Is this one of the world’s most discreet weight loss weapons?

Balloon procedure offers dramatic results without surgery

WITH the pandemic having expanded the UK’s waistline as a result of poorer eating habits, stress, and interrupted access to gyms, there’s no denying that COVID-19 has prompted many to look for a weight loss kickstart.

Research by Transform Hospital Group, one of the UK’s leading providers of weight loss solutions, showed 64% of those surveyed claim they put on weight during lockdown, with 12% gaining 6kg or more. Eating due to feeling bored was the main cause, with 68% citing this as a cause of their weight gain.*

Demand for clinical weight loss interventions such as bariatric surgery has also soared – with a 71% increase in enquiries and an 103% increase in treatments carried out between Jan – Dec 2021 compared to the same period the previous year.

Incredible results from this type of procedure have recently been displayed by former TOWIE star James ‘Arg’ Argent, who before losing 13 stone following his gastric sleeve surgery, was warned by doctors to ‘lose weight or die.’

Weight management that nobody has to know about

Transform Hospital Group, who performed James’ bariatric surgery in April 2021, have introduced their latest clinical weight-reduction treatment, the Allurion Balloon, which could help those with significant weight concerns.

The treatment allows patients to potentially lose 10-15% of their excess body weight within six months, without going under the knife. The discreet procedure offers dramatic results without the recovery and attention that surgery can bring, meaning the patient can keep their treatment private.

Christine Mozzamdar, Director of Clinical Services at Transform Hospital Group, said: “Following almost two years of restrictions, the issue of obesity has been brought into sharp focus by COVID-19. As one of the UK’s leading providers of weight management solutions, we have seen increasing numbers of patients coming to us for support as they struggle with their weight, some even facing life-limiting illnesses such as type two diabetes, heart disease, and other worrying conditions brought on by lack of physical activity and comfort eating during lockdown.  

“It’s well documented that surgical solutions can dramatically improve or even reverse the complications that come with being overweight, however, surgery is not always a viable option for some people. The Allurion Balloon offers a very effective alternative.

“We see this as a game-changing solution for those who want to lose weight and transform their relationship with food without going down the surgical route. Patients can come in and have the procedure, in a clinical setting and under the care of a medical professional, without any serious downtime. So much so that nobody has to know – it’s a very discreet procedure and that can be attractive for someone who wants to keep their weight management treatment private.

“We are delighted to be bolstering our range of weight management solutions for patients who might be struggling to reduce their BMI and their daily calorie intake. Allurion Balloon is a holistic solution that can help people lose weight over a period of six months and kickstart a healthy lifestyle that will guide their weight loss for life.”

A safe, non-invasive alternative to weight loss surgery

The state-of-the-art treatment allows patients to take control of their weight by swallowing the vegetarian Allurion Balloon, which is then filled with water by the medical professional overseeing the procedure. The balloon then trains the stomach to feel full so that patients eat less and in turn lose weight.

A proven alternative to an ineffective diet, without measures such as surgery, anaesthesia or endoscopy, the balloon is simply swallowed. The medical procedure takes around 15 minutes to carry out and is performed by a doctor at Transform Hospital Group’s Burcot Hall hospital in Bromsgrove or The Pines hospital near Manchester. It is supported by a 16-week lifestyle programme.

Patients are provided with a watch that tracks weight loss progress following their procedure, alongside a six-month programme and full access to a virtual care suite to ensure that they are supported in adapting to a healthier lifestyle and a better attitude towards food.

The procedure is not only highly effective and safe, but comfortable for patients as the device that is swallowed is the size of a piece of food. The balloon passes through the system naturally, without the need for surgical removal, within four months. Patients are then supported with their programme for a further two months, to ensure that they are adapting to their lifestyle change without any issues.

The treatment is also suitable for individuals on the higher end of the BMI scale, as patients can be fitted with subsequent balloons following their first procedure to help them continue their weight loss journey. To be suitable for the procedure, patients must have a BMI of 27 or more.

Christine Mozzamdar explained: “The balloon is designed to ensure it is comfortable to be swallowed. It’s created in a unique elliptical shape to reduce the amount of contact with the stomach wall. But we offer much more than just a device – this is a multi-disciplinary behavioural change programme.

“99.9 percent of patients find the balloon easy to swallow and simply report experiencing a cold sensation when it is being filled with water. It then creates a feeling of fullness within the stomach, encouraging smaller portions and less snacking.

“Patients won’t have to go to theatre or an operating room, they simply have the process carried out within an x-ray room and wear a gown over their own clothes. They literally swallow the device and three minutes later it’s being filled with water. It only takes about five minutes for this to be completed and then they are x-rayed to ensure the balloon is suitably placed within the stomach.

“Following this, patients are then given their app, scale and health tracker and they simply walk out of the appointment and carry on with their day-to-day life.

“One of the great things about Allurion is that patients can have it done discreetly – no-one would know that they have had the procedure, so it’s almost a secret procedure for weight loss.”

Martin Edwards, a spokesman for Allurion, also commented: “This is perfect for those who struggle to lose weight but cannot go down the surgery route. It will help patients to make real, lasting long-term changes when it comes to their diet.

“We are thrilled that Transform Hospital Group will be offering this transformative procedure to patients as part of its weight management services.”

For further information or to find out more about the range of treatments available visit www.thehospitalgroup.org. 

* Censuswide survey of 1,001 people with a BMI of 30 or over, carried out September 2020.