Lose weight without surgery — with a gastric balloon in Dubai
A temporary, non-surgical weight loss aid placed endoscopically, under the care of Dr Kerim Erdem Ulucay — a general and laparoscopic surgeon with over 20 years of endoscopy experience across 7,500+ procedures.
20+ Years Endoscopy Experience
Competitive, Transparent Pricing
Multiple Dubai Clinic Locations
Two ways to place a gastric balloon
Every balloon works the same way once inside — taking up space so you feel full on less food. There are two separate decisions: how it is placed, and how long it stays in. Patients across the UAE often weigh this against weight loss injections or surgery — we compare all three honestly.
1. How it is placed
Under light sedation
The balloon is placed through the mouth using a gastroscope while you are lightly sedated, and removed the same way at the end. The gastroscopy also lets us examine your stomach for ulcers or hernia at the same visit.
No sedation — Allurion
You swallow a capsule containing the folded balloon, awake, in about 15 minutes. No gastroscope and no sedation. It later empties on its own and passes naturally, so there is no removal procedure either.
2. How long it stays in
6 months
A shorter, focused reset. Often chosen for a defined weight-loss target or a first balloon.
12 months
A full year in place, giving more time to establish new eating habits before the balloon comes out.
Which period suits you depends on your starting BMI, your goal and how much time you want the balloon in place. This is decided together at consultation.
Who the gastric balloon is for
Gastric balloons are generally considered for adults with a BMI in the 27–40 range who have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, or as a bridge option for higher-BMI patients carrying surgical risk. Your candidacy is confirmed at an in-person consultation, not decided online.
Weight-loss and outcome figures referenced across this site are drawn from published clinical literature, not from unpublished personal statistics.
From first message to lasting result
Five stages. Here is exactly what happens, so there are no surprises.
Message, not a commitment
WhatsApp or the form. Describe your situation in your own words. You will be told honestly whether a balloon is even the right conversation.
Consultation & assessment
Examination, medical history, BMI and goals. Contraindications are checked properly — this is where suitability is genuinely decided, not online.
Placement
Either endoscopically under light sedation, or by swallowing the Allurion capsule while awake. Day-case either way — you go home the same visit.
The balloon period
16 weeks, 6 months or 12 months depending on your choice. Staged diet, exercise and regular follow-up — this is where the actual work happens.
Removal & keeping it off
Endoscopic removal, or it passes naturally. What comes next matters most — the habits you built are now doing the work alone.
Explore the practice
Meet Dr. Kerim Erdem
22+ years as a general and laparoscopic surgeon, FACS, FICS, DHA and DOH licensed — the credentials behind the practice.
Balloon vs. surgery vs. injections
How a gastric balloon compares to bariatric surgery and weight-loss injections, so you can weigh the trade-offs.
Common questions
Candidacy, recovery, cost and what to expect — answered plainly.
Available at Swift Day Surgery, Jumeirah and Armada Medical Centre, JLT.
The consultation is confidential.
Message the clinic today to find out if a gastric balloon is the right option for you.