One of our Patient Support Team members will organise your initial consultation with one of our expert Bariatric specialists.
The Procedure
What is a Gastric Balloon?
A gastric balloon is a temporary weight loss procedure. Gastric Balloons are spherical in shape, approximately 500ml in volume and are filled with water or saline.
Streamline offers two different balloon programs, the Orbera 365 balloon & the Elipse balloon. In our experience, both balloons work best when they are combined with an individualised weight loss programme.
How does the Gastric Balloon work?
The balloon sits in the stomach, making you feel full, controlling appetite, so that portion sizes are reduced and patients are less driven to snack.
What are the benefits of the Gastric balloon?
The gastric balloon is a non-surgical procedure, it does not need a general anaesthetic, is performed as an out-patient and is a temporary procedure that is usually well tolerated. On average patients will lose 10-15% of their bodyweight
What is the difference between the Orbera and Elipse balloons?
The balloons differ in how they are placed and how long they can remain in the stomach for. The Elipse balloon is ‘procedure-less’ and remains in place for 4 months. The Orbera balloon is placed and removed endoscopically, under sedation, but can remain in place for up to a year.
The Elipse Balloon
The collapsed Elipse balloon is contained within a degradable capsule. Under medical supervision you swallow the capsule, with gulps of water, which propel the capsule into the stomach. Attached to the capsule is a thin plastic tube which is used to inflate the balloon to a volume of 500ml with sterile water.
Four months later a bio-degradable membrane in the balloon wall opens, the water within the balloon washes out into the stomach and is absorbed, like a drink. The collapsed balloon shell passes through the intestinal tract and is excreted.
During the four months the balloon is in place and for a further eight months afterwards, you will have regular dietetic review. Our specialist bariatric dieticians will recommend an individualised weight loss plan that includes good meal and snack choices, supports new eating habits and helps incorporate exercise into daily life.
The Elipse balloon programme includes a wireless smart scale and a weight loss app, to update the dieticians on your progress.
The Orbera 365 Balloon
Patients are mildly sedated for this treatment, the deflated Orbera balloon is placed via endoscopy into the stomach. Once in the stomach the deflated balloon is filled with sterile saline to a volume of 5-600ml.
Twelve months later the Orbera balloon has to be removed. Just like the placement, this is performed with endoscopy, under sedation. An endoscopic needle is used to puncture the balloon and fully deflate it, after which the collapsed balloon shell is gripped with an endoscopic grasper and pulled through the oesophagus, out of the patient’s stomach.
Throughout the 12-month placement, you will have regular dietetic appointments. Our specialist bariatric dieticians will recommend an individualised weight loss plan that includes good meal and snack choices, supports new eating habits and helps incorporate exercise into daily life.
Am I suitable?
Will a Gastric Balloon work for me?
The Gastric Balloon has been designed to support patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27 and above, you can calculate this via our online tool.
To support your success as with any weight loss surgery, patients need to be prepared to work hard with the gastric balloon and follow the advice given by your clinical team.
However, not everyone is suitable for the Gastric Balloon procedure and you would need an initial assessment with a Bariatric Consultant Specialist to assess your suitability and ensure the Gastric Balloon is right for you. ​
What will my weight loss journey look like?
At Streamline we offer a bespoke service to all of our patients – this is because all our patients are unique in their own way and they are likely to have different needs and requirements. When you book a free consultation with one of our bariatric surgeons we will arrange a pre-consultation telephone call for you. This is where our surgeon will call you prior to your consultation and go through the details of the operation you are considering.
Before treatment
A friendly welcome
Your initial consultation
Your initial consultation is an opportunity to discuss your weight loss history and the best weight loss treatment options for you with our expert team.
Meet your clinical team
Following your initial consultation, you will also meet with one of our dietitians to discuss your pre and post-placement care and diet plan, to maximise your weight loss success.
Treatment
Pre-placement preparation
Streamline Surgical has devised a program of medication, to minimise any side-effects. The prescribed drugs will be posted to you, in advance of your procedure.
Day of Placement
On the day of your treatment, do not have anything to eat, but continue to drink plenty of water, until two hours before your appointment time and take the medication as prescribed.
Your Placement
Our expert team will work you through the process before placing the gastric balloon in your stomach. This is a fairly quick process and patients can return home shortly after placement.
Aftercare
Following your treatment
Around 48 hours after the balloon has been placed one of our bariatric nursing team will be in touch to see how you are and to answer any questions you may have.
Dietitian support
Shortly after your call from our nurse you will have an appointment with your dietitian to go over through the post-placement diet plan.
Support that stays with you
All of our patients benefit from a years aftercare programme, where you’ll have regular contact with your surgeon and our support team, who will work with you to help you achieve your weight loss goals.
Start your journey today
Your consultation is free and you‘re under no obligation to go ahead with surgery. Complete your details below and we‘ll be in touch with more information. Don‘t worry, we won‘t share your details with anyone else, we just need them so we can get in touch and help in the best way possible.
