Orbera Gastric Balloon

The Orbera gastric balloon is classed as a non-surgical procedure, although a light anaesthetic may be required. The balloon is a synthetic sac which is passed down your oesophagus (gullet) into your stomach, whereupon it is filled with a sterile salt water solution. The balloon is filled so that it takes up about ¾ of the room inside your stomach. This is a technique which requires careful calibration – it is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ procedure. Please do make sure therefore that the surgeon you choose to carry out this procedure has been extensively trained.

By partially filling your stomach, the gastric balloon means you feel less hungry, and also when you do eat you will feel fuller quicker. By having this limiting effect on the amount of food consumed the gastric balloon induces weight loss. Successful weight loss is also dependent on good post-operative support and is an important consideration when choosing who to put your gastric balloon in.

The gastric balloon must be removed after 6 months.

Mr Ahmed is fully trained in inserting the gastric balloon and completed his enhanced further training with Allergan BiB systems in Rome. We only use Orbera gastric balloons as these are simply the best available.

Our typical package includes all costs of insertion under a very light anaesthetic (just a few minutes). This is a day case experience and our clients go home after a few hours.

At 6 months after you have lost weight we will arrange for you to come back for the balloon to be removed the same way.

If you are considering a Orbera gastric balloon we will give you detailed information about this following your consultation.

You will see the Dietitian prior to the procedure who will go through your post balloon diet plan. You will also be prescribed an antacid such as Omeprazole or Lanzoprazole to take for the week immediately prior to your balloon placement.

You will be admitted to the ward on the day of your operation. Your temperature, blood pressure, respiration rate, height, weight and urine will be measured to give the nurses a baseline (normal reading) from which to work. We will measure you for special stockings (sometimes known as ‘TEDS’) to prevent blood clots (known as ‘DVT’ or ‘deep vein thrombosis’) from forming in your legs following surgery. The surgeon will explain the procedure to you in detail before asking you to sign a consent form. This is to make sure that you understand the risks and benefits of having the operation.

All make-up, nail varnish, jewellery (except wedding rings, which can be taped into place), body piercings and dentures must be removed. One of the nurses will then come and prepare you for the operating theatre.

You may also like to customise your package with a night’s stay in our beautiful private 5* rooms on the ward, or go home to recover.

Included in your package is our custom 6 month long dietician support system. Symone or Candace will be your support throughout the process. This will help you get the most out of your gastric balloon, and help you keep your weight down following the balloon’s removal.

You will be able to go home after just a few hours following your procedure.

If possible please arrange for someone to come and collect you by car on your discharge as you will not be able to drive yourself or travel on public transport.

It is common to experience some level of nausea or vomiting for the first 2 -3 days. For the first few weeks following the procedure your diet will be restricted to just fluids, progressing to soft food and then solid food after that. Our Dietitian will work closely with you to ensure you are comfortable with the changes in diet required.

The gastric balloon can only stay in place for a maximum of six months. As this time approaches you will be contacted by our team to arrange an appointment to have the balloon removed. The balloon removal will be carried out under sedation. In a small number of cases clients may not be able to tolerate the balloon for the full six months, in which case we can arrange for the balloon to be removed early.