Our Treatments
Swallowable Balloons
Swallowable Balloon: Non-Surgical Weight Loss Solution
Looking for a non-surgical weight loss solution? Our gastric 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.
Traditionally gastric balloon procedures have involved a 3-4 hour hospital stay for an endoscopic insertion followed by a second visit when it’s ready for removal. Not any more! The Allurion (aka Elipse) swallowable gastric balloon is a new innovation in balloon technology requiring no endoscopy, no sedation and no removal procedure.
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At Gastric Balloon Group we pride ourselves on exceeding patients’ expectations – see for yourself!
Swallowable Balloons
Our all-inclusive packages ensure that there are no hidden costs or additional fees. From the placement of the balloon to comprehensive aftercare support, 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.
The Benefits
The Swallowable gastric balloon offers a range of benefits, including:
- 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 Swallowable 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 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.
How Does It Work?
The Allurion swallowable gastric balloon requires no hospital admission, just a 20-minute outpatient appointment. There is no endoscopy to feed the balloon down the throat, you simply swallow the capsule with a glass of water. When its position is confirmed via X-ray, the balloon is filled with a saline solution and the small catheter is removed. As no sedation is used, you can even drive yourself home.
The swallowable gastric 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 approx. 16 weeks (4 months) until a time-activated release valve in the device opens and the balloon deflates and passes naturally. No removal procedure is required.
Weight Loss with Swallowable Balloons
How Much Weight Can You Lose?
An average loss of 10-15% of starting body weight in the first 4 month implant then an added 7kg in the second 4 month implant*. The 2-month gap in between allows the stomach to rest and reset, activating your body into the second boost of weight loss.
How Does It Result In Weight Loss?
The swallowable gastric 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 approx. 16 weeks (4 months) until a time-activated release valve in the device opens and the balloon deflates and passes naturally. No removal procedure is required.
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.
Helena Lost 2 stone
Margaret Lost 2 stone
Richard Lost 4.2 stone
We're the UK's only gastric balloon specialists
Over 4000 balloon placements to date
Only centre to offer warranty against early removal
One of only 8 Allurion Centres of Excellence worldwide
As the UK’s only specialist gastric balloon provider we are committed to delivering the highest standard of care and support to our patients. That’s why we are proud to be one of the select few clinics globally to be recognised as an Allurion Centre of Excellence
MB, BCh, BAO, FRCS (Gen)
Consultant Upper GI and Bariatric Surgeon
GMC 6053450
London Independent Hospital
Affidea Clinic
MBBS, MRCS, MS, FRCS
Consultant Upper GI
GMC 6045855
Prime Health Surrey
Healthshare Clinic Winchester
MBBS, BSc, MRCP
Consultant Gastroenterologist
GMC 4742373
Orpington Endoscopy Centre
MD
Consultant Gastroenterologist
GMC 7121894
Healthshare clinic Brentford
MBBS, MS, FRCS Ed, FRCS (Gen Surg)
Consultant General Surgeon
GMC 4447025
The Hive London
Spire Bushey Hospital
MBBS MD FRCS Ed
Consultant Upper GI and Bariatric Surgeon
GMC 6028471
Oaklands Hospital
Prime Health Manchester
MBBS, MS, FRCS
Consultant Upper GI
GMC 4777252
Newcastle Clinic
MBBS MPhil.MRCP (UK)
Consultant Gastroenterologist
GMC 4559948
Fairfield Independent Hospital
MBBS MRCP
Consultant Gastroenterologist
GMC 6040941
Living Care Clinic
MBBS MS MD FRCS
Consultant Surgeon
GMC 6108502
Sir Robert Peel Community Hospital
Derby Private Health
MB BS MD, FRCS, PGCertClinEd
Consultant Upper GI Surgeon
GMC 5203941
The Edgbaston Hospital
Our Process
Our process for booking a 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 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 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 20 minutes but expect to be in the clinic for around 45 minutes
- You won’t be admitted or asked to change into a hospital gown, you’ll simply sit in a chair whilst the consultant helps you swallow the capsule with a glass of water. 99.9% of patients are successful
- The balloon is filled and when correct placement is confirmed on the xray, you’ll be free to leave. As no sedation is used, you can leave unaccompanied and can 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
- Allurion balloons require no removal procedure or repeat clinic visit
- At around 16 weeks, a special valve in the device opens and the harmless fluid empties into the stomach. The empty balloon casing moves through the digestive system and passes naturally in a bowel motion.
- In a very small number of cases (2%), the balloon casing is vomited out. This is completely harmless and should not cause concern
Gastric Balloon FAQ's
First, the patient swallows a small capsule containing the deflated balloon, which is attached to a thin, flexible tube. X-ray or fluoroscopy is then used to confirm the capsule’s correct positioning in the stomach. Once confirmed, the medical team inflates the balloon using a sterile saline solution, creating a feeling of fullness and reducing hunger to aid in weight loss. Finally, the thin tube is gently removed, leaving the balloon in place for 4 months before is passes naturally.
99.9% of patients swallow the ballon without any difficulty, if you do have problems, that’s ok, your doctor will be on hand to help.
The recovery time after gastric balloon placement is typically minimal, with most people able to resume normal activities within a few days.
The balloon is filled with saline solution during the procedure, and it usually takes about 5-7 minutes to fill the balloon. You can expect to be in the clinic for approx. 45 minutes in total.
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*.
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.
We know that when you decide to have a gastric balloon procedure, you want to start your journey as quickly as possible. Although the gastric balloon is a safe non-surgical procedure, it is still a medical procedure with strict eligibility criteria and contraindications. We are asked whether the consultation can be on the day of the procedure and even whether a consultation is required at all. We need you to see a doctor at consultation to ensure there is nothing in your medical history that would suggest the balloon is not a suitable option. Depending on clinic and consultant availability, we can normally book you a consultation in about a week and then we just need to leave a minimum of 7 days between consultation and procedure to give you time to consider your decision and for us to complete your booking administration.
*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.
**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