What is the cost of an intragastric balloon in Tunisia?
The cost of an intragastric balloon in Tunisia varies between £1,200 and £2,000, compared to £3,700 in the UK. This price includes the device, anaesthesia (sedation) and accommodation. The procedure takes 20 to 30 minutes as an outpatient procedure, with no overnight hospital stay required.
📊 Price Table 2026
| Procedure Type | Tunisia Price | UK Price |
|---|---|---|
| Allurion Balloon (No Anaesthesia) | £1,500 - £2,000 | £2,900 - £4,100 |
| 6-Month Balloon (Endoscopic) | £1,200 - £1,500 | £2,500 - £3,300 |
| 12-Month Balloon (Endoscopic) | £1,400 - £1,800 | £2,900 - £3,700 |
The procedure takes around 30 minutes, with no incisions. A meta-analysis of 5,549 patients reports a weight loss of 13.2% of body weight at six months[1], which is about 15 kg for a person weighing 110 kg.
Intragastric Balloon in Tunisia: The Complete Guide
If losing weight has been an uphill battle for you, having an intragastric balloon in Tunisia, or possibly Turkey, could be the best solution. This device, placed in the stomach, helps obese individuals lose weight by inducing a feeling of fullness.
Minor side effects, such as nausea and vomiting in the first few days, are common[2]. The gastric balloon is a bariatric treatment that is temporary. Its success largely depends on a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet.
Tunisia has specialised in this type of medical trip, offering complete support for the medical journey at prices two to three times lower than in France. Let’s take a closer look at the intragastric balloon in Tunisia.
What is an intragastric balloon in Tunisia?
The gastric balloon is a silicone device placed in the stomach temporarily to help you lose weight. It is inserted orally or via endoscopy and then positioned in the stomach.
Once in place, it is filled with a saline solution to inflate and create a feeling of fullness, thereby reducing the capacity of your stomach. The gastric balloon is typically worn for 6 to 12 months.
As a non-invasive procedure, the gastric balloon kick-starts weight loss in obese individuals. It works by limiting the amount of food and drink you can consume.
Without surgery, it is suitable for people suffering from obesity who have already attempted dieting without success. Serious complications are rare but possible: out of 522 patients monitored, 1.2% needed the balloon removed due to intolerance, and one gastric perforation required laparoscopic repair[3].
It requires no extraordinary effort or deprivation, but it must still be accompanied by a healthy lifestyle. You will be advised to follow a healthy diet as well as engage in regular physical activity.
Who is the ideal candidate for a gastric balloon?
Having an intragastric balloon in Tunisia is ideal for:
- Individuals who are overweight with a body mass index BMI of 30 to 40.
- Obese patients with obesity-related conditions: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, hyperglycaemia.
- People who are overweight and need to lose weight before undergoing another surgical procedure.
If you fall into any of the above categories, the gastric balloon could be an option. However, a medical consultation and thorough tests will determine whether this procedure is safe and beneficial for you.
How is a gastric balloon placed?
Having an intragastric balloon in Tunisia is done on an outpatient basis, with no overnight stay. It is performed by a gastroenterologist or a surgeon trained in bariatric endoscopy.
No specific result can be guaranteed: weight loss depends as much on nutritional follow-up as on the device itself, and the published average is 13.2% of body weight at six months[1].
International patients wishing to have a gastric balloon in Tunisia benefit from comprehensive end-to-end care for their medical trip. A professional and dedicated team will support you from the moment you book your stay and upon your arrival in Tunisia, right through to post-operative follow-up.
How to prepare for a gastric balloon in Tunisia
Having a gastric balloon in Tunisia requires some preparation:
- Adopt healthy eating habits: no excesses or extreme deprivation. A diet plan will be provided by your nutritionist and will match your nutritional needs.
- Stop consuming alcohol, tobacco and nicotine.
- Stop taking certain medications.
- Engage in physical activity to help your body recover more effectively.
- Undergo medical tests as requested by the surgeon, nutritionist, or anaesthetist (conditions like a stomach ulcer or hiatal hernia may prevent balloon placement).
What is the procedure for placing a gastric balloon in Tunisia?
This type of procedure takes between 20 to 30 minutes under sedation. It is done via endoscopy by an experienced surgeon. As you will be comfortably asleep on the operating table, you will not feel any pain.
