How much is a gastric balloon?
What is a gastric balloon?
A gastric balloon, also known as an intragastric balloon, is a soft, inflatable medical device that can be placed in the stomach to aid weight loss.
At The Hospital Group, we use the Allurion gastric balloon (previously known as the Elipse balloon). The Allurion balloon is made from polyurethane material and can help with weight loss by taking up space in your stomach to help you feel satisfied by smaller portions of food.
What does the gastric balloon procedure involve?
The gastric balloon weight loss procedure takes just 15 minutes. To begin with, you’ll swallow a capsule containing the deflated Allurion balloon and a thin tube. An x-ray is then taken to make sure that the balloon is in place, and it’s filled with 550ml of water through the tube. A final x-ray is taken to make sure that your gastric balloon is completely filled. The tube is removed, and you’re then free to go about your day.
Can I get a gastric balloon on the NHS?
Weight management solutions are available on the NHS, including the intragastric balloon. To be considered for a weight loss procedure on the NHS, you must:
- Have a body mass index (BMI)of 40 or more, or a BMI between 35 and 40 and a serious condition that might improve if you lost weight (such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure)
- Have tried all other weight loss methods, such as dieting and exercise, but have struggled to lose weight or keep it off
- Agree to long-term follow-up after the procedure – such as making healthy lifestyle changes and attending regular check-ups
- Be fit and healthy enough to have the procedure
- Have been receiving, or will receive, treatment from a specialist obesity team
Not everyone who has a BMI over 40 qualifies for a weight loss procedure on the NHS, and those who do may be placed on a long waiting list.
How much does a gastric balloon cost in the UK?
The total cost of your gastric balloon will depend on a number of factors. These include the level of aftercare that you’ll receive, and whether you receive dietary support before and/or after your procedure.
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PROCEDURE |
OUR PRICES START FROM* |
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Gastric balloon |
£3,995 |
*Prices accurate as of August 2022
What does the price typically include?
Your intragastric balloon procedure package will depend on the surgical provider that you choose.
When you decide to have your intragastric balloon with The Hospital Group, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of the full Allurion programme. This includes:
- A connected scale, allowing you to accurately track your weight loss journey, body composition, and BMI
- The Allurion App, which allows you to share your weight loss progress and milestones with friends and family
- The Allurion Health Tracker, which monitors your daily steps, activity and sleep.
Patient results
The Hospital Group’s Aftercare
Having a weight loss procedure result in a big lifestyle change, so good, well-rounded aftercare can make all the difference. Our weight management aftercare package has everything you might need to make progress on your gastric balloon journey. To learn more about what’s included in your weight loss balloon aftercare package, click here.
Why choose The Hospital Group for gastric balloon treatment?
As the UK’s leading provider of weight management services, we always put our patients first. Our team of weight management experts, from advisors to surgeons and dietitians, could help you achieve the results you’re looking for. Our comprehensive weight loss aftercare package will ensure that you have all the tools, advice and support that you need to adapt to your new lifestyle after your gastric balloon surgery.
Meet some of our gastric balloon surgeons
Mr Sharples is a highly experienced bariatric surgeon who undertakes ongoing professional development to further enhance his specialist skills.
Mr Robinson is a highly experienced Consultant General Surgeon with a specialist interest in upper gastrointestinal and bariatric (weight loss) surgery.
Learn more about all of our experienced bariatric surgeons here.
How do I start my intragastric balloon journey with The Hospital Group?
Your weight loss journey starts with a telephone consultation with one of our weight management experts. They’ll answer any questions you might have about your procedure, and can also provide you with more detail on the price of your Allurion gastric balloon. You can book your free telephone consultation here to discuss your weight loss balloon at a time that suits you.