Gastric Balloon Procedure In Ireland

If you have been struggling with your weight, but would prefer to avoid surgery, then the gastric balloon could be the solution for you. The balloon is made from soft silicone and is about the size of a grapefruit.

When in the deflated state, an endoscope is used to pass the balloon through your mouth and into your stomach. It’s then filled with around 500-700ml of saline and remains in place for 6-12 months, when it is removed – again endoscopically. The procedure (both implantation and removal) takes around 20-minutes and is carried out as a day-case.

Eligibility is based on a variety of factors, which our doctors will run through with you in your initial consultation.

As a guide, a gastric balloon could be suitable for you if:

● Your BMI is over 27 and below
● You want to lose about 2-3 stone
● No significant history of gastric reflux / heartburn
● No previous bariatric surgery

A lot of patients who are considering weight loss surgery will opt for the gastric balloon first, with the option of trying out other surgical procedures later.

Gastric Balloon cost depends on various factors like your current weight and targeted weight, and the duration that the balloon needs to stay in your stomach.

At Auralia we can help you spread the cost of the surgery up to 72 monthly payments.

Please contact us to get your procedure price!

During your gastric balloon consultation, your full medical history is examined to make sure you’re an appropriate candidate.

During your consultation, you are in the driver’s seat. Feel free to ask as many questions as you like. Your doctor will address any concerns you might have so you can be confident about the choice you’re making.

On average, a gastric balloon procedure take from 20 to 30 minutes. 

THE OPERATION:
During your procedure, the gastric balloon is placed into your stomach via an endoscopic tube through the mouth. It’s then inflated with 500-700ml of sterile saline solution through an external catheter. This procedure takes approximately 15 minutes. You’ll be given a mild sedative to help you relax beforehand, and a local anaesthetic to numb the throat.

THE AFTER OPERATION:
The gastric balloon remains in place for about 6–12 months. When it is removed, it is removed endoscopically. The removal procedure takes approximately 15 minutes, and you can return home within a couple of hours after the procedure. Then you will work with our expert aftercare team of Dieticians, exercise physiologists, psychologists and nutritionists to make sure you get the best possible results.

The gastric balloon typically can help you to lose 2-3 stone over the first 6 months, though some patients have lost up to 4 or 5 stone. Patients typically lose most of the weight in the first 3 months.

After the first 3 months, their weight loss tends to slow down and the balloon’s main function becomes maintaining your new weight. The balloon’s main health benefits are to help you develop healthy habits that you’ll continue to follow for the rest of your life. Keep to the prescribed diet and exercise plan, and you’ll be able to maintain your weight loss after the balloon has been removed.

Fitting a gastric balloon is a very safe procedure, but with any procedure there are certain risks and side effects involved. These include:

● Nausea, abdominal discomfort, stomach cramps and occasional retching during the recovery period.
● In some patients, nausea, abdominal discomfort and other side effects are so bad that the balloon has to be removed, but it's rare.
● There can be a heaviness in the stomach, and some patients experience
back or abdominal discomfort as the body adjusts to the balloon.
● Reflux (heartburn) often occurs
● It is incredibly uncommon, but the balloon could spontaneously rupture
and pass into the bowels.

The first three to five days can be difficult. Cramping, nausea and vomiting are normal and should be expected. It is very important that you follow the nutritional instructions and drink plenty of fluids. You may be prescribed medications to ease the discomfort. After this period, your body will adapt to the gastric balloon, and you will be capable of eating small portions of food comfortably.

At Auralia, our aftercare plan is individually tailored to each patient’s procedure and requirements to give them the quickest possible recovery.

We are proud to offer fully comprehensive and inclusive aftercare to all our patients. Our Irish based surgeons are contactable 24 hours a day if you need them, and our professional and highly trained medical team are accessible at all times to assist you with any concerns you might have after your treatment. All patients receive three post-op consultations, but if you feel you need more support, we can facilitate you without any extra cost.