What is the Newest Weight Loss Balloon Procedure?

Swallowable gastric balloons are a newer option.

Paradigm Shift in Non-Surgical Bariatrics

The weight loss program, which involves using a balloon, is a highly effective treatment for patients who cannot or would not like to have bariatric surgery, such as a gastric sleeve, since this is a more invasive surgical procedure. Traditionally, insertion and removal of the balloon required mild surgery using endoscopy while the patient was undergoing twilight anesthesia through the patient's throat.

Clinically, it was a great success, but the need for surgery created a major psychological and physical problem for a large number of patients who were looking for a hassle-free and risk-free weight loss method. Today's newest and most revolutionary development in this area completely eliminates the need for surgery, endoscopy, and anesthesia. The modern era of gastric volume restriction is exemplified by the "no procedure required" swallowable gastric balloon, which not only eliminates the trauma of being put under endoscopic procedures but also provides an uncomplicated, outpatient way to safely reset major metabolic factors while achieving a quick and durable weight loss without the recovery from surgery.

The Swallowable Gastric Balloon (Allurion)

The frontrunner of this non-surgical revolution is a swallowable gastric balloon capsule, the world-renowned Allurion (formerly Elipse) program. The patient swallows a small vegan capsule in just 15 minutes during an outpatient session, where the capsule contains a tightly folded polyurethane balloon connected to an ultra-thin micro-catheter. The physician injects the balloon with exactly 550 milliliters of distilled liquid, occupying a large portion of the gastric cavity, after confirming the position of the capsule in the stomach through a series of X-rays with the micro-catheter.

The biggest leap forward of the swallowable balloon is its ability to leave the body naturally. Instead of performing a second endoscopic procedure, the modern balloon employs a time-release valve that is a patented innovation. About a month and four weeks after placing the balloon, the acid-insensitive valve begins to slowly disintegrate until completely degrading and draining the fluid into the stomach. The very thin, flat silicone covering of the balloon is eventually passed through the whole of the GI tract of the patient, without causing any discomfort, totally safely and painlessly, and requiring no medical follow-ups whatsoever.

Gastric Emptying and Metabolic Resetting

Taking a very limited amount of food becomes a patient's only choice when the balloon is physically present in the stomach. Its real strength is that the balloon's presence causes a biological change in how the digestive tract functions. The new generation of gastric balloons deliberately slows the emptying of food from the gastrointestinal tract, meaning the small amount of food you do consume hangs around in the stomach for a much longer time compared to the pre-balloon stomach. The continual stretching of the stomach sends constant signals to the brain, reducing the urge to eat by blocking the release of the stomach's hormone ghrelin, and it will maintain the feeling of being full for the whole day.

That enforced time of extreme satiation opens up the perfect opportunity for a completely new metabolic transformation. The patient no longer has to resist hunger pangs or food cravings, so they can focus on changing their eating habits, namely following a highly nutritious, predominantly high-protein, low-glycaemic diet. Like a perfect biological coach, the balloon will gradually help the patient to build up portion control behaviors and the ability to regulate insulin. By the end of four months, these changes will have been well embedded and will still remain when the balloon has completely gone.

Recovery Period and After the Balloon Procedure

Dedicated persons aiming for full success will appreciate the importance of respecting the prescribed recovery period and dietary guidelines when choosing the new gastric inflatable balloon for weight loss. As the patient’s stomach will perceive the balloon as a foreign substance almost immediately, the first three to five days will be the most profound physiological adaptation period. One may suffer from unbearable stomach cramps, vomiting, as the gastric muscles will try to break down the balloon. Therefore, anti-emetic medicines will be prescribed for a while, and patients will be on a clear liquid diet.

For lasting weight loss, it is important to realize the balloon will only serve as a temporary biological tool, not really the solution to all the problems. When patients resume eating solid foods, they must adhere to certain rules without exception: Not only should high-calorie liquids and refined sugars be permanently avoided, but carbonated beverages must also be discontinued. Carbonation can cause the stomach to expand prematurely and displace the balloon, thus leading to acid reflux. Patients are strongly advised not to consume nicotine and heavy alcohol because they can damage the metabolism, as well as negatively impact body shape.

LIN Europe Clinic

Coming from a  LIN Europe Clinic in Turkey, is not only one of the best clinic in the Middle East but also, more importantly, it is a great place, from the standpoint of medical health and cosmetic procedures, to achieve and maintain weight loss in a very safe way without going under the knife or needles. We are very proud of the fact that all our procedures are of high quality and our customer service is friendly as well. In addition, you are going to be supported throughout the various stages, both medical and psychological, needed for a swallow balloon treatment. In fact, we think it is only possible to have a good result from a swallow-balloon program if you are in a place with the highest level of technical and emotional support and a transparent, step-by-step information flow.

Entrusting your metabolic balance and health completely to the highly dedicated specialists at  LIN Europe Clinic allows for the most efficient way to make your physical and functional changes as big and lasting as possible. We do not compromise either on the pre-procedural diagnosis and profiling or on the nutritional and behavioral support during the treatment. We ensure both your physical and internal health will be well maintained so you can reach your personal best and live confidently again without any regrets.