Weight Loss Surgery Gastric Balloon

The gastric balloon is a smooth silicone sphere which is filled with liquid and stays in the stomach for 6 months

Fitting the gastric balloon takes about 15 minutes and the procedure is done under sedation – so there is no general anesthetic needed.  Removal of the gastric balloon is also done under sedation and takes about 20 minutes.

Gastric Balloon:

• Non surgical

• Non Invasive

• Available to patients with BMI 27 and above

• Temporary treatment – 6 months

• Restricts the amount you can eat, feel full for longer

• The Gateway Programme -Reduces hunger and cravings enabling you to work lifestyle change

The Gastric Balloon works in 3 ways:

• The gastric balloon takes up space within the stomach which restricts how much you can eat
• A gastric balloon slows down the time it takes to digest food which means that a small amount of food satisfies you for longer
• The presence of the gastric balloon sends a message to the brain to register that the the stomach is full

The gastric balloon offers many advantages over conventional diets and weight loss programmes.

Your Gastric Balloon questions answered

How is a gastric balloon fitted ?
The fitting of the gastric balloon involves a visit to hospital to have a soft, silicone balloon fitted in the stomach and filled with sterile saline The procedures to fit and remove the gastric balloon are carried out by a consultant surgeon or physician which takes about 15 minutes while patients are under sedation.

Removing the gastric balloon
The gastric balloon will be removed after 6 months. With the gastric balloon you will have a feeling of satiety, or lack of hunger and with the help of the gastric balloon you can work on adopting the lifestyle changes needed to lose weight.

Is the gastric balloon a miracle ?
The Gastric Balloon is not a miracle cure for excess weight, but it is a very powerful tool to help you achieve your health goals. Under gastric balloon aftercare programme NIOPPS registered weight loss specialists will help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Gastric balloon aftercare with Gateway Health
One of the most important aspects of the gastric balloon weight loss treatment is the support programme. Gateway’s world beating gastric balloon aftercare programme available rom Gateway Health at weight loss clinics throughout the UK.

Gastric balloon helping your lifestyle change
Making lifestyle changes can be challenging and our team of dedicated professionals will be there with you every step of the way.  Our programme leaders understand your journey and many have been through weight loss treatment programmes themselves.

Am I suitable for a Gastric Balloon ?
The gastric balloon programme offers a non-surgical weight loss treatment and is most suitable for -

• Gastric Balloon candidates must be least 18 years old
• Gastric Balloon candidates must have a BMI greater than 27
• Gastric Balloon candidates should be ready to comply with a serious medically supervised weight loss programme

There are certain medical conditions that would mean you are not suitable for an gastric balloon and these are*:

• Previous history of gastrointestinal surgery, obstruction,adhesive peritonitis or a large hiatus hernia

• Severe kidney, liver or lung disease

• Chronic, long term steroid treatment

• Unwillingness to adopt the dietary habits critical to the success of the treatment

• Drug or alcohol dependency in the last 12 months

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Had a gastric balloon fitted abroad ?
If you have had a gastric balloon fitted abroad you can still join the Gateway Health world weight loss programme
click here for more information

For more information about the gastric balloon or to book your consultation (assessment) appointment;

*Full assessment of your suitability for a gastric balloon is always carried out with your health care team
** loans subject to status and amount