Our Treatments
Endoscopic Balloons
Endoscopic Balloon: Non-Surgical Weight Loss Solution
Looking for a non-surgical weight loss solution? Our endoscopic balloon treatment is a safe and minimally invasive option that can help you achieve your weight loss goals. With the balloon inserted through your mouth, you’ll experience a feeling of fullness and reduced appetite.
It’s a quick and convenient alternative to traditional weight loss surgeries, with lower risks of complications. Our experienced healthcare professionals and state-of-the-art clinics ensure you’re in safe hands throughout the entire process.
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How Does The Endoscopic Gastric Balloon Work?
The gastric balloon is inserted as a day case procedure in hospital. The procedure itself takes 15-20 minutes but you’ll be in hospital for 3-4 hours. You will be sedated for your comfort throughout so you will need someone to take you home.
The soft deflated balloon is inserted via endoscopy. A long tube, inserted through your mouth, slides down your throat and when in the stomach, the balloon is filled with a saline solution. The balloon is then detached from the endoscope and the tube is removed.
Unlike surgery, there are no incisions in the skin so no wounds to heal and no scars. Your stomach is not cut or altered in any way so there are no lasting changes to your body.
Weight Loss with Endoscopic Balloons
How Much Weight Can You Lose?
On average, patients can expect to lose between 2 - 3 stone during the time the balloon remains in place.
How Does It Result In Weight Loss?
The balloon occupies a large area in your stomach and acts as a built in portion control, helping you to feel satisfied after eating small volumes of food. It stays in place for 6 or 12 months then you will return to hospital and have it removed in a similar way.
Don’t just take our word for it, we’re proud to share the stories of our real patients, who achieved their goals with the help of the Gastric Balloon Group.
Anya Lost 2 stone
Kat Lost 6 stone
Tina Lost 3 stone
How Much Does It Cost?
From the placement of the balloon to comprehensive aftercare support and removal, everything is included in our pricing. We strive to make the weight loss journey as accessible and hassle-free as possible, offering peace of mind and exceptional value for our patients. There is an additional £250 surcharge for patients in Belfast and £500 for Scotland.
We know that many people need finance** to cover the gastric balloon cost and we have a plan to suit, whether you need finance to help with your deposit or to fund the entire cost of the procedure. The price of your gastric balloon package will depend on which balloon procedure you choose so for a personal quote, please call us on 0800 138 9696.
We're Europe's No.1 Provider of Orbera365 endoscopic balloons
- Non-surgical procedure: It is a non-invasive alternative to weight loss surgery.
- Effective weight loss: Patients can achieve significant weight loss results within a short period.
- Reduced hunger and portion control: The balloon helps create a feeling of fullness, aiding in appetite control and portion management.
- Improved eating habits: It promotes healthier food choices and encourages long-term lifestyle changes.
- Minimal downtime: The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis, allowing for a quick recovery and minimal disruption to daily activities.
- Personalized support: Comprehensive programs provide patients with ongoing support and guidance throughout their weight loss journey.
- Enhanced overall well-being: Weight loss can lead to improved physical health, increased energy levels, and enhanced self-confidence.
The Risks
While endoscopic gastric balloon treatments are generally safe and well-tolerated, it’s important to be aware of potential risks, which may include:
- Nausea and vomiting: Some individuals may experience temporary discomfort, nausea, or vomiting during the initial days after balloon placement.
- Gastric irritation or ulcers: In rare cases, the presence of the balloon may lead to gastric irritation or the development of ulcers in the stomach.
- Balloon deflation or migration: Although uncommon, there is a slight risk of balloon deflation or migration, which may require further intervention or removal.
- Digestive issues: Certain individuals may experience temporary changes in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea, as their body adjusts to the presence of the balloon.
We're the UK's only gastric balloon specialists
Over 4000 balloon placements to date
Only centre to offer warranty against complications
We're Europe's No.1 Provider of Orbera365 endoscopic balloons
Our Process
Our process for getting an endoscopic gastric balloon with us involves a straightforward journey consisting of consultation, placement, and ongoing support.
- As an initial check, you’re likely to be eligible if your Body Mass Index (BMI) is 27-50kg/m2 and you’re aged 18-70
- Some medical conditions and prior surgeries will mean you are not eligible but we’ll discuss those with you during a thorough medical assessment
- The easiest way to register your interest is to complete the enquiry form and we’ll send you send some information by email before calling you to discuss
- Alternatively you can call us on 0800 138 9696 or email us at enquiries@gastricballoongroup.com
- Our team of highly experienced advisors will chat with you about how the balloon works, package options and costs and what goals you’re looking to achieve
- We understand this is a very big step and we’re here to help you understand what to expect and answer any questions. No question is a silly question if it matters to you!
