Allurion Gastric Pill Balloon - Placement Of Your Balloon 

It is recommended to have a companion accompany you, if possible, for added support and someone to converse with immediately after the placement and for your journey back home. It's completely natural to feel a bit anxious in the days leading up to your placement. However, knowing that you will be in the capable hands of experienced and skilled gastric balloon experts should help alleviate any apprehension. Rest assured, all our consultants are carefully selected and GMC registered to ensure you receive care from top-tier professionals. 

 

You will be instructed not to eat anything on the morning of your placement. However, you can still drink plain water, and clear tea with honey is also permissible. Stay hydrated until approximately 2 hours before the placement. It's important to avoid wearing necklaces and using lipstick or lip balm before you head to the placement facility, as necklaces can interfere with x-ray imaging, and lipstick can adhere to the capsule you'll swallow. 

 

Upon arrival at the facility, you will be greeted by the staff. After completing a few formalities, such as signing in, undergoing a temperature check, and sanitizing your hands, you will meet your doctor and be escorted to the x-ray room where the procedure will take place. 

 

While seated upright in a chair, you will ingest a balloon capsule connected to a thin tube, accompanied by a glass of water. Your doctor will assist you with the stylet if necessary. An X-ray will be taken to confirm the capsule's proper placement, after which the balloon will be filled. This filling process takes approximately 6 minutes. 

 

Once the filling is complete, another X-ray will ensure the balloon is correctly positioned before your doctor gently removes the catheter, leaving the balloon inside your stomach. The entire procedure typically takes no more than 20 minutes, and often even less. 

 

The placement is now complete, and your balloon is ready to commence its work. We recommend having someone accompany you, if possible, for additional support and to engage in conversation immediately after the placement as you travel back home. This will help you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible. The initial days may feel unusual as your body adapts to the gastric balloon in your stomach, but this is entirely normal. Below, we've outlined some anticipated symptoms. 

 

The first few days can be challenging as your brain adjusts to the presence of this new object in your stomach. Its natural response is to attempt to expel it, often by increasing stomach acid production, leading to stomach cramps, nausea, and, in some cases, vomiting. 

 

While this can be a difficult start, it's important to be prepared for these symptoms. Keep in mind that they are entirely normal, and after a few days, your body typically adapts, and these symptoms subside. This process can vary in intensity, but there's no need to worry, as our team will be available to address any questions or concerns you may have. 

 

During this period, our specialized bariatric nurse will make daily reassurance calls to you. You'll also receive special medication to help alleviate these side effects, which you should take before and after the placement.