needtolose4stone
New Member
Hi Guys, :welcome::talk017:
I have been doing extensive research into the Gastric Balloon over the past month or so as i am very interested in having the procedure. I thought it may be helpful to anyone interested in this procedure to have this thread as there is very little on this website forum and on the internet in general. First i will tell you a bit about my story then i shall go into the ins and outs of the balloon itself the different types, the clinics that offer this procedure and costs.
So Firstly,
I am a 23 yearold woman called Shell and i live in Bedfordshire. I am 16 stone (eek dont like admitting that often) and am 5.5 so have a bmi of 37. My weight crept on during pregnancy (4 stone) and over the past 3 years since giving birth i have put on another 2 stone
I have tried the usual diets with some weightlosses but to no avail have they worked. I have a slight lack of willpower combined with laziness,but i know what it feels like to be a slim and sexy size 10/12 (i have a curvy figure,Kim Kardashian in my dreams!!) so i think once i loose a considerable amount of weight i WILL NOT go back to being fat and overweight. I am so unhappy at the moment and it is affecting my life, my studies and my ability to be a fun loving mummy, i dont ever take my son swimming instead i pack him off with my boyfriend and my sister or his grandparents, and i want to take him swimming and see his face light up. there are many other things that restrict me too, i am sooooo ready to change my life for the better.
I looked into the Gastric Balloon about a month ago and am going to the clinic tomorrow for a consultation with the dietician, so hopefully i will have the procedure very very soon.
So now i shall explain all about the Gastric Balloon, i shall then explain the pros and cons, and why i think it is suitable for me, and why it may not be suitable for other people. I would love other peoples feedback on my post and comments,questions, advice,anything!!
Gastric Balloon Facts!!:553:
Ok so this is what i believe to be true about the gastric balloon, i have used official sites for information and have seeked a professional opinion which has helped formed my view on the balloon.
1. What is the Gastric Balloon
The gastric balloon is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that may be performed in 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the patient to be discharged approximately 2 hours later when they have fully recovered, unlike gastric bands/bypass which can be classed as major surgery and involves at least a one night stay in hospital and longer recovery time.
There are currently two types of Gastric Balloon on the market. First is the Orbera Balloon, which was created some time ago and has been quite successful but it has faults which i shall explain later. This balloon is inserted for 6 months and is NOT adjustable. This balloon is offered widely around the world and in many clinics across the UK. It estimates a weight loss of between 2-3stones.
The 2nd option is the relatively new Spatz Balloon, which is a 12month adustable balloon. The two main differences are that it can stay in for a longer period of 12 months and the 2nd more important feature is that it is adjustable meaning that saline can be reduced or increased depending on need, e.g after 5months weightloss may decrease so saline can be filled into the balloon to kickstart weight loss. Estimated weightloss for this balloon is 5-6stones!!:talk017:
2 How is it inserted?
The procedure involves a surgeon inserting a deflated soft, silicone balloon through the mouth into the stomach during an endoscopy procedure under mild sedation. (i have been informed that this mild sedation is very effective and patients dont remember a thing).The balloon is then filled with sterile saline to partially fill the stomach and give the patient a feeling of fullness, leaving less room for food.
3. Cost
Ok so the cost varies from clinic to clinic and depending on which balloon you pick, prices start from about £3000 to a maximum of £5000. I think you will find that clinics abroad in Europe offer cheaper packages however they only offer packages for the 6month Orbera balloon (as far as im aware i havent seen any european clinics offer the new balloon however i'm sure this will soon change). to be honest i dont have a huge amount of information on going abroad for procedure as i am not interested in that route so have little info on it.
Uk prices vary from clinic to clinic also. The 12 month balloon is currently only offered at two clinics in the UK.
1. Nucleus Healthcare
Gastric Balloon | Gastric Balloon Treatment | Nucleus Healthcare
If you call Nucleus they give lots of information over the phone and will send you an information pack (they do not drive sales so you wont recieve countless calls or brochures)
The cost for the 6month balloon is around £3950 and the 12month balloon is £4950. Nucleus do offer a 1,2 or 3 year 0% interest finance plan (which i intend to take advantage of). This does involve a credit check and i have been advised that they use Experian to do checks and you need a very high score of over 850 with no adverse credit.if successful you can pay monthly via direct debit and payments would be:
1 year = £412.50 per month
2 years = £206.25 per month
3 years = £137.50 per month
Nucleus is a Private Gastroenterology Hospital based in Newport, South Wales. I am personally going with this company after doing lots of research and finding that they are very helpful and sympathetic, plus the finance package really appeals to me!!
