What Gastric Balloon Should I Have?
This is probably one of the first questions you will be asking yourself when starting your weight loss journey and considering the placement of a gastric balloon. At Allure Weightloss we are able to offer three options, including the Allurion 4 month gastric Balloon, BiB 6 month gastric balloon, and Orbera 365 12 month gastric balloon. Each balloon offers a distinct timescale, with the latter requiring an endoscopy and anaesthesia at the placement and removal stages of the process. The former, however, is ‘simpler’ in that you only need to visit our clinic once, and no endoscopy is required, with it being a swallowable gastric balloon pill. After the 4 month period is up, the Allurion Balloon is designed to pass naturally. There may, however, be medical reasons that you are unable to have the Allurion Ellipse Balloon, which our team can discuss with you in more detail.
Either way, these balloons look to support, on average, the 10 – 15% loss of your total body weight.
Start Your Journey
Whether you’ve decided on the type of gastric balloon that you would like, or need help, our support team is on hand to walk you through the next steps, which are essential to ensuring your procedure goes as smoothly as safely as possible. For example, will need to know relevant medical history to determine your suitability for the balloons. It is here that you will be able to discuss everything from finance to the medication you will need to be on leading up to and after the balloon placement.
Book Your Gastric Balloon Consultation
The next step would be to book your consultation with one of our GMC Registered Consultants. The consultant will be able to go through the procedure a little more in-depth, outlining the process and confirming your suitability. Our team can do our best to ensure all appointments fit around your schedule as well as possible.
Your Placement Day
Your placement day will be conducted at your nearest available gastric balloon clinic and completed by one of our specialist consultants in the area. You can find your nearest gastric balloon clinic online today, or simply get in touch to discuss your best option. Our 10 UK clinics are spread across England and Wales. On the day you will be greeted by the friendly team at the placement centre, who will walk you through whichever procedure you have elected for.
Your First Week
As you might expect, there will be side effects present in the first week. This is because your body is naturally attempting to remove the foreign object. This is completely normal and is expected to pass during this time. You will be provided with the appropriate medication to help ease the response that your body is having to the gastric balloon.
Gastric Balloon Aftercare
The Allure Programme is celebrated for the bespoke aftercare that is provided by nurses and dietitians to help support your weight loss goals. Our Dietitians will work with you to help you make better dietary decisions that you will work to implement beyond your time with the gastric balloon.
Balloon Removal
At the 4, 6, or 12 month stage (depending on the balloon you opt for), it will be time to remove your gastric balloon. As touched on, the four month gastric balloon will pass naturally, but the latter two will require another procedure at one of our clinics. The balloon will be deflated and removed via endoscopy whilst under anaesthetic.
What Happens Next?
Enjoy your weight loss, and continue to live a healthier, more confident life. By continuing to adopt the habits that you have picked up during your time with the balloon, you should feel comfortable that you will keep the weight off that you have lost. It is important to remind yourself that the gastric balloon is a weight loss tool, rather than a cure to weight loss, and functions best in conjunction with these lifestyle changes.
Allure Weightloss is a CQC registered provider.
