Gastric Balloon

A gastric balloon results in substantial and rapid weight loss, which leads to major improvement to both physical and mental health.

By losing excess weight with the help of a gastric balloon, this can help improve cardiovascular health, cutting the risk of heart disease and stroke. This weight loss procedure can also help cut the risk of cancer and prompt obesity-related illness and disease to go into remission, including type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnoea and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Losing weight via gastric balloon can help to reduce the pressure on the bones, cutting the risk of fractures and osteoarthritis, alleviating joint pain and stopping joint problems from developing in the hips, knees, ankles, feet and shoulders.

Weight loss associated with a gastric balloon can also help to improve fertility, cut miscarriage risk and reduce pregnancy complications in women.  

Gastric balloon procedures can have a huge positive impact on psychological health and wellbeing too. People who are overweight, obese or morbily obese suffer a higher rate of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. They may choose to avoid certain social situations or certain activities such as swimming, which will expose the body. This can also have a negative impact on intimate relationships too. This all feeds into mental ill health.

Because there is no surgery involved with a gastric balloon, this means there are no surgical incisions and no scars. Unlike gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery, there is no permanent change to the size or shape of the stomach.

Weight loss varies from person to person. But as a rule, if you have a gastric balloon fitted, you should expect to lose up to a third of your excess body weight. The average gastric balloon weight loss is two to three stone, with the majority of this weight loss happening within the first three months of the procedure.

However you must eat healthily and exercise if you want to see the benefit of your gastric balloon procedure. Avoid filling up on high calorie, high carbohydrate, fatty and sugary foods and drinks. It is uncommon for people with a gastric balloon not to lose any weight, but these lifestyle modifications are a crucial part of the process.

A gastric balloon is a highly effective weight loss method. The bulk of the weight lost with a gastric balloon happens in the first three months and beyond this the balloon helps to support healthy eating patterns and acts as an effective form of portion control. This helps to instil healthy habits so you can continue to shed the pounds after the balloon has been deflated and removed.

Although it is possible to lose as much as a third of your excess weight, one in five patients with a gastric balloon may not see a significant reduction in weight. But following your post procedure weight loss plan carefully will help you to make the most of your gastric balloon treatment.

Gastric balloons are only temporary. A swallowable gastric balloon can stay in place for up to four months before it deflates. You will not need to return to the clinic to have the balloon removed as it will pass naturally through your digestive system.

A gastric balloon that is put in place via an endoscope can be left for six months. The removal is done as a day case at the Cadogan Clinic and there is no need for an overnight stay.

You should have a liquidised diet for 48 hours and then 12 hours of fasting before the removal of the gastric balloon.

The endoscope is inserted down the throat and into the stomach, the balloon is punctured and the deflated remains are removed with the endoscope. The removal procedure takes 15 to 20 minutes and can be done under light sedation or a local anaesthetic throat spray. No general anaesthetic is required.

Once the gastric balloon has settled it should not feel uncomfortable. However there can be a degree of discomfort after it has been placed in the stomach.

Most gastric balloon patients experience reflux because there is less room within the stomach. To avoid this, it is important that your meals are small and you take daily medication to suppress the stomach acid.

In the first 48 hours after having a gastric balloon installed, it is common to experience griping abdominal pains or cramps. This is because the balloon can irritate the muscle of the stomach wall. This usually settles over the course of a few days.

Nausea and vomiting is also a common after effect of having a gastric balloon fitted. This can affect up to 95 percent of people who have just had a gastric balloon installed. These gastric symptoms may last for two to three days after the procedure.

It is important that you make healthy changes to your diet to ensure you get the best results from your gastric balloon.

You should make sure that you eat regular meals. Ideally this should be three main meals and a mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack. After eating your evening meal you should wait at least two hours before going to bed.

Aim to drink at least 1.5 litres of water per day, but limit what you drink at mealtimes as this can fill you up.

You should avoid caffeine and fizzy drinks and foods containing simple carbohydrates such as sweets, chocolates, ice cream, pastries and dried fruit. Avoid foods and unhealthy habits that cause an increase in stomach acid.

It is important that you follow the meal schedule provided as closely as possible.

Gastric balloons are not permanent. Depending on the type of balloon you have, they may last for four or six months. Some people may find that after their gastric balloon is removed they are able to stick to a healthy diet and continue their weight loss without the aid of a balloon.

After your gastric balloon is removed, it is possible to have a new one fitted.

If you were given a gastric balloon in order to lose enough weight in preparation for weight loss surgery, then you will go on to have a gastric bypass or gastric sleeve as planned. These weight loss surgeries are permanent.

In order to maintain your gastric balloon, it is important that you follow your diet plan. You should avoid eating hard nuts and seeds and anything else that may potentially damage the balloon. If the balloon deflates and slips into the lower stomach or bowel it could cause an obstruction. This may lead to severe abdominal pain and vomiting.

Although the balloon is robust enough to remain safely in situ for up to six months, it should not be left in for a longer period of time as there is a slight risk of the stomach acid damaging the balloon.

Our expert consultant here at the Cadogan Clinic will talk you through the gastric balloon pros and cons and help you to decide whether this is the best weight loss option for you. Book an appointment today to discuss gastric balloon in London.