The balloon has to be removed after 6 months. It is no more effective, because the stomach is adapted to it.

Gastric secretions make it porous, it can deflate and go into the intestine, there is a risk of occlusion

The balloon is removed in the same way to that of the placement :

     - Through the oesophagus and the mouth
     - Without any surgical procedure. 

Removal is carried out under general anaesthesia and endoscopic control. It takes usually 15 minutes.

The gastroenterologist perforates the balloon, draws up the liquid inside, grabs the deflated balloon and then extracts it through the oesophagus and the mouth.