How Much Weight Can You Lose with a Gastric Balloon?
There has been a growing interest in non-surgical weight loss solutions that could potentially replace surgery in recent years. The gastric balloon is one of those procedures. It’s a simple, non-invasive procedure that promises to deliver similar results to gastric bypass surgery while also being temporary. If you’re considering having a gastric balloon to help you lose weight and achieve your wellness goals, you may be wondering how much weight you can expect to lose. After all, this is the golden question.
What is a gastric balloon, and how does it work?
A gastric balloon is a weight loss method that can help you slim down safely without going under the knife. Procedures like the Allurion Elipse Gastric Balloon involves swallowing a pill-like capsule that inflates to an apple’s size and sits at the top of the stomach, making you feel like you’re already full.
The consultant will then take an X-ray of the stomach before filling the balloon through a fine catheter with 550ml of water. A second X-ray will ensure that the balloon is filled and sitting correctly in the stomach before carrying on with your daily activities as usual.
Unlike other weight loss treatments on the market, the Elipse doesn’t require surgery, endoscopy or anaesthesia. In fact, the entire process takes as little as just 20 minutes. The balloon stays in the stomach for sixteen weeks before deflating and passing naturally through your gastrointestinal tract.
The Elipse Balloon is offered as part a comprehensive support package, including nutritional and dietary coaching, to help you develop good lifestyle habits that stick around long after the balloon has gone.
Is it right for you?
If you’re struggling with your weight and have tried various diet and exercise regimes with little success, you may be a good candidate for a gastric balloon. The Elipse balloon is suitable for those with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 27 and can be used to help you achieve long-term weight loss and manage or prevent other medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. It’s an excellent procedure for achieving and maintaining sustainable weight loss without surgical intervention.
When compared with surgery, patients particularly like the fact that the gastric balloon is temporary and reversible. The Elipse balloon stays in place for sixteen weeks and may be removed sooner if you develop complications or have second thoughts. By the time the balloon passes, patients have developed new food preferences, adjusted to smaller portion sizes, and developed a new understanding of their body. In turn, this leads to real, maintainable long-lasting results, instead of endless yo-yo dieting.
How much weight can you expect to lose?
Multiple clinical studies have demonstrated that patients lose on average 10-15% of their total body weight. If you want to lose more weight after your first procedure, it’s possible to have another balloon placement after your first Elipse balloon has passed. The maximum weight loss achieved was an incredible 48kgs in just twelve months. Studies have shown that up to 95% of your weight loss can be sustained 12 months after the balloon has passed by taking control over the way you eat – habits you will learn and develop during the sixteen weeks.
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Disclaimer: Please be aware that results and benefits may vary from patient to patient taking into consideration factors such as age, lifestyle and medical history.
