Home / For International patients / Elipse Balloon

Elipse Balloon

The Elipse Balloon is the world’s first swallowable gastric balloon, with over 30,000 balloons placed worldwide since its launch. The Elipse Balloon requires no surgery, no endoscopy, and no anaesthesia.

Overview

Living a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a healthy body weight can be a challenge, and for many people, following a diet or exercise regime isn’t an effective or long-term method for losing weight and keeping it off.

This is where the Elipse Balloon Programme comes in; offering patients the opportunity to kickstart their healthy lifestyle and lose weight safely, under the guidance of our expert Consultant, Mr Ahmed Ahmed. Mr Ahmed is a world-leader in the field of bariatrics and metabolic surgery and is supported by a team of Specialist Dietitians.

What is the Elipse Balloon and how does it work?

The Elipse Balloon is the first gastric balloon that is swallowed, requiring no surgery, endoscopy, or anaesthesia.

When the balloon is swallowed and placed correctly in your gut, it helps to reduce your food intake by taking up space in the stomach and preventing you from feeling hungry.

Removing these physical hunger cues, allows you to focus on your mindset and kickstart new, healthier lifestyle habits.

On average, patients can expect to lose between 10 – 15% of their total body weight whilst on the programme, from a combination of the balloon and the accompanying dietetic and lifestyle advice provided alongside it.

What can I expect from the Elipse Balloon Programme?

Step 1 - Initial consultation

You will have an initial consultation with Mr Ahmed Ahmed to determine your suitability for the programme and have any of your questions about the programme answered.

If you are suitable, a 20-minute outpatient appointment will be booked to place the balloon.

Step 2 - Outpatient placement appointment

During your placement appointment, you will swallow a capsule containing the deflated balloon and connected to a long thin tube.

An X-ray of the stomach is then 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.

Once confirmed the placement is complete, and the balloon will remain in your stomach for 16 weeks on average.

Step 3 - Your lifestyle programme

During that 16 week period, you will undergo your Dietitian-led lifestyle programme. This will be focused around addressing any unhealthy behaviours around food, and replacing them with positive habits, as well as providing you with advice around nutrition and portion control.

Step 4 - End of programme

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.

What support will I receive whilst on the programme?

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.

Who is this programme suitable for?

The programme is designed for adults over the age of 18, with a BMI 27+, who wish to lose a moderate amount of weight and change their lifestyle, without undergoing surgery or an endoscopic weight loss procedure.

How much does it cost?

The comprehensive programme is all inclusive, with the programme cost including:

Consultation(s) with your Consultant
The Elipse Balloon
Support of a Specialist Dietician, including 4 one-to-one sessions
Biometric scale
Smart watch I.e. a Fitbit
Elipse Balloon smartphone app

Fixed price - £4200

Support for International Patients

We recognise that face-to-face medical appointments aren’t always practical, particularly for our international patients.

We offer a virtual consultation service, where our international patients can have a video call with their Consultant to discuss the programme and check their suitability before coming to the UK to receive the Elipse Balloon. All Dietitian sessions can also be held virtually, from the comfort of your home.

Throughout your healthcare journey, you will be supported by our dedicated International Patient Centre. The team can support you in a variety of ways to ensure you have the best possible patient experience. Services offered include:

interpreting services 
booking appointments
providing support with visa applications
payment assistance

Why choose us?

Our Elipse Balloon programme offers:

An innovative, fast and non-invasive way to lose weight safely under the expert guidance from our world class Consultant
Personalised dietary and lifestyle advice from your own dedicated Specialist Dietician
A comprehensive 360-degree service, giving you all the tools you need to make healthy lifestyle changes that will last

Specialist Consultant

Contact the International patient centre

We can take your calls between 9am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday

or to book a virtual consultation, please enquire now:

+44 (0)20 7460 5586 Enquire now

Please note - regrettably we are unable to answer specific medical questions or offer medical advice via internet, email or telephone.