Leading Gastric Balloon Team in Sydney
Thinking about a non-surgical option to support your weight loss goals? Gastric balloon therapy at St George Obesity and General Surgery offers a reversible, non-surgical approach that may help you manage portion sizes and support lifestyle changes. Our team will guide you through the process, discuss potential benefits and risks, and help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
What is a Gastric Balloon?
The gastric balloon is a non-operative endoscopic procedure to assist with weight loss.
The silicone-based balloon is placed via a gastroscope through your mouth and into the stomach. The presence of the balloon within the stomach helps with hunger and also portion control. The balloon typically remains in your stomach for about 6 to 12 months, after which it is removed through another endoscopic procedure.
Read more about the balloon here
Advantages of Balloon
- Reversible procedure
- No lasting impact on the stomach
- Non-invasive procedure
- Same day procedure
- Average weight loss 12-15% of your total body weight
- Suitable for BMI 27 and above patients
- Enjoy the same class-leading weight loss support at SGOS
Is Gastric Balloon in Sydney for you?
The gastric balloon can be a useful tool when it comes to weight loss.
Typically, it is most effective in patients who are between BMI 27-35 and are looking for a strong kick-start to their weight loss journey. The average weight loss with balloon ranges between 10-20kg. Research suggests gastric balloon therapy can support weight loss during the treatment period if you can make the relevant dietary and lifestyle adjustments after balloon placement. Long-term outcomes depend on maintaining these changes after the balloon is removed.
The gastric balloon is an ideal intervention for patients who are contemplating weight loss intervention but yet to commit to surgery or prefer a non-surgical option.
It can also offer a good entry into bariatric surgery where it can give you a taste of the degree of restriction expected with weight loss surgeries like sleeve and bypass.
Read the Gastric balloon evidence here – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S204908012100087X
Is the Gastric Balloon Safe?
The Gastric balloon in Sydney is generally considered a safe procedure when performed by qualified specialists and is considered less invasive when compared to surgical weight loss options like Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass. Like all medical interventions, it carries potential risks and side effects.
Unlike the above-mentioned surgeries, the Gastric Balloon does not involve any surgical alterations to your stomach or gut. Even though weight loss with the balloon is rarely as high as surgery, it can still be effective.
Here are some of the less common side effects to the balloon:
- Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and acid reflux, especially in the first few days after insertion
- Balloon Deflation: If the balloon deflates, it can move through the digestive system and potentially cause a blockage, which might require surgical removal.
- Ulcers and Gastric Erosion: The balloon can cause irritation to the stomach lining, leading to ulcers or gastric erosion.
- Weight Regain: After the balloon is removed, there is a potential to regain weight if dietary and lifestyle changes are not maintained
Read more information here – https://www.tga.gov.au/safety/safety-monitoring-and-information/safety-alerts/intragastric-balloon-systems
The whole process explained
You will go on a one-week VLCD diet with a vegetable side prior to balloon insertion. Don't worry, our dietician will guide you through the process
You will be sedated for the procedure so that you wouldn't feel anything throughout the procedure. The balloon is inserted into the stomach under vision with the gastroscope and inflated with a blue dye. The volume of blue dye helps to expand the balloon and usually ranges between 500-600mls. Following the procedure, you will be given intravenous fluids and also anti-nausea medications to help with the initial symptoms of the balloon
The first 48-72hrs can be tough where you may feel symptoms of cramping, some nausea and fullness. Don't worry, this is normal. There will be 3 medications to help you with symptoms which comprises of an anti-nausea, anti-reflux and anti-cramping tablet. Following this period, symptoms generally ease off. The balloon is then there to do its job of portion control and appetite suppression.
This is the most exciting part. Weight loss tends to be quicker in the first 4 months after balloon insertion. As part of the program, you will need to attend fixed follow-ups (at the 2 week, 3 months and 6 months mark) regularly with our team to ensure that you remain on track and are not experiencing some of the rare side effects that can be associated with the balloon.
These can include reflux, balloon migration, balloon leakage.
Don't forget, this is the golden period where you should start establishing some sustainable habits in your diet and lifestyle which will help you maintain the weight loss achieved with the balloon.
It’s time for the balloon to come out!
Typically, patients have reached the maximum amount of weight loss they can achieve with the balloon by this stage.
The removal of the balloon is again via an endoscopy day procedure.
You should not experience any symptoms after this procedure.
We are committed to long-term weight loss support as we believe that weight issues can be a long-term battle. Here at SGOS, we are unique in this way where once you have gone through weight loss therapy with us, we will continue to advocate for you to follow up with us long term. This means that you will always have access to our multi-disciplinary team whenever you need us (All future yearly consultations are BULK BILLED)
Prepare for Your Gastric Balloon Appointment
To help us provide the best care, please bring the following items to your consultation:
- A referral letter from your GP, family physician or another doctor
- Your Medicare card, DVA card or pension card
- Your private hospital insurance information
- Any relevant medical reports, including X-rays, MRIs, CT scans or other test results
- Completed blood test results (if available) before your appointment
Gastric balloon pricing
Gastric balloon treatment is not currently covered or reimbursed by Medicare or private health funds. At St George Obesity and General Surgery, we aim to make the procedure and aftercare as affordable as possible.
Our all-inclusive price for gastric balloon therapy and aftercare is $6,900 (including GST).
This fee covers:
- The cost of the Obera™ balloon
- Procedure fees for insertion and removal
- Anaesthetic fees for both procedures
- Hospital facility costs
- Aftercare and long-term follow-up
Why Choose Us for Your Balloon Therapy
- Extensive experience in performing gastric balloon procedures in Sydney
- Proven Balloon Results
- Multi-disciplinary approach to weight loss management
- Patient first - Holistic and individualised care
- Affordable Balloon Therapy Program
- Commitment towards lifelong weight loss follow-up
- Discounted rates for additional weight loss procedures, should you require them
Start Your Gastric Balloon in Sydney With St George Obesity And General Surgery
Book a consultation with our team to explore how gastric balloon in Sydney works and what you can expect. We’ll guide you through the process and provide clear information so you can decide if it’s the right option for your needs.
You can also read articles and FAQs about the gastric balloon to help you prepare for your appointment.
