Gastric Balloon

A complete weight loss programme involving a 15-minute procedure with no anaesthesia or endoscopy. If you'd like to lose weight without surgery and maintain your weight loss, the Gastric Balloon could be right for you.

Plus a guaranteed 10% weight loss in just 16 weeks, speak to a weight loss expert today to discover more.

• Free consultation
• GMC registered surgeons
• CQC registered hospitals and clinics
• Comprehensive aftercare

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What is the Gastric Balloon?

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How does it work?

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What are the benefits of the Gastric Balloon Programme?

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What's included on the Gastric Balloon Programme?

Are there any risks?

Is it right for me?

Pricing

What is the Gastric Balloon?

The Gastric Balloon is a soft balloon made of polyurethane material, which is placed in your stomach during your short appointment visit.

During their 15-minute outpatient visit, the patient swallows a capsule containing the deflated Gastric Balloon and a thin tube. An x-ray will confirm that the balloon is in the stomach, and then the balloon is filled with 550ml of liquid via the tube. Another x-ray confirms that the balloon is completely filled in the stomach. The tube is gently removed, and you can then leave the clinic.

How does it work?

By taking up space in your stomach, the balloon helps to encourage weight loss. It makes you feel fuller, keeps food in your stomach longer, and reduces the amount of food you can eat at each meal. After around 16 weeks, the balloon empties and passes naturally.

What are the benefits of the Gastric Balloon Programme?

The Gastric Balloon is the first Gastric Balloon that does not require surgery, endoscopy or anaesthetic while being placed or removed. Instead, patients swallow a capsule containing the deflated balloon and a thin tube.

What's included on the Gastric Balloon Programme?

The full programme includes a Connected Scale, Health Tracker, and App to support you on your weight loss journey.

Are there any risks?

During your consultations with your expert healthcare advisor, any risks will be discussed and you will be able to talk through any concerns you may have.

Is it right for me?

The Gastric Balloon may be right for you if you struggle to lose weight, if you find it difficult to keep weight that you have lost off, and if you are looking to change your lifestyle habits for the long term.

Pricing

As a responsible healthcare provider, we know that every procedure we carry out should be tailor-made to your individual needs. At your free consultation, we will discuss the Gastric Balloon treatment with you and advise you as to the cost of your treatment.

5 things you didn't know about the Gastric Balloon

Read our blog

FAQ

Gastric Balloon FAQs

Weight management is complex. The human body is pre-programmed to maintain weight, so losing weight and keeping it off can feel impossible. Speak to us about how we can help.

More FAQs

Will I be able to swallow the balloon?

99.9% of patients who have Gastric Balloon treatment are successful in swallowing the gastric balloon pill. If you find this challenging, the tube can be gently stiffened with a thin wire to help guide the capsule into place.

Will I be able to feel the balloon once it's placed?

Although some people can feel the balloon when it is placed, most become accustomed to it and, in time, forget that it is there.

What is inside the balloon?

The Gastric Balloon is filled with 550 millilitres of water.

When can I return to my normal daily activities after the Gastric Balloon is placed?

In most cases, patients can return to their usual activities after a day or two, although some people may experience longer side effects. Therefore, it’s best to take a few days off work after the balloon is placed, or arrange your appointment for the day before you have planned days off work, e.g. the weekend.

Are there dietary restrictions related to the Gastric Balloon?

Before your Gastric Balloon treatment and as you adapt to its placement, it’s recommended that you make changes to the way you eat and you will be given specific recommendations regarding this. However, it isn’t necessary to make substantial changes immediately – setting yourself smaller goals will help you change your habits gradually.

How is the balloon removed?

The balloon contains a time-activated release valve. Approximately 16 weeks after placement, the valve opens and lets the balloon pass naturally through your gastrointestinal tract. There is no requirement for a removal procedure.*

*In rare cases, endoscopic or surgical intervention may be required for removal.

Next steps

Your gastric band journey: step-by-step.

FIRST APPOINTMENT

Your journey with Transform starts with a free telephone consultation with one of our friendly surgeon assistants. We'll discuss why gastric band surgery interests you, the costs involved, the recovery time you'll need, and potential dates for surgery.

If you would like to proceed, we'll book your free weight loss consultation.

FREE CONSULTATION

Our weight loss surgery involves two specialist consultations. Your first one will be with a weight loss practitioner – either a nurse or dietitian. This can be carried out in your local clinic or over a video chat. During our conversation, we'll talk about your weight loss goals and examine your medical history to help us determine if you're a suitable candidate.

We'll also discuss the results you might expect, as well as the possible risks and complications of surgery. Our specialists receive extensive training and so are extremely knowledgeable, meaning that you can be sure they'll answer any questions you might have.

If you feel you'd like to go ahead, we'll then book you in for a consultation with your expert surgeon. They will go through all the risks and benefits, and also confirm whether or not you're suitable for surgery.

After this, you'll be referred to a clinic nurse for pre-operative assessments and tests.

THE GASTRIC BAND SURGERY

You'll meet your surgeon on the day of your lap band surgery so you can go through any final questions you might have and read through the consent form. The whole surgical team will be introduced to you before you head into theatre for the procedure.

The specifics of surgery will be discussed prior to the day too. You'll find out how long it'll take, the types of anaesthetics used, and more about the procedure itself.

RECOVERY

After gastric band surgery, you'll need to stay in hospital for your initial recovery. It's likely you will feel swollen and be in some pain after your operation. But our friendly nursing team will be on hand to look after you and provide any painkillers you might need.

Straight after surgery, you'll receive intravenous drip hydration to maintain your fluid levels. As the procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic, you'll need to arrange for someone to drive you home when you are discharged. We recommend you have someone with you until the effects of the anaesthetic wear off too.

We'll talk you through taking care of yourself at home before you leave hospital. There's also a 24/7 helpline where you can call a member of the clinical team at any time for support.

AFTERCARE

The gastric band surgery itself is only the start of your weight loss journey - we believe in providing the highest standards of aftercare following your procedure. Your body will need time to heal, and you'll have to stay off work until you feel ready to return. You should also avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous activity for around six weeks. Gastric band recovery time can be discussed with your surgeon before the procedure.

There are a number of different aftercare packages that we offer to help you in your weight loss journey. These will be discussed during your consultation process.