SurgiCare, one of the leading UK cosmetic and weight loss surgery providers, has announced that the gastric balloon will be the next procedure to be added to its weight loss treatments.

As only one of two weight loss surgery providers to offer the procedure in the UK, the introduction of the air filled gastric balloon procedure directly responds to a gap in the current weight loss market with fewer side effects. The traditional liquid filled gastric balloons have been known to cause extreme nausea and discomfort due to the movement of the liquid content.

The introduction of the gold coated, air filled balloon means that patients experience less nausea and discomfort, meaning a faster, safer recovery following the procedure. The gold coating is designed to reduce the problem of deflation, which can occur in the fluid filled balloon option.

The unique gold coating prevents air loss meaning the balloon stays at maximum volume for the duration of the placement.

Available exclusively to patients with a BMI of between 25-35, the gastric balloon offers patients who are struggling to find a weight loss solution an opportunity to control their weight. It is an industry concern that patients who do not meet the strict criteria for a gastric band or bypass may resort to more drastic measures such as over eating to reach the required BMI of 35 and above.

The lowered BMI recommendation of a gastric balloon provides a weight loss option for those who would not previously be considered, presenting a much needed alternative for those who have tried every other weight loss method.

The procedure is quite simple, taking approximately 20 minutes to complete. The gold coated balloon is inserted into the stomach under sedation or general anaesthesic and then filled with air. The air filled balloon then decreases the space available in the stomach meaning the patient will feel ‘full’ much sooner with less food eaten resulting in weight loss.

Placed into the stomach for a maximum of six months, the balloon allows more freedom than other procedures, while producing weight loss results of up to five stone. One of the main advantages is the weight of the balloon at 30g rather than 700g, which is the weight of the fluid variety.

Mark Bury, chief executive at Surgicare commented: “The gastric balloon has been a staple weight loss procedure in the United States for many years. The introduction of the air filled balloon is a big step forward for weight loss procedures as it provides patients with the same results as a liquid filled balloon, but without the associated side effects.

“The addition of the procedure to SurgiCare’s weight loss portfolio will open the door to weight loss surgery for those who would not be considered for other procedures. The gastric balloon provides an excellent short term aid to weight loss and delivers fantastic results when combined with the diet and exercise program offered in our aftercare program.”

As part of the SurgiCare aftercare program it is recommended that patients carry out three hours of sporting activity each week and follow a coordinated diet plan to aid maximum weight loss.