The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
Gastric balloon insertion
A SIMPLE NON-SURGICAL SYSTEM TO AID WEIGHTLOSS
The gastric balloon system is a highly effective alternative to traditional weight loss surgery
How can a gastric balloon improve my health?
Being overweight can increase your risk of a range of serious health concerns, from high blood pressure and diabetes to chronic joint pain.
The gastric balloon is a popular option for patients who want to reduce these risks and achieve a healthy body mass index (BMI), without undergoing surgery.
Need to know
Your consultant will insert a thin, flexible telescope called an endoscope through your mouth and into your stomach. The endoscope allows them to examine your stomach before inserting the balloon.
Your consultant will then carefully guide the balloon into your stomach and use the endoscope to inflate it with a sterile solution. The balloon is made of soft silicone, so it shouldn't hurt to swallow it, but your consultant may use local anaesthetic spray to numb your throat as it passes.
You may also be given a sedative to help you relax. The balloon works to reduce your appetite by taking up space inside of your stomach, helping you to feel full faster.
Your consultant will then carefully guide the balloon into your stomach and use the endoscope to inflate it with a sterile solution. The balloon is made of soft silicone, so it shouldn't hurt to swallow it, but your consultant may use local anaesthetic spray to numb your throat as it passes.
You may also be given a sedative to help you relax. The balloon works to reduce your appetite by taking up space inside of your stomach, helping you to feel full faster.
Your consultant will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have. They'll let you know what you need to do to prepare, including how long you need to avoid eating and drinking beforehand.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you. Because you may be having a sedative, you should arrange for someone to help you get home after your procedure.
Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you. Because you may be having a sedative, you should arrange for someone to help you get home after your procedure.
You should be able to go home the same day as your procedure. You may feel some discomfort or nausea for a few days, but this shouldn't last long.
Your consultant will let you know what to expect and when you can get back to normal activities, including work.
Our dietitians will work with you to help you adjust your diet. Together we'll monitor your weight loss over a period of six months. While you have the balloon, you may need to take medication to reduce the acid in your stomach.
The balloon will be removed after six months. Your consultant will let you know about any ongoing dietary or lifestyle changes or follow-up treatments needed.
Your consultant will let you know what to expect and when you can get back to normal activities, including work.
Our dietitians will work with you to help you adjust your diet. Together we'll monitor your weight loss over a period of six months. While you have the balloon, you may need to take medication to reduce the acid in your stomach.
The balloon will be removed after six months. Your consultant will let you know about any ongoing dietary or lifestyle changes or follow-up treatments needed.
Paying for medical treatment
You don't need medical insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our world-class facilities.
Our {{EntityName}} locations
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Digestive Centre
41 Welbeck Street W1G 8EA London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.