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Gastric balloon
Also known as: Intragastric balloon
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What is it for?
A non-surgical treatment for obesity, obesity-related conditions and to reduce your body mass index (BMI)
Gastric balloon consultation at The London Clinic
A gastric balloon is a spherical ball that is placed into the stomach during an endoscopy procedure.
The collapsed gastric balloon is passed using the camera through the mouth and down the food pipe (oesophagus).
Not everyone who needs to lose weight is eligible for weight loss surgery.
It might be suitable if you have already tried diet and exercise and currently have 2 to 3 stones to lose.
It is a non-surgical procedure to help you lose weight slowly over a period of six months.
Once in place, the balloon is filled with sterile salt water (saline).
It occupies a significant proportion of the volume of the stomach.
Some types of gastric balloon are adjustable and can be refilled with more saline to make them larger if required.
Treatment options
A gastric balloon is a non-surgical treatment option we offer for overweight patients to help you manage your weight.
The aim is to maintain a healthy BMI on a long-term basis.
Your consultant might recommend a different treatment pathway depending on various factors.
This can include your age, current weight and any pre-existing obesity-related conditions.
The alternative treatments to gastric balloons we offer are:
- Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty
- Gastric band
- Gastric bypass
- Gastric sleeve
- Weight loss medication
FAQs
A gastric balloon works simply by occupying the stomach so there is less space for food.Â
In an endoscopy procedure, your surgeon introduces a collapsed gastric balloon through the oesophagus.Â
This is a non-surgical treatment that you can have while conscious under mild sedation.Â
Once fitted, your stomach fills up more quickly when you eat.Â
This stimulates the receptors in the stomach wall to tell your brain that you are full, allowing you to enjoy smaller meals and still feel satisfied.Â
Eating less will result in weight loss especially if you also do more exercise after having your gastric balloon.
The benefits that you might expect to receive can vary between patients.Â
Your results will also depend on your commitment to following a balanced diet and exercise.
Maintaining a healthy weight can lead to a new lease of life and more confidence in your appearance.Â
It can give you more energy and freedom to enjoy the things you want to do with the people you love the most.Â
Losing weight can help reduce the likelihood of obesity-related conditions including coronary heart disease, strokes and certain types of cancer.Â
We know that weight loss isn’t easy, especially on your own.Â
When you’ve tried diet and exercise but it’s just not enough, a gastric balloon could be the start of your journey to a healthier you.Â
However, it is important to be aware of the possible side effects.
Your care team will discuss these with you and make sure you’re well informed about your treatment before you have it.Â
You will feel confident and reassured that you know what to expect.
There is a risk that you might not tolerate the gastric balloon in your stomach, although most patients find their balloon settles well after a few days.Â
A very small number experience constant nausea, retching and vomiting and their balloon has to be removed.
You can control sickness by eating smaller meals and avoiding smells and tastes that trigger symptoms.Â
Weight loss with a gastric balloon can be slower than other methods.Â
Most of our patients lose around 5 to 10 kg in 6 months.Â
A small number of patients may have their balloon removed early if it is not working.
We offer Fixed Price Packages
Where possible, we’ll provide a fixed-price package for your hospital care. This covers your hospital stay, nursing, and use of our facilities, giving you a clear guide to what those costs will be.
- Pre-op assessment
- Hospital stay, nursing care and meals
- Tests, scans and physio during your stay
- Take-home medication (up to 5 days)
- Post-op follow-up appointments
- Standard equipment or prosthesis (if needed)
- Unplanned extended stay or ITU (if clinically required)
- Initial consultation and any tests done during it
- Consultant and anaesthetist fees (quoted separately)
- Physio or therapy before or after your stay
- Diagnostics before admission (unless agreed in your plan)
- Specialist medication beyond 5 days
- Ambulance transport or bespoke prosthetics
Your consultant’s fees are quoted separately and shared directly by their office after your consultation. These professional fees cover the time, expertise, and care provided by your consultant before, during, and after your treatment. See our full terms and conditions
Timeline
We understand just how daunting it can feel, especially if it is something you have been considering for a long time. Here is what you might expect as one of our patients:
Book an appointment
Our dedicated appointments team will arrange for you to meet with one of our consultants.
Initial consultation
During the consultation, you will discuss your expectations and desired results.
We will outline all risks and expected side effects so you will be fully aware of what your treatment involves.
Two-week cool off period
You’ll have a two-week cool off period so you can weigh up the risks and benefits.
This will help you make a considered decision about your treatment plan.
Thorough pre-admission assessment
You’ll have a pre-assessment appointment to review your general health ahead of your gastric balloon helping our care team to plan your treatment safely.
The day of your procedure
You’ll meet your care team who will prepare you for the procedure and let you know exactly what to expect throughout the day.
Afterwards, your consultant will check on you and how you are feeling and discuss how best to start your recovery.
Aftercare
You should be ready to leave the same day after your procedure. If you have had sedation as part of your procedure you must not drive or operate machinery for twenty four hours.
As part of your aftercare, our team will offer regular check-ups, remotely and in person.
If you have any questions or concerns, we will always be on hand with advice and support.
Follow-up
You'll typically need to visit us after a few weeks to review your progress.
If your weight loss is less than expected, our team will work with you to explore your diet and exercise routines.
They are dedicated to helping you get the most out of your gastric balloon. You’ll have a follow-up with your consultant to discuss any concerns, side effects, and ways to improve your results.
They might recommend additional support and therapies.
Treatment options
A gastric balloon is a non-surgical treatment option we offer for overweight patients to help you manage your weight.
The aim is to maintain a healthy BMI on a long-term basis.
Your consultant might recommend a different treatment pathway depending on various factors. This can include your age, current weight and any pre-existing obesity-related conditions.
Why choose The London Clinic?
Trusted for over 90 years, The London Clinic is an independent charitable hospital that reinvests into care, research, and support for those who can’t easily access private treatment.
The UK’s largest independent hospital
More patients choose The London Clinic than any other.
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Full intensive care on-site
World-class 13-bed ICU for expert support if your care becomes complex.
Investing in clinical excellence
Backed by Northwestern, we equip our teams with cutting-edge medical equipment.
0% Finance Options
We’ve teamed up with Chrysalis to offer you funding options that allow you to spread the cost of your treatment.
If you choose to pay for your treatment at The London Clinic over 12 months, you can make use of a great 0% interest option and pay nothing extra. Or you can choose to pay over two to five years at 14.9% APR.
Trustees of the London Clinic Ltd trading as The London Clinic is an Appointed Representative of Chrysalis Finance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The London Clinic is a credit broker, not a lender. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Chrysalis Finance Limited may not be so authorised and regulated. Cancer treatments or transplants aren’t covered by finance packages. Finance options are only available for UK patients.