A soft balloon is placed in the stomach through the mouth and filled so smaller meals feel filling. It is removed after about six months, while the habits built during that time carry on.
*Typical total body weight loss reported in published literature, not SmartSleeveMD outcomes data. Individual results vary. **Illustration only, based on the low end of the range with no interest. Financing is provided by a third-party lender, subject to approval.
A soft balloon is placed in the stomach through the mouth and filled so smaller meals feel filling. It's a temporary first step: the balloon comes out after about six months, and the habits you build while it's in place carry on.
The deflated balloon is placed in the stomach with an endoscope. There are no incisions.
Once it's in position, the balloon is filled with saline so it takes up space in the stomach.
With less room in the stomach, you feel full sooner and eat less at each meal.
The balloon stays in for about six months. Your care team helps you keep the habits you've built after it comes out.
You may be a candidate for an intragastric balloon, a temporary first step. Medication-based care through WeightSimple is another option.
I want something temporary before committing.
Candidacy depends on more than BMI. Your surgeon reviews your full health history before recommending any procedure. See every BMI range
Typical recovery: usually same day. Everyone follows a staged diet, from liquids to regular meals, with a dietitian guiding each step.
Your surgeon will walk you through the recovery plan for your procedure. How to prepare, and what recovery looks like
Every price includes your procedure, two years of follow-up and aftercare, and 3+ more years of medical, nutrition, and behavioural support. You'll get an exact quote at your consultation.
Years 3 to 5+ are support, not scheduled follow-up. All of it is included in your procedure price.
Showing 6 procedures
| Feature | ESGEndoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty | TOReTransoral Outlet Reduction | This procedureBalloonIntragastric Balloon | LSGLaparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy | RYGBRoux-en-Y Gastric Bypass | SADISingle Anastomosis Duodeno-Ileal Bypass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| How it's done | Through the mouth, sutures fold the stomach | Through the mouth, sutures tighten the bypass outlet | Through the mouth, a balloon occupies stomach space | Keyhole surgery, part of the stomach removed | Keyhole surgery, small pouch connected to the intestine | Keyhole surgery, sleeve plus one intestinal connection |
| Incisions | None | None | None | Small, 0.5 to 1.5 cm | Small, 0.5 to 1.5 cm | Small, 0.5 to 1.5 cm |
| Recovery | Back to desk work in 1 to 3 days | About 1 to 2 days | Usually same day | About 2 to 4 weeks | 2 to 4 weeks | Several weeks |
| Permanence | Long-term, can be revised | Long-term | Temporary, removed at about 6 months | Permanent | Permanent | Permanent |
| Often suits | BMI 27* to 50 (*27 to 30 with related health conditions) | Weight regain after gastric bypass | BMI 27 to 35, wants a temporary first step | BMI 30 and above | BMI 35 and above | BMI 35 and above |
| Typical weight loss | 15 to 20% | 7 to 10% | 5 to 7% | 25 to 30% | 30 to 40% | 35 to 45% |
| Price | $16,000 to $17,000 | $12,000 to $13,000 | $8,000 to $9,000 | $15,000 to $16,000 | $16,000 | $20,000 to $22,000 |
Weight-loss ranges are typical total body weight loss reported in published literature, not SmartSleeveMD outcomes data. Individual results vary. Prices are ranges; you'll get an exact quote at consultation.
No. The balloon is removed after about six months. It's designed as a temporary tool while you build habits, and some patients later consider ESG or surgery.
Yes. A balloon may be an option from BMI 27, and our partner WeightSimple offers medical weight management for eligible patients.
As a general guide: balloon from BMI 27, ESG from BMI 27* to 50 (*27 to 30 with related health conditions), and surgical options from BMI 35, especially with related health conditions. Your full health history matters as much as your BMI.
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