2. Healthier Weight
Gastric Band Surgery, Obesity Surgery & Weight Loss Programmes from UK Weight Loss Clinic - Healthier Weight
This company offers both balloons and also have a finance plan but it is slightly different, they charge £4999 for the 12 month balloon (and around £1000 less for the 6month balloon) and add £250 onto the price which then allows you to pay half before the procedure (about £2700) and then the rest in four monthly installments which is about £500 a month. This DOES NOT involve a credit check so may be good for someone with average or bad credit but has some money soare and can afford the monthly payments. You can call them and get more indepth info though, they send out an info pack with all info and they are very helpful. They are based in London, Birmingham (Head Office), Manchester, Cardiff, Southampton & Italy.
4. Pros, Cons & Comparisons of Balloons
Ok so this again is my insight to pros and cons, this may vary with other people.
Pros of Balloon.
I have chosen the 12 month Spatz adjustable balloon as i think i need the 12month balloon to lose my goal of 5-6stones. i think the balloon will help me get down to my goal weight of 10stone and will help me retrain my stomach to knowing just how little it takes to fill up and make me feel full. I know what it feels like to be slim and i am very sure that once i have lost a few stones and can fit back into some of my old clothes i will be more and more inspired to lose weight and to move forward with excercise. I am ready to change my eating habits, i dont think i have an emotional problem food like many overweight people can do. i am in no way in denial about the reasons to my weight gain. i ate WAY too much during my pregnancy, mainly by having takeaways, going out for meals and drinking countless cans of coke!! so i know exactly what to cut out, and the balloon will help me with this as it will make me feel full after only small amounts of food. I know that i can go without these as i dont particularly crave them,i do obviously enjoy treats but i am completely aware of what is good and bad for you. The balloon is a good solution as i dont like the more drastic procedure such as the band,bypass or sleeve. they are great for other people personally i think the balloon is great for me.
So thats my guide to the Gastric Balloon i hope it has been helpful to those who are interested. Please feel free to comment xx:thankyou:
I have been doing extensive research into the Gastric Balloon over the past month or so as i am very interested in having the procedure. I thought it may be helpful to anyone interested in this procedure to have this thread as there is very little on this website forum and on the internet in general. First i will tell you a bit about my story then i shall go into the ins and outs of the balloon itself the different types, the clinics that offer this procedure and costs.
So Firstly,
I am a 23 yearold woman called Shell and i live in Bedfordshire. I am 16 stone (eek dont like admitting that often) and am 5.5 so have a bmi of 37. My weight crept on during pregnancy (4 stone) and over the past 3 years since giving birth i have put on another 2 stone
I have tried the usual diets with some weightlosses but to no avail have they worked. I have a slight lack of willpower combined with laziness,but i know what it feels like to be a slim and sexy size 10/12 (i have a curvy figure,Kim Kardashian in my dreams!!) so i think once i loose a considerable amount of weight i WILL NOT go back to being fat and overweight. I am so unhappy at the moment and it is affecting my life, my studies and my ability to be a fun loving mummy, i dont ever take my son swimming instead i pack him off with my boyfriend and my sister or his grandparents, and i want to take him swimming and see his face light up. there are many other things that restrict me too, i am sooooo ready to change my life for the better.
I looked into the Gastric Balloon about a month ago and am going to the clinic tomorrow for a consultation with the dietician, so hopefully i will have the procedure very very soon.
So now i shall explain all about the Gastric Balloon, i shall then explain the pros and cons, and why i think it is suitable for me, and why it may not be suitable for other people. I would love other peoples feedback on my post and comments,questions, advice,anything!!
Gastric Balloon Facts!!:553:
Ok so this is what i believe to be true about the gastric balloon, i have used official sites for information and have seeked a professional opinion which has helped formed my view on the balloon.
1. What is the Gastric Balloon
The gastric balloon is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that may be performed in 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the patient to be discharged approximately 2 hours later when they have fully recovered, unlike gastric bands/bypass which can be classed as major surgery and involves at least a one night stay in hospital and longer recovery time.
There are currently two types of Gastric Balloon on the market. First is the Orbera Balloon, which was created some time ago and has been quite successful but it has faults which i shall explain later. This balloon is inserted for 6 months and is NOT adjustable. This balloon is offered widely around the world and in many clinics across the UK. It estimates a weight loss of between 2-3stones.
The 2nd option is the relatively new Spatz Balloon, which is a 12month adustable balloon. The two main differences are that it can stay in for a longer period of 12 months and the 2nd more important feature is that it is adjustable meaning that saline can be reduced or increased depending on need, e.g after 5months weightloss may decrease so saline can be filled into the balloon to kickstart weight loss. Estimated weightloss for this balloon is 5-6stones!!:talk017:
2 How is it inserted?
The procedure involves a surgeon inserting a deflated soft, silicone balloon through the mouth into the stomach during an endoscopy procedure under mild sedation. (i have been informed that this mild sedation is very effective and patients dont remember a thing).The balloon is then filled with sterile saline to partially fill the stomach and give the patient a feeling of fullness, leaving less room for food.
