Gastric Balloon Programs

Common side effects include:

1. Tummy Discomfort and Abdominal Cramping
2. Nausea and Vomiting
3. Reflux
4. Diarrhoea or Constipation

Our nurses and diet team provide guidance before and after the treatment to help minimise these side effects.

Like any medical weight loss intervention, there is a risk profile of the tool.

‍

The Gastric Balloon involves certain risks, including:

1. Esophageal or Gastric Ulcers
2. Gastric Outlet Obstruction
3. Perforation
4. Balloon Leak: Notify NV Health immediately if you pass blue or green urine, indicating a leak that requires urgent balloon removal.
5. Intolerance: In 2-3% of cases, severe nausea and vomiting may occur, necessitating early removal via gastroscopy (cost covered in the program).
6. Dehydration: This may require IV hydration from our NV Health nurse or a hospital visit.

It is possible to drink alcohol, but it is recommended to avoid it, along with caffeine. Alcohol and caffeine can stimulate acid secretion, which may increase the risk of heartburn. From a weight-loss perspective, it’s important to be mindful of the calories in alcohol. To stay on track with your health and weight loss goals, it may be helpful to establish clear limits when it comes to alcohol consumption.

Yes, you can exercise with the Gastric balloon. Establishing a regular, low-impact exercise routine like walking, swimming, or cycling is beneficial for enhancing weight loss and overall health. Our team at NV Health suggests a 10-minute walk after meals to aid digestion and manage blood sugar levels. However, activities like skydiving, SCUBA diving, and bungee jumping are not recommended while the Gastric Balloon is in place.

With NV Health's 12-Month Balloon Program, individuals can typically expect to lose between 20-30% of their body weight within the first year. Our multidisciplinary team provides a tailored 18-month support package, including a diet and lifestyle modification program, to help achieve your weight loss goals and sustain them long into the future.

The removal of the Gastric Balloon is performed by a Gastroenterologist using an endoscope. The process involves puncturing and deflating the balloon to drain the saline solution, then extracting the deflated balloon through the patient's mouth. This procedure is done under mild sedation.

At NV Health, the Gastric Balloon is placed during a day surgery by a Gastroenterologist. The procedure is performed endoscopically under mild sedation. The balloon, initially deflated, is positioned in the stomach using a gastroscope. Once correctly placed, it's inflated with saline solution mixed with blue dye, which helps identify any leaks. The process takes about 15 minutes. The inflated balloon, occupying the stomach's middle third, creates fullness and reduces hunger. The balloon remains inflated for up to 12 months.

There are health conditions that may disqualify someone from having a Gastric Balloon. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Hiatus hernia
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Bleeding disorders
• Pregnacy
• Breast feeding
• Previous gastrointestinal surgeries Eg Fundoplication, LSG or Gastric bypass
• Allergies to Silicone
• BMI over 35 with co morbidities
• Severe reflux or heartburn
• Certain medical conditions that may complicate the use of Orbera Balloon.

Book a free consultation with the NV Health team to see if the Gastric Balloon is suitable for you.

No, the Gastric Balloon itself is not covered by Medicare or Private Health Insurance, but part of the hospital and anaesthetist fee for insertion and removal may be depending on your cover.