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Gastric Balloon in Dublin at Blackrock WeightCare

Non-surgical weight loss in Ireland with the ORBERA Gastric Balloon at Blackrock WeightCare

Expected excess weight loss: 

20% – 30% of excess weight

Average procedure time:

20 – 30 minutes

Average length of hospital stay: 

1 – 2 hours

At Blackrock WeightCare, we offer non-surgical gastric balloon insertion for patients who may not want or are unsuitable for surgical weight loss procedures. We provide the insertion of the ORBERA365 Intragastric Balloon System, which can stay in place for up to 12 months.

We support our patients with a gastric balloon with a supervised weight loss and dietary programme at home in Ireland, to increase their chances of long term weight loss and maintenance.

As it doesn’t require surgery or general anaesthesia, patients can leave the clinic 1-2 hours post-insertion and continue their aftercare at home. Many patients see long term success after gastric balloon inflation.

ORBERA365 Placement

ORBERA365 Removal

Quick guide

What is a gastric balloon?

A gastric balloon is a soft silicone balloon that’s inserted into the stomach. It’s temporarily inserted into the stomach without surgery and creates a feeling of fullness after meals. The deflated balloon is inserted by an endoscopic (through the mouth) procedure. You’ll be lightly sedated during this procedure.

Once it’s inside the stomach, it’s filled with sterile salt water through a small filling tube or catheter. The balloon has a self-seal valve and once it’s filled, the catheter is removed. When the balloon is filled, it’s too big to leave the stomach.

The balloon will be inserted and inflated in 20-30 minutes, but you’ll be asked to stay in the clinic for up to 2 hours for observation. Then you’ll be discharged and you can go home.

When might a surgeon recommend a gastric balloon for me?

Your surgeon could recommend a gastric balloon as the best option for you to have successful and sustained weight loss if you’ve already attempted to lose weight through diet and exercise. It is a temporary solution, and is used to promote smaller portions and a change of lifestyle.

It’s also a weight loss option for patients with a BMI of 30-30 who haven’t maintained weight loss with a supervised weight loss programme. It’s also suitable for patients with a BMI over 40, or BMI over 35 with comorbidities who aren’t suitable for bariatric surgery.

What are the results of having a gastric balloon?

Many patients see long term results with the gastric balloon, because it stays in place for up to 12 months, allowing them to adjust to their new healthy lifestyle. We are here to support you with your healthy eating plan.

For the first 72 hours after balloon insertion, vomiting and nausea are common, you may also feel bloated and could have diarrhoea and cramping. These side effects normally persist for a few days, but sometimes last up to two weeks. If needed, your surgeon can give you medication to manage them.

How is the gastric balloon removed?

The gastric balloon is removed the same way it was inserted: endoscopically. Your surgeon will puncture the balloon and suction the sterile water through a catheter. Then, when the balloon is deflated, it will be removed. You’ll be able to go home in 2-3 hours and you shouldn’t need any time off work.

Three days before the removal, you’ll have to eat a semi-liquid diet and the day before removal, you’ll be on a liquid diet only. Your surgeon will give you guidance on this.

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