Gastric balloons are long-established as alternatives to bariatric surgery. These state-of-the-art weight loss devices are designed to provide patients with a holiday from hunger, and a break from their usual habits. During this break you should work to adopt the dietary principles as laid out by your Allure Dietitian, but how should prepare for the gastric balloon placement itself?
Preparing the Mind
1 – Your Relationship with Food
It is important that you prepare yourself for your gastric balloon placement with Allure in more ways than one. Not only will this be a journey of physical changes, but hopefully psychological ones too. What we mean by that is your relationship with food should evolve to become more mindful and attuned to what you are consuming.
2 – Discomfort
It is integral that you prepare yourself for initial discomfort. Your body is, after all, adjusting to a foreign object, and whilst it does that, you aren’t going to be at your best. The first three days are likely to include (although not always) nausea, and cramping, with potentially other related symptoms. This is COMPLETELY normal. You will have regular meetings with your bariatric nurse, however, to ensure you are keeping hydrated, remembering to take your medication, and everything is going to plan. Remember, the initial discomfort will pass, and it is possible that you won’t even recognise the gastric balloon is there (other than your suppressed hunger) after some time.
Preparing the Body
1 – Preparing for Weight Loss
Typically, patients achieve 50% of their weight loss within the first month. Make sure you are keeping hydrated up until your gastric balloon placement and are mindful of keeping hydrated after the fact. Water is incredibly important to the human body and comes with a plethora of health benefits. You should also make sure to attend your first Dietetic Meeting before placement. This will ensure you have all the right information going forward.
2 – Take Your Medication
You will be prescribed with specific medication before your placement. Make sure you remember to take it and understand how regularly you should be taking it. If you have any questions, at all, make sure to call or email the support team as soon as possible. They will be able to clear everything up for you. This medication will help alleviate symptoms that may occur as a result of gastric balloon placement.
Travel Arrangements
1 – Plan Ahead
You may live around the corner from your gastric balloon clinic, however that isn’t always the reality for our patients, and you should prepare for travel to your placement centre. Make sure to account for traffic, the weather, and how you will be getting home! Whether by car or train, it is always better to be early than late. This will help minimise stress in the imminent moments before your gastric balloon placement, and hopefully give you some time to relax. Make sure you know where you are going in advance and get in touch with a member of our team if you are unsure.
2 – Getting Home
In the case that you will be sedated, which is the case with the Orbera 365 or BiB, you will need to have somebody else drive you home (if you are, indeed, driving to the clinic). Whilst it isn’t required with the Allurion Balloon, it is still advised.
Watch Our Q&A
You can find more information relating to our gastric balloon procedures by watching our fantastic Q&A on the subject.
Contact Us
Should you have any questions relating to your gastric balloon placement with Allure or are looking to start your journey with a CQC registered company, contact us today on 0345 512 0094, or email us on.
