The Allurion gastric balloon is a behaviour change tool which can help you feel full for longer on a reduced amount of food.  The balloon itself however is only one part of a much more holistic program which is designed to not only track your progress but also guide you while you make significant changes to your lifestyle in order to sustain and possibly further the weight loss you achieve with your balloon.  

Before the Balloon

Firstly, you will be invited to consult with one of our doctors to determine whether the balloon is a safe and appropriate option for you.  Once you and your doctor have agreed and discussed all aspects of the gastric balloon, a date for its insertion will be set.  You will be supplied with the necessary prescriptions to control any side effects which may occur for the first few days after balloon placement.  See “Life with the Balloon”.  Following this step you will meet with the dietitian who will provide you with a comprehensive nutritional guide to walk you through the pre and post balloon insertion period.

Placement Day

On the day of your balloon placement you will meet with the doctor along with their assistant and the balloon placement procedure will begin.  Each step of the procedure will be carefully explained  in order to alleviate any concerns that may arise and to create a calm environment for you.

The deflated balloon comes in the form of a capsule attached to a thin tube called a catheter. You will be asked to swallow the capsule attached to the catheter, aided by a drink of water. Once swallowed, an X-ray is needed to ensure that the balloon is situated well within your stomach. Our doctor will then fill the balloon via the catheter with approximately 500mls of water. After the balloon is filled, another X-ray is needed to ensure that the balloon is correctly inflated and still sitting nicely in the stomach.  Upon position confirmation, the doctor will gently detach the catheter tube from the balloon.  

Now that the balloon insertion procedure is complete, the doctor’s assistant will provide you with your scales, your tracking watch and connect you to the Allurion Insights support App. You will be asked to weigh yourself once a week and this data will be uploaded to the App automatically. While wearing your watch your steps will also be uploaded to the App.   Both you and your support team have access to your weight and activity history on the App, making tracking your progress simple for everyone.  

Life with the Balloon

There may be a short period of time after the balloon placement in which your body is tries to adjust to its presence creating nausea and cramping.  This normally lasts for the first 48 hours that the balloon is in place and can vary in severity.  Your doctor will prescribe medications to relieve any symptoms you might experience. Once this period has passed and you have transitioned through fluids to solid food (usually over 4-7 days),most people report eating approximately 50% of their pre balloon food intake.  

The balloon is in place for approximately 16 weeks so it is extremely important to optimise this time by making good, healthy food choices and addressing habits and behaviours that have not been conducive to your weight loss and health goals.

The doctors, dietitians and health coaches at Newcastle Obesity Surgery Centre will contact you frequently through the life of the balloon, offering education, support and guidance along the way.  While the balloon itself assists with weight loss, it is your commitment to the process that will make all the difference in the outcomes.  Let our experienced team lead you in making sustainable changes to your lifestyle that help you achieve weight loss with, and beyond the balloon.