Gastric Balloon Surgery

The Gastric Balloon is a non invasive form of Bariatric Surgery designed to help individuals lose weight rapidly without undergoing surgery. The Gastric Balloon procedure is a relatively short term lifestyle change generally lasting between 6 and 12 months.During those months individuals can expect to achieve substantial weight loss.

Gastric Balloon Surgery is available to individuals with a BMI of 28 or above. It is often used as a non invasive method of kick starting a weight loss regime and change in lifestyle. Individuals generally lose between 2 and 3 stone within the first few months of having the Balloon inserted.

As with other forms of Bariatric surgery the Gastric Balloon procedure works by temporarily reducing the stomachs capacity thus leaving patients feeling full on smaller portions of food. The reduction in food intake triggers the weight loss.

What are the benefits of Gastric Balloon Surgery?

Gastric Balloon Surgery can result in significant weight loss which has major physical and psychological benefits.

Physical benefits of the Gastric Balloon procedure are reduced fatigue and increased levels of physical freedom so that individual scan enjoy activities which they may currently feel their weight restricts them from. In addition to this new found freedom a substantial reduction in weight can help reduce the severity or existence of weight related health problems such as heart disease,sleep apnoea, and diabetes.

Many patients feel increased levels of self esteem and confidence following undergoing the Gastric Balloon procedure due to the weight loss achieved.
The Gastric Balloon procedure itself is beneficial when compared to other forms of Bariatric Surgery due to the fact that it is generally cheaper and most importantly it is non surgical meaning the risks associated with the procedure are reduced and healing time and procedure times are minimal.

What does Gastric Balloon Surgery involve?

The procedure involves an initial consultation with nurse and surgeon to assess the individual’s suitability for the procedure and fully inform them of what Gastric Balloon Surgery involves. Following the initial consultation the patient is booked in for the procedure.

Gastric Balloon Surgery involves a silicon balloon being inserted into the stomach where it is filled with a sterile solution in order to reduce the capacity of the stomach. The procedure involves the deflated balloon being inserted through the mouth using endoscopic techniques. Once the Balloon is in the stomach the surgeon uses an endoscopic camera to check that there are no abnormalities and that it is safe to inflate. The saline solution is then carefully funneled into the Gastric Balloon using a catheter/funnel. The catheter is then removed and the procedure is complete.

The Gastric Balloon procedure generally takes between 20 and 30 minutes to perform and Gastric Balloon Surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. Following surgery it is general practice for the clinic to monitor recovery until the patient feels confident enough to go home - this is in most cases on the same day as the procedure.

What are the costs of Gastric Balloon Surgery?

Gastric Balloon Surgery Cost can vary significantly from clinic to clinic and surgeon to surgeon. Generally the cost of the procedure ranges from £3,000 to £7,000.

How can I afford Gastric Balloon Surgery?

A Gastric Balloon consultation is often free or may involve a deposit which is deducted from the cost of the procedure. Don’t worry about the costs of Gastric Balloon Surgery - most clinics offer interest free credit and flexible payment options.