sedation — a 15–30 minute day-case procedure.
2
Filling
The balloon is filled with sterile saline, taking up space in your stomach so you feel full with smaller meals.
3
Removal
After 6 or 12 months — depending on the balloon you choose — it is removed endoscopically.
YOUR HOSPITAL
Where is my gastric balloon placed?
Your assessment, placement and check-up take place at Anatolia Hospital in Antalya — one of NewMe’s contracted institutions, accredited by Temos for Quality in Medical Care. Endoscopic placement is carried out under light sedation by an experienced team; the Allurion capsule is swallowed in the hospital with an X-ray check. You go back to your hotel the same day and return for a follow-up check before you fly home.
WHAT TO EXPECT
What is recovery like after a gastric balloon?
Day 1–3
An adjustment period — nausea, vomiting and cramping are common and managed with medication. Liquids only.
Week 1–2
Soft foods, then smaller normal meals. Most people return to work within days.
Month 1 onwards
The active weight-loss phase, with monthly online dietitian check-ins wherever you live.
After the balloon
Typical results are 10–15% of total body weight; habit coaching continues to help you maintain it.
SAFETY
What are the risks of a gastric balloon?
A gastric balloon is less invasive than surgery, but it is still a medical procedure with risks. Your doctor goes through them with you before you book, and we recommend reading the NHS guide to weight loss procedures as well.
Common and expected
Nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps for the first days as your stomach adapts; acid reflux and a feeling of fullness or discomfort.
Less common
Needing early removal because the balloon is not tolerated, dehydration if fluids cannot be kept down, and stomach irritation or ulcers.
Rare but serious
The balloon deflating and moving into the bowel, causing a blockage that needs treatment; injury to the stomach or oesophagus; and reactions to sedation for endoscopic balloons.
How we reduce your risk: a medical assessment to rule out conditions that make a balloon unsafe; medication for the adjustment days; a follow-up check before you fly; clear instructions on warning symptoms; and dietitian support throughout your programme.
FOR UK PATIENTS
Planning a gastric balloon in Turkey from the UK
NHS and gastric balloons
Gastric balloons are rarely offered on the NHS, and NHS weight management services have strict criteria and long waiting lists. Our guide explains the NHS route: NHS weight loss surgery waiting times.
Direct flights, about 4 hours
Antalya has direct flights from London, Manchester, Birmingham and other UK airports. UK passport holders can visit Turkey visa-free for up to 90 days.
What your package covers
Your assessment, balloon placement, VIP transfers between airport, hospital and hotel, and your dietitian programme. Your hotel and flights are booked separately.
Support back home
Monthly online dietitian check-ins and a WhatsApp line for questions throughout your balloon programme.
New to treatment abroad? Our step-by-step guide for UK patients walks you through the whole journey.
QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions
Does the gastric balloon hurt?
Placement itself is painless. In the first days most patients have nausea and cramping as the stomach adapts — this is expected, temporary and controlled with prescribed medication.
Which balloon types do you offer?
Two kinds: the Allurion swallowable balloon, and endoscopic balloons in 6-month and 12-month versions. The right choice depends on your target weight loss, timeline and preference for sedation-free placement.
What is the difference between the Allurion balloon and an endoscopic balloon?
The Allurion balloon is swallowed as a capsule — no endoscopy, no sedation — and passes naturally after around 16 weeks. An endoscopic balloon is placed under light sedation, stays for 6 or 12 months and is then removed endoscopically. Neither involves incisions.
Does the Allurion balloon need endoscopy or sedation?
No. It is swallowed as a capsule and filled once it is in your stomach, with no endoscopy and no sedation. After around 16 weeks it empties itself and passes naturally.
How much weight will I lose?
Typical results are 10–15% of total body weight over the balloon programme — for example 10–15kg for someone weighing 100kg — when combined with the dietitian programme.
Will the weight come back after removal?
The balloon is a tool, not a cure. Patients who keep their new eating habits maintain results long-term; those who return to old habits can regain weight. That is why habit coaching is built into every balloon programme.
Is a gastric balloon safe?
Serious complications are uncommon. The main issues are nausea and cramping in the first days; rarer risks include early removal, ulcers or a deflated balloon moving into the bowel. Your doctor explains the warning signs before you fly home.
How long do I need to stay in Antalya?
Just 2–3 days: placement is a day procedure, and we keep you nearby for a follow-up check before you fly home.
Which hospital is the balloon placed in?
At Anatolia Hospital in Antalya, one of NewMe’s contracted institutions, accredited by Temos for Quality in Medical Care.
Is the hotel included?
No. Your package covers your assessment, balloon placement, VIP transfers and dietitian programme. Hotel nights are booked separately, and we can arrange a hotel close to the hospital for you.
Take the first step today
Send us your details for a free, no-obligation assessment — our team will confirm your suitability and recommend the right balloon programme.
