If you are researching gastric balloon procedures, cost is probably one of the biggest factors influencing your decision. Unlike traditional bariatric surgery, gastric balloon treatment is a non-surgical weight-loss option that is typically performed without incisions, hospital stays, or lengthy recovery periods. That lower complexity often makes it one of the more affordable medically supervised weight-loss procedures available.
In Los Angeles, gastric balloon cost generally ranges from $6,000 to $9,000 depending on the type of balloon used, the experience of the provider, what is included in the treatment package, and the level of follow-up care provided after placement.
Some treatment plans include consultations, nutritional guidance, follow-up visits, removal procedures, and medical monitoring, while others only cover the balloon placement itself. Understanding exactly what is included in the quoted cost is important when comparing providers.
While gastric balloon procedures are usually not covered by insurance, many patients still choose them because they offer a less invasive alternative to bariatric surgery with shorter recovery times and lower upfront costs.
Below, we’ll break down what affects gastric balloon pricing, what different procedure types may cost, and what patients should consider before choosing a provider.
Gastric Balloon Cost by Procedure Type
| Procedure Type | Estimated Cost Range | What’s Typically Included |
|---|---|---|
| Orbera Gastric Balloon | $6,000–$8,000 | Balloon placement, removal, follow-up visits |
| Allurion Gastric Balloon | $7,000–$9,000 | Swallowable balloon, monitoring, nutritional support |
| Gastric Balloon + Extended Support Programs | $8,000–$10,000+ | Balloon procedure plus coaching, nutrition, and long-term follow-up |
| Bariatric Surgery Preparation Balloon Programs | Varies | Balloon placement before future bariatric surgery |
Pricing varies based on provider experience, facility fees, medical evaluations, and post-procedure support programs.
Is the gastric balloon weight loss procedure effective?
Losing weight through a gastric balloon procedure is a viable weight-loss option. It is an FDA-approved, non-surgical treatment to help you lose weight.
Gastric balloon, however, is a temporary treatment for obesity. The procedure calls for the insertion of a gastric balloon in your stomach to reduce its volume, making you feel fuller faster. Gastric balloons are removed after six months.
You are expected to lose up to 15% of your weight in the first six months after the procedure. With accompanying diet modification and exercise, you can lose as much as 47% of your excess weight.
Can I undergo a gastric balloon procedure?
If you have a BMI of 30 and above and would opt for a non-surgical weight loss procedure to help you lose weight, gastric balloon is for you.
However, if your BMI is above 35, your doctor may recommend that you undergo a gastric balloon procedure as a first-line treatment. This is to help you lose weight before bariatric surgery, especially if diet modification and exercise have not produced the required weight loss.
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What goes into the cost of a gastric balloon procedure?
Several factors determine the total cost of your gastric balloon procedure. Let’s take a look at some of these factors.
Type of gastric balloons available
Different gastric balloon systems can affect both the treatment experience and overall cost. Some balloons are placed endoscopically and removed several months later, while others are swallowed in capsule form and naturally pass after treatment.
Orbera remains one of the most widely recognized gastric balloon systems and involves placing a single saline-filled balloon into the stomach for approximately six months. Newer options such as Allurion offer a swallowable balloon approach that avoids endoscopic placement entirely.
The type of balloon recommended depends on your BMI, weight-loss goals, medical history, and physician recommendations. Costs may vary depending on the technology used, monitoring requirements, and follow-up support included in the treatment plan.
Training, specialization, and expertise of your medical team
Expect to pay more for a gastric balloon procedure if you choose to have the procedure with a board-certified gastroenterologist or bariatric surgeon. In addition, the length of time that doctors have been performing gastric balloon procedures and their level of expertise factor into the cost.
Because gastric balloon treatment is non-surgical, many patients view it as a less invasive alternative to traditional bariatric surgery. This safety is enhanced when you have an expert doctor and a team of medical professionals to do the procedure, and provide pre and post-procedure care and monitoring.
Facility and location where your gastric balloon procedure is performed
Another factor that affects the cost of gastric balloon is by having the procedure done in a metropolitan area where the cost of living is high. Choosing to have the procedure in a hospital setting will mean you pay more for the procedure.
