Implanted Devices

Home
What we do
Implanted Devices (Bands & Balloons)

Implanted Devices (Bands & Balloons) — Tried Trusted & Effective

Gastric Balloon

The gastric balloon is introduced into the stomach through the mouth. The surgeon conducts an initial examination of the stomach using an endoscopic camera, and will proceed if no abnormalities are observed.

Once the balloon is inside the stomach, it is immediately filled with sterile saline through a small filling tube (catheter) attached to the balloon. Once filled, the surgeon removes the catheter by gently pulling on the external end. The balloon has a self-sealing valve, and at this point the balloon is floating freely in the stomach.

It will usually take between 20-30 minutes to insert the balloon, after which you will be monitored by your consultant for a short time and then may return home.

The balloon currently can be used for up to 12 months as over time the acidic content of the stomach may weaken the balloon material and cause the balloon to leak and deflate.

The balloon is removed in the same way it was inserted, via the mouth. As before a catheter will be introduced through the mouth and into the stomach. The balloon will then be punctured and deflated, it can then be grasped and removed.

Gastric Band

The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes between one and two hours.

The laparoscopic (‘keyhole’) technique is usually used. Your surgeon will make several small cuts on your abdomen. They will place surgical instruments, along with a telescopic camera, inside your abdomen and perform the operation.

Your surgeon will create a tunnel behind your stomach. They will pass the band around the upper part of your stomach and secure it. This creates a smaller upper pouch. To help keep the band in place, they will fold some of the lower stomach over the band and stitch it to the upper stomach pouch.

You will normally remain in hospital overnight to ensure that the band is securely in place and that you have had no significant side effects.

97.4%

Customer Satisfaction

Spread the cost with our finance packages

Find out more

See the difference we have made to our clients

Before and After

What our clients say

Comments from happy customers

“Your team were all so helpful and made my transition to a new life a dream come true. I now love exercising most days of the week and find healthy eating so much more enjoyable. I can’t imagine I’d ever be at this weight if it weren’t for the surgery.”

—

Janice M, Glasgow

“I am truly thankful to the Aspire team for putting the biggest smile on my face. I recommend this surgery to anyone who is tired of being unhealthy. Do the research, follow the program plan and commit to this life changing experience!”

—

Robert M, East Kilbride

“Getting the sleeve was the tool I needed to turn my weight loss failures into a weight loss success story. I know my journey is not yet over but with the support I have from family, friends and the Aspire team I am able to conquer any goals I set forth.”

—

Lorna C, Inverness

“I did this for myself but in the end it’s been the best thing for my family — I didn’t think it would affect my family as much as it has. To see my children as proud of me as they are has been well worth everything!”

—

Sara P, Aberdeen

“This surgery and the support from the whole Aspire team has really helped me to be successful. Weight loss surgery is not a diet it is a whole new life! I embrace every single day with a new attitude. Thank you so much!”

—

Michelle R, Edinburgh

Frequently asked questions

How Will My Life Change after Surgery?

Lifetime follow-up is recommended, with at least three follow-up visits during the first year. Adjustable gastric banding requires more frequent visits for band adjustments. You will need to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including a new nutrition plan and regular exercise, although exercise restrictions may be in place until you are healed. Because of the decrease in food intake, constipation may occur. A laxative may be recommended. You may want to consider or may require reconstructive operations after your weight stabilizes.

Medications can be prescribed as needed. However, your doctor may tell you to avoid aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which can irritate the stomach.

How Will My Diet Change?

Immediately following adjustable gastric banding, only sips of water are allowed. Over the next two weeks, the consumption amount is increased gradually with fluids in the form of water and liquids, such as clear broth, skimmed milk, low-calorie juice and sugar-free ice lollies. You will need to watch how many calories you eat and limit your liquid intake to avoid nausea and vomiting. Low-fat pureed foods, protein-rich chicken and fish, mashed potatoes and peas are started three to four weeks after the operation.

Patients who undergo more invasive procedures follow a similar dietary progression for 12 weeks and then they are allowed regular, healthy foods.

Once healed, care must be taken to let your stomach adapt to its new environment. Vitamin supplements may be necessary

How Long Will It Take for Me to Recover?

That depends on the procedure. Patients, who undergo laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding or sleeve gastrectomy surgery tend to stay in the hospital for typically one night.

Recovery times differ too. In one study, patients returned to normal activity in about one week after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding and between two to three weeks after a sleeve gastrectomy.

View all FAQs

Make an enquiry

Our discrete team will contact you in the way that is best for you