Swallowable Gastric Balloon in Dubai: Price, How It Works and Who It Suits
The swallowable gastric balloon is taken as a capsule, filled with fluid in the clinic, and passes out naturally after about 16 weeks — with no endoscopy to place it and no procedure to remove it. With Dr Kerim Erdem Ulucay in Dubai it costs AED 10,000. Whether it is the right balloon for you is decided at consultation.
Quick answer. Swallowable gastric balloon in Dubai with Dr Kerim Erdem Ulucay, DHA-licensed general & laparoscopic surgeon (FACS, FICS): AED 10,000. Placement takes about 15 minutes while you are awake, position is checked by X-ray, the balloon stays about 16 weeks (around 4 months) and then empties and passes naturally. Consultations at Swift Day Surgical Center (Jumeirah) and Armada Medical Centre (JLT). WhatsApp +971 55 558 4957.
How the swallowable balloon works, step by step
- Consultation and assessment. Your weight history, BMI, medical conditions, medicines and previous stomach surgery are reviewed to decide whether a balloon is suitable, and which type.
- Swallowing the capsule. You swallow a capsule about the size of a large vitamin pill, attached to a very thin tube. You stay awake; no sedation or endoscopy is needed for placement.
- X-ray check. A quick X-ray confirms the capsule is in the stomach.
- Filling. The balloon is filled with sterile fluid through the thin tube, which is then gently withdrawn. The whole visit usually takes around 15–20 minutes.
- About 16 weeks of restriction. The balloon takes up space in the stomach so you feel full sooner while you build new eating habits with dietary support.
- Natural exit. After roughly 16 weeks a release valve opens, the balloon empties and passes through the bowel. No removal procedure is planned.
Swallowable vs 6-month vs 12-month balloon
| Swallowable balloon | 6-month balloon | 12-month balloon | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price with Dr Ulucay | AED 10,000 | from AED 15,000 | from AED 22,000 |
| Placement | Swallowed capsule, awake, X-ray check | Endoscopy under light sedation | Endoscopy under light sedation |
| Time in the stomach | About 16 weeks | About 6 months | About 12 months |
| Removal | Empties and passes naturally | Endoscopic removal | Endoscopic removal |
| Often considered when | You prefer to avoid endoscopy and sedation, and a shorter programme fits your goal | You want a longer period of restriction | You want the longest period of restriction from a single balloon |
Dr Ulucay’s published prices, October 2026. Your written quote, including what it covers, is confirmed at consultation. See the full gastric balloon cost guide.
Who the swallowable balloon may suit
- Adults with a BMI of roughly 27 or above who have not reached their goal with diet and exercise alone. Check BMI and candidacy.
- People who would rather avoid endoscopy and sedation.
- People who want a defined, time-limited programme and are ready to change eating habits during it.
It is usually not suitable after previous stomach or bariatric surgery, with a large hiatus hernia, active stomach ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with some medicines (for example regular blood thinners or anti-inflammatory painkillers). This list is not complete — suitability is always decided at consultation.
What to expect: results and side effects
A balloon is a tool, not a cure. Results depend heavily on diet and activity during and after the programme. One large multicentre series of 1,770 patients reported average total body-weight loss of about 14% at four months (Ienca et al., Obesity Surgery, 2020); other studies report lower averages, and individual results vary. These are published figures, not outcomes tracked at this practice.
Nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps are common in the first few days and are managed with medicines. Less common problems include early deflation, reflux and stomach irritation. Rarely, a balloon that does not pass normally can cause a bowel blockage that needs endoscopic or surgical treatment — which is why you should contact the clinic promptly about severe or persistent pain, repeated vomiting, or being unable to keep fluids down. Read more about common vs rare side effects.
Other Dubai clinics’ published swallowable balloon prices
For comparison only — these are other clinics’ prices, not Dr Ulucay’s, taken from their own websites. Inclusions differ, so always compare written quotes.
| Clinic (other provider) | Published price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Fakeeh University Hospital, Dubai Silicon Oasis — swallowable balloon package | AED 14,000 | fuh.care |
| American Hospital Dubai — gastric balloon (page describes a swallowable balloon) | from AED 16,500 | ahdubai.com |
Other clinics’ published prices, checked October 2026. Prices change; confirm directly with each provider.
Swallowable gastric balloon: common questions
How much does the swallowable gastric balloon cost in Dubai?
With Dr Kerim Erdem Ulucay the swallowable balloon is AED 10,000. Other Dubai clinics publish prices from about AED 14,000 to AED 16,500 (see the comparison above). Ask any clinic for a written quote that lists what is included.
Does the swallowable balloon need endoscopy or anaesthesia?
No. You swallow the capsule while awake and its position is checked with an X-ray. There is no endoscopy to place it and no planned procedure to remove it.
How long does the swallowable balloon stay in the stomach?
About 16 weeks (around four months). A release valve then opens, the balloon empties and it passes naturally through the bowel.
How much weight can you lose with a swallowable balloon?
Published studies report average total body-weight loss of roughly 10–14% over about four months, but individual results vary widely and depend on diet and activity. No result can be guaranteed.
Is the swallowable balloon better than the 6-month or 12-month balloon?
Not better or worse — different. It avoids endoscopy and sedation and is shorter; the endoscopic balloons give a longer period of restriction. The right choice depends on your BMI, health and goals, and is decided at consultation.
Is the swallowable gastric balloon covered by insurance in the UAE?
Usually not — most UAE policies treat balloon therapy as elective weight management, so it is generally self-funded. Check your own policy; see insurance coverage in the UAE.
Where can I get a swallowable gastric balloon consultation in Dubai?
Dr Ulucay consults at Swift Day Surgical Center, Jumeirah (Mon, Thu, Sat 11:00–18:00) and Armada Medical Centre, JLT (Wed, Fri 11:00–18:00). Message +971 55 558 4957 on WhatsApp or call to book.
General education only, not medical advice. Suitability, risks and the right balloon type are decided individually at consultation with a licensed doctor.