3. Cost
Ok so the cost varies from clinic to clinic and depending on which balloon you pick, prices start from about £3000 to a maximum of £5000. I think you will find that clinics abroad in Europe offer cheaper packages however they only offer packages for the 6month Orbera balloon (as far as im aware i havent seen any european clinics offer the new balloon however i'm sure this will soon change). to be honest i dont have a huge amount of information on going abroad for procedure as i am not interested in that route so have little info on it.
Uk prices vary from clinic to clinic also. The 12 month balloon is currently only offered at two clinics in the UK.
1. Nucleus Healthcare
Gastric Balloon | Gastric Balloon Treatment | Nucleus Healthcare
If you call Nucleus they give lots of information over the phone and will send you an information pack (they do not drive sales so you wont recieve countless calls or brochures)
The cost for the 6month balloon is around £3950 and the 12month balloon is £4950. Nucleus do offer a 1,2 or 3 year 0% interest finance plan (which i intend to take advantage of). This does involve a credit check and i have been advised that they use Experian to do checks and you need a very high score of over 850 with no adverse credit.if successful you can pay monthly via direct debit and payments would be:
1 year = £412.50 per month
2 years = £206.25 per month
3 years = £137.50 per month
Nucleus is a Private Gastroenterology Hospital based in Newport, South Wales. I am personally going with this company after doing lots of research and finding that they are very helpful and sympathetic, plus the finance package really appeals to me!!
2. Healthier Weight
Gastric Band Surgery, Obesity Surgery & Weight Loss Programmes from UK Weight Loss Clinic - Healthier Weight
This company offers both balloons and also have a finance plan but it is slightly different, they charge £4999 for the 12 month balloon (and around £1000 less for the 6month balloon) and add £250 onto the price which then allows you to pay half before the procedure (about £2700) and then the rest in four monthly installments which is about £500 a month. This DOES NOT involve a credit check so may be good for someone with average or bad credit but has some money soare and can afford the monthly payments. You can call them and get more indepth info though, they send out an info pack with all info and they are very helpful. They are based in London, Birmingham (Head Office), Manchester, Cardiff, Southampton & Italy.
4. Pros, Cons & Comparisons of Balloons
Ok so this again is my insight to pros and cons, this may vary with other people.
Pros of Balloon.
- Non invasive procedure
- Removeable - short term (6 or 12 months)
- Adjustable (12 month Spatz balloon only!!)meaning if you do reach a plateau, you can go back to the clinic free of charge (included in the price) and have the balloon filled with more saline making less room in your stomach and will give you a kickstart to your weightloss.
- Helps you change your liefstyle and change your mindset on food and helps educate your stomach to portion sizes etc
- Ability to lose a substancial amount of weight in a short period of time
- Orbera balloon has lots of clinical data which may appeal to wary patients
- Removable - some people may need something more permanent but this is a personal decision that needs to be made, you need to think whether you will be able to maintain your new slim sexy body after it is removed!!
- Orbera Balloon is not adjustable and i have seen reports that weightloss slows down around the 3-4month stage which can be quite disheartening for patients. I think this is ultimately the reason why the spatz Balloon was developed and will eventually replace the 6 month balloon altogether, or they will develop a 6 month adjustable balloon.
- Spatz balloon is very new on the market so hasnt had much clinical audit data or research attached to it. However from my research it seems like a great alternative to the Orbera balloon and my way of thinking is that it wouldnt be used in the UK if it wasnt a good product.
I have chosen the 12 month Spatz adjustable balloon as i think i need the 12month balloon to lose my goal of 5-6stones. i think the balloon will help me get down to my goal weight of 10stone and will help me retrain my stomach to knowing just how little it takes to fill up and make me feel full. I know what it feels like to be slim and i am very sure that once i have lost a few stones and can fit back into some of my old clothes i will be more and more inspired to lose weight and to move forward with excercise. I am ready to change my eating habits, i dont think i have an emotional problem food like many overweight people can do. i am in no way in denial about the reasons to my weight gain. i ate WAY too much during my pregnancy, mainly by having takeaways, going out for meals and drinking countless cans of coke!! so i know exactly what to cut out, and the balloon will help me with this as it will make me feel full after only small amounts of food. I know that i can go without these as i dont particularly crave them,i do obviously enjoy treats but i am completely aware of what is good and bad for you. The balloon is a good solution as i dont like the more drastic procedure such as the band,bypass or sleeve. they are great for other people personally i think the balloon is great for me.
So thats my guide to the Gastric Balloon i hope it has been helpful to those who are interested. Please feel free to comment xx:thankyou:
