SurgiCare, one of the leading UK specialists in cosmetic surgery and obesity surgery, has revealed that it will now offer the gastric balloon for patients who need to lose a significant amount of weight.
The procedure involves placing an air-filled balloon into the stomach, reducing the amount of food that can be consumed in one sitting.
Air-filled gastric balloons represent a significant improvement over traditional liquid-filled devices, as these can cause nausea and discomfort.
However, the latest device enables a faster recovery and its gold coating reduces the likelihood of deflation.
Mark Bury, chief executive at Surgicare, commented: "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 gastric balloon provides an excellent short-term aid to weight loss and delivers fantastic results when combined with the diet and exercise programme offered in our aftercare programme."
The gastric balloon is offered to patients with a body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 35 and is placed in the stomach for a maximum of six months, in which time it promotes weight loss of up to five stone.