Since gastric balloon is a quick, non-surgical procedure, you may want to have it in a surgical center or surgeon’s office instead to lower the cost.
Pre- and post-procedure costs
Adding to the cost of the gastric balloon are the pre- and post-procedure costs. Pre-procedure may include consultations with your doctor although some facilities offer complimentary consultations. Your doctor may also ask you for psychological evaluation and other tests such as blood test, cardio, and chest x-ray.
Follow-up visits after the gastric balloon is inserted in your stomach may be required by your doctor. Eating healthier meals, taking vitamins, and enrolling in a physical training program after the procedure also add to the cost. And for those who are very successful in their weight loss journey, surgery to remove excess skin requires resources as well.
Aftercare support from your weight-loss support team
While the gastric balloon is a simple procedure that can be done in half an hour, it does not end there. There is a need for aftercare support and a medical support team may be part of your treatment package.
For example, you may also choose to work with a personal trainer to ensure that you get the physical activity you need to keep the weight off. A nutritionist or dietitian will also come in handy in modifying your diet for long-term weight loss. And to take care of your mental well-being, you may want to bring on board a psychologist or therapist.
What should you look for beyond the price?
Choosing the lowest-priced gastric balloon procedure is not always the safest or most effective decision. The experience of the medical team, quality of follow-up care, nutritional guidance, and long-term support often play a major role in patient outcomes.
When comparing providers, patients should ask:
- What is included in the quoted price?
- Are follow-up visits included?
- Is balloon removal included?
- Will nutritional counseling or weight-loss coaching be provided?
- What happens if complications occur?
- How much experience does the physician have performing gastric balloon procedures?
A lower upfront cost may not include the same level of medical supervision or long-term support that another program offers. For many patients, the quality of care surrounding the procedure becomes just as important as the balloon itself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gastric Balloon Cost
Does insurance cover gastric balloon procedures?
In most cases, gastric balloon procedures are considered elective weight-loss treatments and are not covered by insurance. Patients typically pay out of pocket, although financing options may be available depending on the provider.
Why does gastric balloon cost vary so much?
Pricing depends on the type of balloon used, physician experience, facility fees, geographic location, and what is included in the treatment package. Some programs include nutritional counseling and long-term follow-up care while others do not.
Is gastric balloon cheaper than bariatric surgery?
Yes, gastric balloon treatment is generally less expensive than procedures such as gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery because it is non-surgical and does not require permanent anatomical changes.
What happens if I regain weight after the balloon is removed?
Long-term success depends heavily on maintaining dietary changes, physical activity, and follow-up support after balloon removal. Some patients may later explore bariatric surgery or medical weight-loss programs if additional treatment is needed.
Is the gastric balloon procedure reversible?
Yes. Gastric balloons are temporary devices that are removed after the treatment period, usually around six months depending on the balloon type used.
How much weight can you lose with a gastric balloon?
Many patients lose approximately 10–15% of their total body weight during the treatment period, although results vary depending on adherence to dietary and lifestyle recommendations.
Considering a gastric balloon procedure in Los Angeles?
For many patients, gastric balloon treatment offers a less invasive starting point for medically supervised weight loss. It may be appropriate for people who have struggled to lose weight through dieting and exercise alone but are not yet ready for bariatric surgery.
Dr. David Davtyan and the team at Davtyan Medical Weight Loss and Wellness provide gastric balloon consultations for patients throughout Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Glendale, and surrounding Southern California communities.
During your consultation, you can discuss:
- whether you are a candidate
- expected weight-loss outcomes
- total treatment costs
- financing options
- recovery expectations
- alternative weight-loss procedures
Understanding the full picture before making a decision can help you choose the safest and most realistic path toward long-term weight management.
Visit Dr. Davtyan in Los Angeles to discuss whether bariatric surgery, Ozempic, or another weight-loss approach may be appropriate for your health goals. Consultations focus on medical history, weight-loss challenges, treatment expectations, and long-term sustainability rather than a one-size-fits-all recommendation. Dr. Davtyan and his team provide evaluations for patients considering gastric sleeve surgery, Lap-Band surgery, and medical weight-loss options. The goal is to help patients better understand the risks, benefits, costs, and long-term considerations of each treatment path before making a decision.Visit Dr. Davtyan in Los Angeles
