Gastric Balloons
Convenient, reversible and non-surgical weight loss procedures with minimal downtime.
What exactly is a gastric balloon procedure?
The gastric balloon procedure is a convenient, non-permanent solution for weight loss, offering simplicity in both its placement and removal.
The placement is typically done using an endoscopy or, in some cases, a capsule you can swallow. In both cases, you are able to return home the same day as the procedure. The balloon remains in your stomach temporarily, promoting weight loss for up to 12 months depending on the type of balloon used. Removal is easy – either through another endoscopy or naturally passing it. It’s a straightforward and effective option for those seeking non-permanent weight loss assistance.
The BMI Clinic Gastric Balloon Options
There are three different types of gastric balloons which have been assessed and registered for use in Australia.
The BMI Clinic is the most experienced clinic in Australia with all three gastric balloons: Allurion, Orbera and Spatz3.
| Procedure | Allurion™ (Elipse) 'Procedureless' Balloon | Orbera® Fixed Gastric Balloon | Spatz3® Adjustable Gastric Balloon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration of Procedure | 'Procedureless' Home same day | Non-Surgical Home same day | Non-Surgical Home same day |
| Permanence | Reversible | Reversible | Reversible |
| Maximum Duration | 16 weeks | 6 months | 12 months |
| Average Weight Loss | 10 - 15% | 12 - 15% | 15 - 20% |
| Suitable For | BMI 27 - 40 | BMI ≥ 27 and over | BMI ≥ 27 and over |
| Learn More | Learn More | Learn More |
Allurion Procedureless Balloon
The Allurion Balloon is called “Procedureless” because its implantation is done with a capsule which you are able to swallow with the support of a specialist doctor during a short clinic visit. X-rays are taken to confirm the balloon is correctly positioned before it is filled with 550mL of fluid. No anaesthesia or endoscopy is generally required to implant or remove the balloon.
After approximately 4 months in the stomach, a special valve on the balloon opens, allowing the fluid to escape, and the empty balloon then passes through the rest of the intestine and into the toilet. In rare cases, the balloon may be excreted through the mouth, and in very rare cases, an endoscopy or surgery may be required to remove the balloon.
Allurion Balloon is a fixed-volume balloon – once it’s implanted they cannot be increased or decreased in size. This procedure has demonstrated weight loss results of approximately 10-15% total body weight loss (ie. a person with a starting weight of 100kg would lose 10-15kg on average).
Orbera Fixed Gastric Balloon
The Orbera Balloon is designed to be implanted through endoscopy and stay in the stomach for up to 6 months, at which time it must be removed by endoscopy. Similar to Allurion, it is also a fixed-volume balloon – once it’s implanted they cannot be increased or decreased in size. This procedure has demonstrated weight loss results of approximately 12-15% total body weight loss (ie. a person with a starting weight of 100kg would lose 12-15kg on average).
Spatz3 Adjustable Gastric Balloon
The Spatz3 Balloon is designed to be implanted through endoscopy and stay in the stomach for up to 12 months, at which time it must also be removed by endoscopy.
The Spatz3 Balloon is the world’s only adjustable gastric balloon, meaning that the balloon can be increased or decreased in size after it has been implanted. The adjustment procedure is similar to the procedure to implant or remove the balloon, requiring a short endoscopic procedure under sedation. The Spatz3 Balloon can be increased in size to improve weight loss, or decreased in size to alleviate symptoms of intolerance or improve comfort.
Clinical trials of the Spatz3 Balloon have demonstrated the highest average weight loss of any gastric balloon – approximately 15-20% Total Body Weight Loss (ie. a person with a starting weight of 100kg would lose 15-20kg on average).
Discover Your Weight Loss Investment
Understand the Costs of The BMI Clinic’s Gastric Balloon Programs.
Explore the comprehensive services included in The BMI Clinic’s gastric balloon programs. From the device and procedures to bulk billed consultations, we ensure you receive exceptional care and support throughout your weight loss journey.
How is the balloon implanted?
