Gastric balloon
Our specialist weight loss team draws on years of expertise as they take the time to understand your individual concerns.
Quick facts
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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)
Treatment overview
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
Why choose The London Clinic
Excellence in one place
We operate as teams of experts with world-class resources dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of medical care. You are surrounded by the latest treatments and advice with everything you need to get back to your best health.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. Our nurses, clinicians and support teams are dedicated to the care of a very small number of patients, so have more time for you. They’ll be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care around you and giving the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you’re in the best hands.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through each step of your experience, with complexities unravelled and answers readily to hand. Your personal treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
What's included in your package?
Choosing The London Clinic means your treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
Your treatment package will include:
- Enhanced pre-admission assessment
- Your treatment with our complete care team at your fingertips
- Personalised aftercare and follow-up
We want you to be in control of your health. That’s why we also offer optional services such as comprehensive recovery packages and extra touches for you to choose from during your stay with us.
How to pay
- You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this treatment. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally
- You can pay for yourself (self-pay)
- If you’re paying for yourself, we have finance options available with Chrysalis
FAQs
A gastric balloon works simply by occupying the stomach so there is less space for food.
In an endoscopy procedure, your surgeon introduces a collapsed gastric balloon through the oesophagus.
This is a non-surgical treatment that you can have while conscious under mild sedation.
Once fitted, your stomach fills up more quickly when you eat.
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.
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.
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.
It can give you more energy and freedom to enjoy the things you want to do with the people you love the most.
Losing weight can help reduce the likelihood of obesity-related conditions including coronary heart disease, strokes and certain types of cancer.
We know that weight loss isn’t easy, especially on your own.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Weight loss with a gastric balloon can be slower than other methods.
Most of our patients lose around 5 to 10 kg in 6 months.
A small number of patients may have their balloon removed early if it is not working.