*Results may vary by individuals.
The gastric balloon programme combines a clinically proven way to reduce hunger so that you eat less and lose weight without surgery. It is a short-term solution to kick-start your weight loss and help you learn the healthy habits to enable you to maintain that success after the treatment so that you lose weight quickly AND keep the pounds off over time.
Patients will usually lose on average 15 – 25kg over the 6 months to one year treatment period, and with the continued commitment your weight loss should continue beyond the one year.
We offer both the Orbera and the Spatz III balloon systems in our clinic.
*Results may vary by individuals.
Your Gastric Balloon Programme
As an eligible candidate, you will begin your programme by meeting your consultant and nurse to discuss the gastric balloon (also known as BIB programme) in detail and take you through each step of the programme and give you all the relevant advice.
The out patient procedure generally takes 20-30 minutes, after which you will be cared for until you are able to go home the same day.
Advantages of the Gastric Balloon
The balloon programme offers many distinct advantages over conventional diets and weight loss programmes. With the balloon you will:
- Have a feeling of fullness
- Lose more weight than diet alone programmes
- Be supported by our team of weight loss experts
- Learn the principles for long-term success
- No need for general anaesthetic so less risk of complication
- Non-surgical and completely reversible approach to weight loss
The gastric balloon is not a magic pill, but a tool to change your lifestyle. Taking part in the programme will give you the education and support to change your lifestyle habits and have a better chance for long-term success.
Gastric Balloon Diet & Lifestyle
During the six months to one year that the gastric balloon is in place, you will follow a gastric balloon diet programme and there will be support from our team to measure your weight loss progress and provide you with dietary advice, education and training.
The first week you will be on a liquid diet with instructions to drink lots of water. After the first week, the dietitian will recommend sloppy foods. You will receive instructions on your initial solid-foods nutrition regime with calorie restrictions. This period is important to prepare you for maintaining weight loss after the gastric balloon is removed. The gastric balloon gives you a window of opportunity to adapt to the lifestyle changes you must make in order to maintain your ideal body weight.
During the regularly scheduled meetings with your team, you will learn the principles you need to manage your weight, and to promote long-term health through lifestyle changes. As well as nutrition, this will cover exercise, eating behaviors and psychological issues related to food. While learning, you will be motivated by your success and turn these principles into habits that will serve you for the rest of your life.
The gastric balloon works by helping you to feel full, thus reducing the urge for food, whilst you undertake a weight loss programme with the help and support of our team of doctors and dieticians.
The gastric balloon is a soft, silicon balloon that is inserted into the stomach and filled with sterile saline. The balloon is designed to partially fill your stomach, giving you a feeling of fullness. It will not only make you feel less hungry, but feel fuller more quickly after small meals. The balloon is removed after 6 months to one year.
Experienced weight-loss professionals will consult with you and design a programme to help you successfully reach and maintain your weight loss goals. Your team will be there every step of the way with encouragement and support. During regularly scheduled meetings with your dietician or nurse you will learn the principles needed to manage your weight and promote long-term health.
How do I know if the Intra-Gastric Balloon is right for me?
If you have a BMI of 28 or more, the gastric balloon devise could be the solution for you. But please remember, this is only a guide. We will consult with you in our clinic where you will have your assessment and then based on your body mass index (BMI) together with other relevant health factors a plan will be reached
Gastric balloon Post Insertion Recovery
You will be able to go home the same day of the procedure. You will need to attend follow-up appointments with your doctor, dietician. The gastric balloon is then removed after six months.