- If you’d like to move to the next stage, we’ll carry out a full and detailed history of your medical conditions, prior surgeries and prescribed medications
- We’ll offer a range of options from across our clinic network and you can choose the most convenient location for you
- We can usually arrange a consultation with your chosen consultant within a few days and, for your convenience, the appointment takes place remotely by phone or video link
- There is no charge for the appointment which generally takes 20 minutes. The consultant will discuss the procedure, your medical history and suitability and highlight any relevant risks to consider
- Your advisor will contact you after your consultation to discuss the next steps. There is no obligation or pressure to proceed, we want this to be the right decision for you
- If you’d like to book your procedure, we will discuss all available dates with a minimum booking period of 7 days. We will do our best to work around any future commitments or planned events
- A deposit will be required at the time of booking to secure your space. The patient support team will be in touch to complete all pre-placement administration
- The placement itself takes just 15 minutes in the endoscopy suite but expect to be in the clinic for around 3-4 hours
- You will be given sedation whilst the deflated balloon is placed into the stomach through the mouth and filled with saline
- Following the procedure you will be monitored until you recover from the sedation and are ready for discharge
- As you have been sedated, you must be accompanied on discharge and cannot drive yourself home
- Days 1-2 you will be on clear fluids such as water, squash, herbal teas, Bovril, stock, broth
- Days 3-4 you will be on smooth purees and nutritious fluids such as meal replacement shakes, soups
- Days 5-6 you will be on soft solids such as mashed potato, scrambled egg, flaked fish, mashed well cooked vegetables, mashed beans and pulses
- Day 7 onwards you will move to a normal textured diet but in much smaller quantities and be really mindful of your food choices and portions
- Book your free appointments with our Dietitian and Health coach to get expert advice on your diet, fitness and eating behaviours
- Attend the twice weekly live support sessions and Q&A led by our Health Coach on the app
- Use your free scales and activity tracker to monitor your weight loss progress on the app
- Use the vast library of resources on the app and find recipes, fitness sessions, classes and more to help you change your behaviours for long term success
- We will contact you to arrange your removal appointment approximately one month before it is due
- As for insertion, the removal will take place in the endoscopy suite under sedation. You can expect to be in clinic for around 2-3 hours
- As for insertion, you must be accompanied on discharge and cannot drive yourself home
Endoscopic Balloon FAQ's
The 6 and 12-month balloons are placed in the stomach during a 15-20 minute procedure. You will be conscious but sedated so won’t feel any discomfort. The deflated balloon is inserted into your stomach through your mouth (endoscopically). When the balloon is in the stomach it is filled with saline (sterile salt water) and the tube is removed. You will remain in the clinic for observation until the doctor discharges you.
The time it takes to recover after a gastric balloon differs from person to person and will depend on how quickly your body adjusts to the balloon. Generally you should plan at least three days of rest to recover from the procedure before you resume normal activity.
You will be on clear fluids only for the first few days after your procedure as you go through the period where your body is adjusting to the balloon and you are likely to be vomiting or feeling nauseous. During this period, remember to keep hydrated. Following the dietary regime as advised by the patient support team and the balloon will help you to reduce your portion sizes. There are no particular restrictions as to what you can eat or drink although for lasting success with the balloon, this is the time to evaluate your eating habits and try and reduce the amount of alcohol, high fat and high sugar foods in your diet.
How much weight you will lose and how quickly varies from person to person and will depend on how well you adapt to the gastric balloon and how much you are prepared to adjust your lifestyle, eating habits and activity levels. Experience has shown, however, that 70-80% of weight loss typically occurs during the first three months of treatment.
The balloon is punctured and emptied and the deflated balloon is removed through the mouth. Again you will be conscious but sedated so won’t feel any discomfort. You will remain in the clinic for observation until the doctor discharges you but this is usually only for a very short time. You should not experience any side-effects other than a possible sore-throat for a day or two.
This can differ but most people say they can’t feel the balloon as such, rather they have a feeling of fullness or heaviness in their stomach. Some patients say however that when they engage in vigorous activity e.g. running, they can feel some movement. There is no discomfort, just a different sensation.
**Finance is subject to status and full terms and conditions apply. Weight to Go Limited trading as Gastric Balloon Group is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Ref: 733775) to carry out the regulated activity of credit broking. Finance is arranged through Chrysalis Finance Limited. www.chrysalisfinance.com. Monthly Deferred Instalments will be collected via Direct Debit. Terms and conditions relating to these recurring payments are included within the credit agreement and procedure terms and conditions supplied at the time of booking.
*** Full finance option only available in UK
*Compared with dieting, research studies show that a gastric balloon programme can help you lose 3 times more weight than by following a diet and exercise alone. Results and benefits do vary and are different for each individual. As such, Gastric Balloon Group cannot guarantee specific weight loss goals.