Gastric balloon - a non-surgical approach
Some patients may not want to undergo surgery - but still want
something to help them to lose weight. A gastric balloon, usually
inserted into the stomach for six months, can be used to ‘kick
start’ weight loss while you also change your lifestyle and eating
habits to ensure that the weight stays off.
This procedure
involves inserting a deflated balloon into your stomach and filling
it with saline. This creates a feeling of fullness and helps you to
eat less. The procedure only takes 15 minutes and you don’t need an
anaesthetic, just a mild sedative. The balloon is attached to a
tube which is inserted through your mouth and fed down to your
stomach. The balloon is then filled with saline and left in the
stomach for six months.
During that time you will have the support of Ramsay staff to
help you stick to a weight loss plan and adopt a more active
lifestyle.
After six months, the balloon will be deflated and withdrawn.
Hopefully by then you will have lost most of your excess weight -
studies suggest an average weight loss of between 15 and 20 kg -
and will continue with your new eating habits and lifestyle.
Next - Information on weight loss surgery benefits.