Elipse Balloon
What is ‘The Elispe Balloon Weight Loss Programme?’
The Elipse Balloon is a weight loss aid for adults over the age of 18 who are overweight or obese, defined as a body mass index (BMI +27). If you are significantly overweight and have a history of unsuccessful dieting, then Elipse Balloon Weight Loss Programme may be right for you.
While earlier generations of gastric balloons had to be placed and removed with an endoscopic medical procedure requiring anaesthesia, the Elipse Balloon is the first gastric balloon that is swallowed and months later is naturally excreted. No surgery, endoscopy or anaesthesia is needed and your convenience, comfort and safety are prioritised above all. The Elipse Balloon is typically placed during a brief outpatient visit allowing you to get back to your busy life.
As a participant in the comprehensive Elipse Programme, you will receive all the support you need to succeed. You will be guided by a team of compassionate healthcare professionals including a Consultant and a Nutritionist. You will be given a wireless digital scale that provides constant updates on your progress to your care team and multiple visits with your team help you get the maximum benefit from your Elipse Balloon. With the help of the Elipse Balloon, programme participants lose an average of between 13 and 15 kg over four months.
How does it work?
The Elispe Balloon works by simulating the feeling of fullness, taking up space in the stomach and slowing the passage of food. Their presence helps users feel fuller faster, training them from the inside-out to eat smaller portions. Weight loss balloons enable their users to make healthier dietary choices without the cravings and hunger that often accompany regular diets.
How to be a part of the Elipse Programme
After your Consultant confirms that Elipse Balloon therapy is right for you, s/he will place the balloon in your stomach during a brief 20-minute outpatient visit.
You will swallow a capsule that contains the deflated balloon along with a thin tube. Once the capsule has entered your stomach, your doctor will use the tube to fill the balloon with liquid. Once the balloon is filled, your doctor will gently remove the tube and you’ll be on your way.
FAQ:
How does the Elipse Balloon get into my stomach?
After your physician confirms that Elipse Balloon therapy is right for you, s/he will place the balloon in your stomach during a brief 20-minute outpatient visit. You will swallow a capsule that contains the deflated balloon along with a thin tube. Once the capsule has entered your stomach, your doctor will use the tube to fill the balloon with liquid. Once the balloon is filled, your doctor will gently remove the tube—and you’ll be on your way.
Is the balloon easy to swallow?
Most people are able to swallow the capsule containing the Elipse Balloon without any issue. People who do have difficulty swallowing it can be assisted by their Consultant, who will use a thin wire (stylet) to help guide the capsule into place—still without endoscopy or anaesthesia.
What is the balloon filled with?
The balloon is filled with 550 ml of sterile salt (saline) solution.
How long does it take to return to normal activities after placement?
Most people are able to return to normal activity within a day or two, but some people experience nausea, abdominal cramping, and occasionally vomiting after balloon placement. In most cases, these symptoms are well-controlled with the commonly used medications prescribed by your physician.
Will I have any dietary restrictions during or after the programme?
There are no absolute dietary restrictions with the Elipse Programme. However, to maximise weight loss and optimise comfort, your nutritionist will make recommendations that are best tailored to you, your body, and your goals.
How is the balloon removed?
After approximately 16 weeks inside your stomach, a time-activated release valve on the balloon will open, allowing it to empty and pass naturally through the gastrointestinal tract without the need for a removal procedure. ( In rare cases, the Elipse Balloon may require endoscopic or surgical intervention for removal. Talk to your doctor to find out if the Elipse Program is right for you. Results may vary from one participant to another)
What happens then?
After the Elipse Balloon passes, the Elipse Programme and the related support from your healthcare team continues for one month to consolidate your new lifestyle habits. At the end of the Elipse Programme, your efforts are key to continue to manage your weight.
