Intragastric Weight Loss Balloon

The weight loss balloon is a new and exciting step forward in the non-surgical management of obesity. Using a fluid-filled ball placed in the stomach to reduce gastric volume, patients are unable to eat as much as before and consequently lose weight. Most compelling is that the insertion and removal of the gastric balloon does not require surgery and recovery is very swift.

Mr. Ahmed is highly trained in placing the Orbera System, which has distinct properties that will be discussed further below.

Orbera Gastric Balloon System

The Orbera Gastric Balloon System consists of a sterile fluid-filled synthetic balloon that takes up volume in the stomach and reduces the amount of food that a patient can comfortably consume.

During surgery, Mr. Ahmed deploys a long thin tube, known as an endoscope, through the mouth and down the oesophagus to place the uninflated balloon in the stomach. Sterile saline (saltwater) is then injected into the balloon, which is subsequently left in the stomach. The balloon has multiple sizes to accommodate differences in anatomy. Approximately, three-fourths of the volume of the stomach will be filled by the balloon.

The balloon remains in the stomach for six months, after which time it must be removed. The removal of the device is as straightforward as its placement. Mr. Ahmed will puncture the balloon to drain the solution and the device is removed through the oesophagus using endoscopy. During both the placement and removal of the band, the patient will be under a short light anaesthetic. Both are day procedures, allowing the patient to go home soon after the procedure is complete.

During the six-month period in which the balloon remains in the stomach, a comprehensive dietary program is administered by the dietitians at our practice. The goal is to ingrain healthy changes to the patient’s lifestyle. This allows for average weight loss in the range of 8-12 Kgs during the period of balloon insertion.