You will have an initial consultation with Mr Ahmed Ahmed to determine your suitability for the programme and have any of your questions answered.
If you are suitable, a 20-minute outpatient appointment will be booked to place the balloon.
During your placement appointment, you will swallow a capsule connected to a long thin tube containing the deflated balloon. An X-ray of the stomach is performed to ensure that the capsule has been appropriately placed.
When confirmed that the capsule is in the right position, the balloon is filled with fluid to about the size of a grapefruit. The tube is then removed.
A second X-ray is performed to ensure the balloon has been filled and is still placed in the appropriate area of the stomach.
During the 16-week period, you will undergo your dietitian-led lifestyle programme.
This will focus on addressing any unhealthy behaviours around food and replacing them with positive habits, as well as providing you with advice around nutrition and portion control.
At the 16-week mark, a time-activated release valve will allow the balloon to deflate and pass through your body naturally and painlessly in a bowel movement.
The programme is designed for adults over the age of 18, with a BMI of 27+, who wish to lose a moderate amount of weight and change their lifestyle, without undergoing surgery or an endoscopic weight loss procedure.
Throughout the programme, you will receive all the support you need to succeed from your consultant and your specialist dietitian.
As part of the package of care, you will also receive a biometric scale and a smart watch that monitors your steps, exercise, sleep, and heart rate. The scale and watch connect to an app, which you can access on your smartphone or tablet. This enables you to effectively and accurately track your weight loss and body fat percentage.
Your dietitian and consultant can also follow your progress on the app, allowing them to see how you are doing and if you need any additional support to meet your goals.
The comprehensive programme is all inclusive, with the Allurion Balloon cost including:
- consultant surgeon procedure fees
- one pre-op consultation with a specialist dietitian
- procedure
- three follow-up consultations with a specialist dietician across six months
- discharge medication pertaining to the package
- any required medications and/or consumables
- biometric scale, smart watch, and access to smartphone app
Excluded from the package price:
- initial consultation with consultant surgeon
- take-out supplies
- personal expenses – telephone calls, additional catering, ambulances, etc.
