6 October The only ball that can be implanted for a year
Direct answer: The 12-month gastric balloon is a device that is placed endoscopically under sedation and can remain up to a year in the stomach, twice that of the classic 6-month ball. When being re-adjustable, the medical team can modify its volume during treatment to reactivate weight loss. At Medics Integral Salut the average is 28 kg Lost per patient, always with medical and nutritional follow-up. It is a medical act: Requires a preliminary assessment to confirm it is suitable in your case.
After more than 25 years of experience, the intragastric balloon remains one of the least invasive and most effective methods for Weight loss. The novelty is the Gastric balloon in Girona 12 months: the only one that can remain a full year in the stomach, which allows for more time to consolidate habits and significantly improves the results of the 6-month balloon, a period that for some patients is too short.
In this guide, we explain how the balloon works, how the adjustable 12-month model differs, who it is suitable for, what the post-operative period is like, and what factors influence the price, without invented figures and always referring to an individual medical assessment.
How does the gastric balloon work?
The balloon is a silicone device which is inserted into the stomach and filled with saline solution. By taking up space, it generates satiety and acts on the hunger mechanism in three ways:
- Reduce the feeling of appetite noticeably thanks to the volume it occupies in the stomach.
- Slows gastric emptying, which helps to keep blood glucose levels more stable and prolongs the feeling of fullness.
- Break the hunger-anxiety-hunger cycle, one of the main obstacles to sustaining a diet.
The ball doesn't make you lose weight on its own: it's a tool that facilitates change. That's why, throughout the 12 months, the support of our team is essential. Dietetics and Nutrition, which guarantees that the results are long-lasting and avoids regaining weight after its withdrawal.
6-month balloon vs. 12-month adjustable balloon
The main difference between the two options is the length of stay and the ability to readjust the volume. This table summarises when each one makes sense:
| Ball 6 months | Ball 12 months adjustable | |
|---|---|---|
| Permanence | 6 months in the stomach | Up to 12 months |
| Volume adjustment | Fixed volume | The volume can be increased during treatment |
| Indicative profile | Overweight or moderate weight loss goals | Who needs more time, or is six months not enough? |
| Main advantage | Shorter treatment | More room to consolidate habits and overcome the final stagnation |
| Tracking | Nutrition plan + control | Extended support during and after withdrawal |
Consult the pages of the 6-month-old baby and of the 12-month adjustable ball. The appropriate option is always determined by the medical team during the assessment.
The advantage of the adjustable balloon
The 12-month ball is Adaptableallows its size to be modified at any stage of the treatment. Our medical team decides the best time to increase the volume of the balloon and thus reactivate weight loss when the pace slows down in the final months. This adjustment is not available with the classic balloon and is one of the reasons why the average loss is around 28 kg per patient in our Unit.
What is the post-operative period for a gastric balloon like?
When placed endoscopically and without incisions, recovery is rapid and leaves no scars. Nevertheless, it is advisable to be aware of the phases:
Early days
It is common to experience nausea, discomfort, or slight vomiting as your stomach adapts to the balloon. These symptoms usually subside within 48-72 hours with the guidance and medication recommended by the medical team.
Adaptation and Habits
From the first week, dietary re-education begins with the nutrition team. Physical activity is resumed progressively as medically indicated.
Collection and maintenance
The removal is also endoscopic. The key to not regaining weight is having consolidated habits during treatment; this is why follow-up continues after the balloon is removed.
How much does the 12-month gastric balloon cost?
The original post does not state a fixed price, and as it is a medical procedure, the figure is always confirmed during the consultation. These are the Factors influencing the price:
- The type and duration of the ball (6 to 12 months, adjustable or non-adjustable).
- The tracking includedmedical and nutritional monitoring during and after treatment.
- Testing and assessment necessary to confirm the indication.
A balloon should not be valued solely as an isolated endoscopic procedure: what sustains the result is the re-education of habits. You can consult the funding options to ask us for a personalised quote on the valuation.
Are you at your ideal weight? Calculate your BMI
A rough way to know is Body Mass Index (BMI): weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²). As a general reference:
- BMI 19 – 24.9 Normal weight.
- IMC 25 – 29.9: Overweight.
- BMI 35 – 39.9: Obesity type II.
- BMI 40 – 49.9 Morbid obesity.
The BMI is only a guide. The definitive indication for the balloon is established by our Unit with Obesity specialists following an individual assessment. Find out more without obligation
Resolve your case with the medical team
Initial no-obligation medical and nutritional assessment in Girona.
Related video
Medics Method for the treatment of obesity Watch on our YouTube channel
Frequently asked questions
Why is the 12-month balloon «the only» one that lasts a year?
How much weight is lost with the gastric balloon?
Does the fitting require surgery or hospital admission?
Does the ball hurt or feel uncomfortable in the first few days?
Can weight be regained after the ball is removed?
What influences the price and is there financing?
Treatments and related units
Explore the treatments for Overweight and Obesity Unit and other areas of the clinic. Filter by area:
Gastric balloon 12 months
Adjustable balloon for progressive weight loss with monitoring.
Bariatric surgery
Sleeve gastrectomy, bypass and other techniques for indicated cases.
Related articles
We serve patients from all over the province of Girona
Our clinic is located in the centre of Girona (Plaça Poeta Marquina, 3) and we regularly see patients from the city and the entire surrounding area and the Costa Brava. If you are coming from further afield, we coordinate appointments to group assessments and tests on the same day.
Plaça Poeta Marquina, 3, 17002 Girona · easy access from the AP-7 and N-II · How to get there and opening times
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