Endoscopic Balloon Implantation
For Orbera and Spatz3 gastric balloons, the balloon is inserted through endoscopic balloon implantation. This takes approximately 20 minutes and is performed under sedation by a qualified gastroenterologist or surgeon. The gastric balloon is also completely reversible, and is removed from the stomach (after 6-12 months in place) in the same way it was placed.
“Procedureless” Balloon Implantation
The Allurion™ ‘procedureless’ balloon is effortlessly placed in a brief 20-minute clinic appointment. With the help of a specialist, you’ll either swallow the capsule or, if needed, receive assistance using a catheter. Post-capsule ingestion, X-rays ensure proper balloon placement, followed by inflation to approximately the size of a grapefruit. Another X-ray verifies full inflation and correct positioning within the stomach. After a short monitoring period, you can comfortably return home on the same day.
After approximately 16 weeks in the stomach, a valve on the balloon opens allowing the fluid in the balloon to empty so that the deflated balloon can be passed naturally into the toilet.
Gastric Balloon Procedure Possible Side Effects
While the Gastric Balloon Procedure is generally safe, individuals may experience temporary side effects.
The side effects of the balloon are usually limited to the first 5 days after it is inserted, with the first 3 days being most intense. After this period, the symptoms typically resolve and will only recur (and are typically mild) when one of the ‘golden rules’ are broken.
Our doctors have worked tirelessly to optimise the treatment of our patients – you will be provided with our highly advanced, unique and comprehensive treatment program to minimise the side effects you might experience. Most patients of our clinic now typically experience only mild side effects (if any). In addition to the symptoms listed below, patients often feel quite lethargic with a lack of energy in the first few days after insertion and while the body adjusts; although this improves usually within one week. We recommend resting during this period to hasten your recovery.
There are 4 common groups of symptoms that can be experienced with a gastric balloon:
Cramping
Reflux (including heartburn and some belching)
To minimise acid reflux, acid medications are required throughout the duration of the balloon. Over the counter antacid medications can also be used. Overeating, overdrinking, eating rich (creamy/oily) foods or drinking alcohol will typically bring on acid reflux symptoms.
Nausea
Vomiting
Frequently Asked Questions
The gastric balloon is designed to assist with weight loss in people who have 10 to 30 kilograms of weight to lose. The minimum BMI is 27.
It is also used for people who are not suitable for, or don’t wish to have other forms of weight loss surgery. The use of the gastric balloon may assist in reducing weight prior to surgery, therefore reducing the risks associated with surgical procedures on overweight patients.
It is important to understand that the gastric balloon is a tool to aid weight loss and is most effective when combined with a comprehensive lifestyle program delivered by your doctor and trained allied health team. The amount of weight loss to be expected is specific to each device; but in general, most devices will achieve 10-20% Total Body Weight Loss (ie a 100 kg person could expect to lose 10-20 kg on average*). Ultimately, the amount of weight you lose and maintain will depend on how closely you follow the advice of your doctor and allied health team.
You will be provided with specific dietary advice from our expert team of dietitians. Around the time of insertion, adjustment or removal, your diet will be restricted, however outside of these periods, you are able to enjoy most foods without concern.
Some foods may cause symptoms, such as spicy, rich/ fatty or tough foods which don’t break down. Red meat and especially steak may cause indigestion. Fish and chicken are generally fine. Fibrous vegetables should be cooked until soft.
You should plan at least three days of inactivity to recover from the procedure. You will be able to resume normal activity sooner or later than this depending on how quickly your body adjusts to the balloon.
For Spatz3 and Orbera, the gastric balloon is removed in the same way it was placed, via the oesophagus and mouth using an endoscopic camera. Your doctor introduces a catheter (tube) through the mouth and into the stomach, attaching it to the balloon for deflation. Once the balloon is deflated it can be grasped and removed through the oesophagus and mouth.
Following an approximately 16-week period, the Allurion™ Balloon is engineered to deflate automatically. The naturally deflated balloon then passes through the digestive system and is expelled in the toilet.