- Non-surgical: placed via the mouth or swallowed.
- Stays in for six to twelve months.
- Average loss about 10-15 kg in twelve months.
- Not reimbursed; the lifestyle programme is.
- Criteria differ per clinic, often from BMI 27-30.
How does a gastric balloon work?
The balloon is placed in the stomach through the mouth, usually during a gastroscopy, or swallowed as a capsule in the case of the Elipse balloon offered by Zuyderland. Once filled, it takes up part of the stomach, so you feel full after smaller portions. Nothing is changed permanently to the stomach or intestine.
At Vitalys the balloon stays in for one year and is combined with the COOL lifestyle programme and eighteen months of guidance. The balloon itself is only a tool: the lasting result depends on the eating habits you learn during that period.
Why did some clinics stop offering the balloon?
The Nederlandse Obesitas Kliniek stopped offering the gastric balloon, because in its view weight loss medication leads to more and longer-lasting weight loss with fewer side effects. That shows how quickly the non-surgical options are changing; ask any clinic how the balloon compares with medication for you.
Who is a gastric balloon suitable for?
People with a BMI somewhere between about 27 and 40 who do not qualify for, or do not want, surgery. Commercial clinics mention criteria such as a weight between 80 and 150 kilograms and no earlier stomach surgery. Criteria differ per provider.
The first days after placement often bring nausea and cramps. Because the balloon is temporary and not reimbursed, compare it carefully with a covered lifestyle programme and supervised medication before deciding.
Advantages and points of attention: gastric balloon
Advantages
| Advantage | Explanation |
|---|---|
| No surgery | placed via the mouth or swallowed |
| Temporary | removed after six to twelve months |
| Supervision included | at Vitalys with COOL and 18 months of guidance |
| Nothing permanent | stomach and intestine unchanged |
Points of attention
| Point of attention | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Not reimbursed | €3,995 + €65 at Vitalys |
| Nausea | common in the first days |
| Weight regain | possible after removal |
| Alternatives | medication may be more effective (NOK) |
Cost and insurance (2026)
Dutch insurers almost never reimburse the gastric balloon, not even from supplementary insurance. The lifestyle programme around it usually is.
| Item | Amount or arrangement |
|---|---|
| Vitalys balloon pathway | €3,995 + €65 intake |
| Range in 2026 | about €3,000-€5,000 |
| Lifestyle programme (GLI) | covered by the basic package |
Gastric balloon: key figures
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Duration in the stomach | 6-12 months |
| Average loss | about 10-15 kg in 12 months |
| Typical BMI range | about 27-40, per clinic |
| Reimbursement | almost never |
| Surgery needed | no |
Gastric balloon versus medication versus surgery
| Option | From BMI | Permanent? |
|---|---|---|
| Gastric balloon | about 27-30 (per clinic) | no, 6-12 months |
| Weight loss medication | 27 with conditions or 30 | as long as you use it |
| Weight loss surgery | 40, or 35 with conditions | yes |
Step by step
- Intake. Check criteria and health.
- Placement. Via gastroscopy, or swallowed (Elipse).
- First days. Nausea and cramps are common.
- Programme. Lifestyle guidance for 12-18 months.
- Removal. After six to twelve months.
Read next
- Eligibility for surgery instead — BMI thresholds
- Types of weight loss surgery — surgical options
- Cost and insurance — what is covered
- Weight loss surgery in the Netherlands — the full guide
How to choose between a balloon, medication and surgery
Start with your BMI and what you have already tried. With a BMI of 40, or 35 with a weight-related condition, covered surgery gives the most lasting weight loss. Below that threshold a covered lifestyle programme is the basis, with supervised medication or a self-pay balloon as possible additions.
Ask each provider what is included: the intake, placement, removal, dietary guidance and follow-up. Compare the total price with the expected weight loss and with the covered alternatives. And check whether the provider works together with your GP, so that your medical file stays complete.
Is a balloon worth it for you?
A balloon makes most sense for people who are motivated to change their eating habits, have a BMI below the threshold for surgery and can afford the self-pay price. It is less suitable if you mainly hope for a quick result without guidance, because weight often returns after removal when habits have not changed. Discuss your expectations openly during the intake.
Frequently asked questions about the gastric balloon
At Vitalys the pathway costs 3,995 euros plus a 65 euro intake. Prices in 2026 range roughly from 3,000 to 5,000 euros depending on the clinic and what is included.
Almost never, not even by supplementary insurance. The lifestyle programme that goes with it is often covered by the basic package.
On average about 10 to 15 kilograms in twelve months, depending on how well you adopt new eating habits during the programme.
Six to twelve months depending on the type. At Vitalys it stays in for one year.
Placement is done under sedation or by swallowing a capsule. Nausea and cramps are common during the first days, then usually subside.
Among others Vitalys (Rijnstate), Zuyderland with the swallowable Elipse balloon, and commercial clinics. The Nederlandse Obesitas Kliniek no longer offers it.
A balloon you swallow as a capsule, after which it is filled with fluid, so no gastroscopy is needed to place it. Zuyderland offers it with lifestyle coaching; ask the clinic exactly how and when it is removed.
Not necessarily. The Nederlandse Obesitas Kliniek stopped the balloon because it considers medication more effective with fewer side effects. Discuss both with a doctor.
Usually not. Commercial clinics often exclude people who have had stomach surgery before.
That is possible. The balloon is a temporary tool; lasting results depend on the eating and exercise habits you build during the programme.
Call +31 6 38048347 (Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00) or email info@maagverkleining-info.nl. This page is also available in Dutch.
Sources
- Vitalys (Rijnstate): gastric balloon
- Zuyderland: Elipse balloon and POSE
- Nederlandse Obesitas Kliniek: discontinuation of the gastric balloon
- YourWeightcare: balloon criteria
- Zorgverzekeringwijzer: balloon cost 2026
Search terms leading here: gastric balloon Netherlands, gastric balloon cost Netherlands, Elipse balloon Netherlands, non-surgical weight loss Netherlands.
Author: Gijs Bodenstaff. Last reviewed: September 2026.