The procedure involves first examining your oesophagus with an endoscope to ensure nothing will interfere with gastric balloon placement. Then, the surgeon inserts the gastric balloon and fills it with a saline solution. The entire process is monitored endoscopically. After the balloon is inserted and inflated, you will be kept under medical observation for a few hours before you can go home.
What happens after the operation?
After the operation, you may experience a salty taste in your mouth. A small amount of fluid may also leak out. This should resolve within about a week.
Gastric balloon treatment is temporary. After 6 to 12 months, depending on the type, it is removed via endoscopy. Your doctor may recommend having a new balloon placed, depending on the weight loss achieved or your target.
Throughout the treatment, you will remain under the care of the medical team. A nutritionist will recommend a specific diet plan to help prevent weight regain.
Precautions to take after gastric balloon placement in Tunisia
The period after getting a gastric balloon in Tunisia requires you to change your eating habits and take certain precautions to ensure the treatment’s effectiveness. Besides the nutritional plan you must follow, you will also be asked to:
- Eat slowly and chew thoroughly after your operation.
- Start with soft foods in the second week post-surgery, and gradually introduce solid foods from the fourth week.
- Avoid drinking during meals, but have fluids 30 minutes before or after eating.
- Eat at least 2 hours before bedtime to prevent acid reflux.
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Limit alcohol and carbonated drinks. They are prohibited until the fourth month after the procedure.
How much does a gastric balloon cost in Tunisia?
The cost of an intragastric balloon in Tunisia ranges from £1,200 to £2,000, covering all aspects of medical tourism, including the medical procedure, pre-operative assessment, taxi transfers, accommodation, language assistance, and medications.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of an intragastric balloon in Tunisia?
Between £1,200 and £2,000 depending on the type: £1,200 to £1,500 for a 6-month balloon, £1,400 to £1,800 for a 12-month one, and £1,500 to £2,000 for the Allurion. In the UK, expect to pay £2,500 to £3,700. The package includes accommodation and follow-up care.
Is the price in dinars or pounds?
Packages for international patients are priced and paid in pounds sterling. A price quoted in Tunisian dinars is not relevant to you: it is intended for residents and does not include transfers, accommodation, or assistance.
What is the Allurion balloon?
A capsule that you swallow, inflated via a thin catheter, and then naturally expelled after about four months. No endoscopy or anaesthesia needed. In a study of 2,107 patients, the average weight loss was 12.47% of body weight in four months[4], with a 0.90% incidence of serious adverse events.
Do you regain weight after the balloon is removed?
Not typically. An international study of 522 patients showed a 13.9% weight loss at four months and 13.2% one year after the balloon was removed[3], meaning 95% of the result is maintained. It all depends on the nutritional follow-up you commit to while the balloon is in place.
Is the gastric balloon covered by insurance?
No. Unlike bariatric surgery, the balloon is not covered by the NHS: it is not a surgical procedure and it is temporary. The cost is entirely out-of-pocket, both in the UK and in Tunisia.
Are the first few days difficult?
Often, yes. Nausea, vomiting and cramps are common for three to seven days, as your stomach adjusts[2]. Anti-nausea medication is prescribed from the start, and symptoms typically subside without any lasting effects.
Gastric balloon or sleeve, how to choose?
The balloon is temporary and reversible, suitable for a BMI of 30 and above. A gastric sleeve is permanent and recommended for a BMI over 35 or 40. The choice depends on your BMI, any co-morbidities, and whether you have previously tried other methods.
Sources & References
- Kumar N, Bazerbachi F, Rustagi T, et al. The Influence of the Orbera Intragastric Balloon Filling Volumes on Weight Loss, Tolerability, and Adverse Events: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Obesity Surgery. 2017. View source
- Zheng Y, Wang M, He S, Ji G. Short-term effects of intragastric balloon in association with conservative therapy on weight loss: a meta-analysis. Journal of Translational Medicine. 2015. View source
- Caballero A, Giardiello C, Schiano Di Cola R, et al. Weight Loss Maintenance 1 Year after the Swallowable Gastric Balloon: Results from an International Multicenter Study. Obesity Surgery. 2025. View source
- Silva AF, Bestetti AM, Kum AST, et al. Effectiveness and Safety of the Allurion Swallowable Intragastric Balloon for Short-term Weight Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Obesity Surgery. 2024. View source
Contact us if you would like a personalised quote for your gastric balloon placement in Tunisia. We will connect you with qualified professionals and ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible. Our coordinator is British.
