Gastric balloons are a temporary weight loss tool designed to help patients implement long-term habit changes. These tools have helped patients across the world change their lives for the better, improving general health and confidence. Each balloon functions in the same way, but there are notable differences regarding placement and length of said placement. This article explores the Allurion and Orbera 365 gastric balloons.
Allurion Gastric Balloon
The Allurion Balloon is a 4 month gastric balloon designed to facilitate a weight loss of between 10 – 15% (on average). CE approved for use in the UK and across Europe, this balloon is a good choice for individuals who don’t want the permanence associated with bariatric surgery and feel as though they will be able to make the suitable habit changes for long-term success. Like any gastric balloon, it functions by occupying around 60% of the stomach, wherein it sits in the fundus. There it delays gastric emptying and suppresses the production of the hunger hormone known as ghrelin.
Placement
Placement happens within a 20 minute procedure. This doesn’t require sedation or observation, and once it is over the patient will be free to go home. The Allurion Balloon is designed to be placed via a swallowable pill attached to a catheter which is used to fill the balloon with 550ml of water. 2 x-rays are required to ensure the pill and then balloon are in the correct position and place in the stomach. When the consultant is happy you will be free to leave.
Recovery & Diet
The Allurion Balloon recovery and diet spans three days and begins with liquids on the first day, purees on the second, and soft solids on the third. This is to allow your stomach time to adjust to the presence of your new tool. Our dietitian will be available to help guide and prepare you in the weeks prior to placement and you will also have follow-up appointments.
Removal
The Allurion Balloon is designed to deflate and pass naturally, meaning most patients won’t need to revisit the clinic. Should for any reason you want or need the gastric balloon to be removed prior to this date you will require an endoscopy (coupled with light sedation for comfort).
Obera 365 Gastric Balloon
The world’s only FDA approved gastric balloon, suitable for placement up to 12 months, the Orbera 365 has a long and trusted history with weight loss patients across the globe. Orbera 365 patients can expect an average weight loss of anywhere between 10 and 18%.
Placement
Placement takes between 20 – 30 minutes via an endoscopy. You will be lightly sedated for comfort, meaning you will be observed for two hours post-placement and will not be allowed to drive for 24 hours. Endoscopies are minimally invasive and do not require any incisions. Our experienced consultant will simply place the device in your stomach via a specialist device that is designed to go down the patient’s throat.
Recovery & Diet
Orbera recovery and diet spans across three weeks. The first week you will be on liquids, the second purees, and the third soft solids. By your fourth week you should be able to move onto normal textures. We advise this in order to allow your stomach to get used to this longer-term balloon. Remember, our dietitian will be available to help guide you.
Removal
Removal looks similar to placement, except you won’t have any of those post-placement symptoms associated with gastric balloons and you will be able to go back to a normal diet immediately. Orbera’s are generally considered the flexible choice as you can arrange to have them removed at any point at no extra cost to you.
Speak to a Specialist Today
We place gastric balloons across our 13 clinics in the UK. If you’d like to discuss your options further, speak to a member of our team now by calling 0345 512 0094 or email infi@allureweightloss.com. You can also send through an enquiry via our contact form. Remember: there are pros and cons to all medical procedures and our specialists will be able to outline these with you.
Allure Weightloss is a CQC registered provider of gastric balloons in the UK.
