What is a Gastric Balloon?
A gastric balloon — medically called an intragastric balloon — is a soft silicone balloon placed inside your stomach through a thin flexible endoscope. Once in position, it is filled with sterile saline to roughly the size of a grapefruit. It occupies space in your stomach, reduces capacity, and makes you feel full much sooner than before.
The balloon does not change your anatomy. There are no cuts, no staples, no bypasses. When the 6-month period ends, Dr Ayub Naich removes it endoscopically in a second short procedure — and your stomach returns to normal.
How the Procedure is Done
- Initial consultation and medical assessment with Dr Ayub Naich
- Pre-procedure endoscopy to inspect the stomach and confirm suitability
- On procedure day: light sedation is administered — you are relaxed and comfortable
- Deflated balloon is passed into the stomach through the endoscope — no incisions
- Once correctly positioned, the balloon is filled with 500 to 700ml of sterile saline
- The whole process takes 20 to 30 minutes
- You rest for 1 to 2 hours in recovery, then go home the same day
- Dr Ayub Naich or his team calls you within 24 hours to check on you
What Results Can You Expect?
Based on clinical data and Dr Ayub Naich's patient outcomes in Lahore:
- Average weight loss: 15 to 20 kg over 6 months
- Average BMI reduction: 5 to 8 points
- Patients with fatty liver see significant improvement in liver health
- Type 2 diabetes patients often see improved blood sugar control
- Blood pressure and cholesterol frequently improve alongside weight loss
- Most patients report improved energy, mobility, and sleep quality
Weight loss is fastest in the first 3 months, then continues more gradually. After balloon removal, continuing the dietary habits learned during the program is essential for maintaining results. For patients who want continued support after balloon removal, Dr Ayub Naich offers GLP1 weekly injection or Weight Loss Injections (GLP-1) to help maintain weight loss long-term.
Are You a Suitable Candidate?
Gastric balloon is appropriate for patients who:
- Have a BMI of 27 or above — or BMI 25 with weight-related health problems
- Have not achieved satisfactory weight loss through diet and exercise alone
- Want significant weight loss without undergoing surgical procedures
- Do not have a history of previous stomach surgery or large hiatus hernia
- Are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are committed to following the dietary program throughout the 6-month period
Not sure if you qualify? Call Dr Ayub Naich's clinic — your eligibility is assessed at no charge during the initial consultation.
Gastric Balloon vs Weight Loss Surgery
Many patients in Lahore consider bariatric surgery but are deterred by the risks, cost, or permanence. Gastric balloon offers a credible non-surgical alternative:
- No general anaesthesia, no surgical incisions, no stitches
- Completely reversible — balloon removed after 6 months, stomach unchanged
- Same-day discharge versus multi-day hospital admission for surgery
- Significantly lower complication risk compared to bariatric surgery
- Can be combined with GLP1 medications for extended results after removal
For patients with very high BMI or obesity-related disease who need greater intervention, Dr Ayub Naich will discuss whether GLP1 injections alongside the balloon, or a different treatment pathway, would be more appropriate.
Side Effects and What to Expect
The first 3 to 5 days after balloon placement are the hardest. The stomach is adjusting to the presence of the balloon, and patients typically experience:
- Nausea — managed effectively with prescribed anti-nausea medication
- Stomach cramping and bloating — usually settles by day 5
- Reduced appetite from day one — this is the balloon working correctly
- Mild heartburn in some patients — managed with antacid medication
By week 2, the vast majority of patients feel comfortable and are losing weight. Dr Ayub Naich prescribes a full post-procedure medication pack and is reachable via WhatsApp for any concerns during the adjustment period.
The Dietary Program
The gastric balloon works best as part of a structured eating program. Dr Ayub Naich provides every gastric balloon patient with a personalised dietary plan:
- Days 1 to 7: liquid diet — water, soups, juices, protein shakes
- Days 8 to 14: soft foods — yoghurt, eggs, mashed vegetables, soft fish
- Week 3 onwards: normal textured foods in reduced portions
- Monthly follow-up consultations to review progress and adjust the plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the gastric balloon procedure painful?
The procedure is performed under sedation so you feel nothing during placement. Post-procedure nausea and cramping in the first few days is normal and managed with medication prescribed by Dr Ayub Naich.
How long does the balloon stay in?
The gastric balloon remains in place for 6 months, after which it is removed endoscopically by Dr Ayub Naich in a short 15-minute procedure under sedation.
What happens after the balloon is removed?
After removal, your stomach returns to normal size. Patients are advised to continue dietary habits learned during the program. Some patients follow up with GLP1 injections such as GLP1 weekly injection to maintain weight loss.
Can I eat normally after gastric balloon placement?
You progress through liquid, soft, and then normal foods over 2 to 3 weeks. Long-term you eat normal food but in smaller portions. Overeating causes discomfort, which naturally reinforces portion control.
How much does gastric balloon cost in Lahore?
Cost is discussed at the consultation. Call 0325 9770223 or WhatsApp for current pricing. Dr Ayub Naich does not advertise prices online as each patient's program is personalised.
Serving DHA, Bahria Town, Gulberg and All of Lahore
Dr Ayub Naich's weight loss clinic is conveniently located for patients from DHA Phase 1 through 9, all Bahria Town sectors, Gulberg, Model Town, Johar Town, Cavalry Ground, Garden Town and Lahore Cantt. Related treatments available at the same clinic: GLP1 weight loss injections, GLP1 weekly injection Weight Loss Injections (GLP-1), Advanced Weight Loss Injections, medical weight loss program, obesity specialist consultation.