Gastric Balloon Programme
The gastric balloon is a non-surgical weight loss programme, enabling patients to achieve average weight loss of 2-3 stone in 6 months.
It is a clinically proven way to reduce hunger, so that you eat less and lose weight without surgery.
We call it an "accelerated weight loss" programme as patients can kick-start their weight loss and set the patterns for sensible eating and activity to enable them to sustain it over time.
Gastric Balloon Benefits
- Lose 10-20kg - up to 3 stone in the first 6 months
- Ideal for those with a bit of weight to lose who are overweight but not obese (BMI 25-30)
- Gives a feeling of fullness
- Lose more weight than with other programmes
- Be supported by a team of medical experts
- Learn principles for long-term success
- No need for general anaesthetic so less risk of complication
- Non-surgical and completely reversible approach to weight loss
- Ideal for reliable weight loss with a goal in mind e.g. wedding/special occasion, or after pregnancy
Patient Stories
Paula, pictured here, is typical of balloon patients - she was not obese, but having quit smoking she has gone up 2-3 clothes sizes and was living in leggings as she struggled to do her jeans up. She lost 2 ½ stone in just over a month, with the gastric balloon, by cutting out wine, eating less and starting an exercise programme
This photo shows her just before her gastric balloon was fitted - you can see on above how she looked afterwards. Paula shares her gastric balloon procedure day on a video interview here.
The Gastric Balloon Procedure
The gastric balloon is a soft, silicone sack about the size of a tennis ball when inflated. Before insertion, it is inserted into the stomach and then filled with sterile saline.
It remains in the stomach for 6 months. While in place, you will feel full and have low appetite, therefore naturally eating less and cutting out snacking.
We have included a video of a gastric balloon procedure, where the procedure is shown and explained.
The out patient procedure generally takes 20-30 minutes, after which you will be cared for in your room until you are able to go home the same day.
Deciding on a Gastric Balloon
The first step of the process is to have a consultation with one of our experts. They will look at your medical history, listen to your requirements and give you honest, expert advice on which form of weight loss management is most suitable for you.
As well as the gastric balloon, depending on your health and how much weight you have to lose, we also offer the following surgical options:
- Gastric band - a reversible and adjustable weight loss surgery option
- Gastric sleeve - an irreversible procedure for higher BMI patients, can be later converted to the gastric bypass
- Gastric bypass - an irreversible procedure for very high BMI patients
Your consultation will also include what to expect at the hospital, the procedure in detail and the recovery/healing process as well as aftercare and the all important gastric balloon dietary information.
You will also be advised on what a gastric balloon feels like. You will definitely notice it for the first few days. The feeling has been likened to continual sea-sickness - nausea, cramping and even vomiting are not uncommon. However, you will be provided with anti-nausea medication and plenty of advice to deal with this, like drinking lots of fluid. After this passes, the primary feeling is of satiety i.e. fullness.
We take every aspect of your care very seriously and will provide you with a Patient Information Booklet providing further information on the procedure as well as dietary information prior and following.
An important thing to remember is that you will need to work on reducing portion sizes, making sensible food choices and increasing your activity levels. However, having the gastric balloon in place will be a massive help in that your appetite and capacity for food will be significantly reduced, so while you will have to follow a gastric balloon diet, it will be much easier and far more effective than dieting alone.
The Hospital Group includes aftercare support with specialist dietitians to help you in your weight loss journey.
