Can You Get Gastric Balloon on NHS in the UK?
Did you know that more than %60 of all adults in the UK are considered overweight? Today, weight problems are one of the most common health concerns globally.
Many people who have made efforts to lose weight unsuccessfully, either with diets or exercise, often turn to weight loss treatments that can help them lose weight more easily. One of the most reliable and convenient weight loss treatments available today is called gastric balloon treatment.
What Is Gastric Balloon in the UK?
Gastric balloons, also known as intragastric or stomach balloons, are non-surgical weight loss treatments that can help people in getting rid of their excess weight.
A gastric balloon is a specifically designed device that can be temporarily placed inside the stomach. There are different types of gastric balloons that can stay inside the stomach for six or twelve months.
Patients who have a BMI of 30 or higher are candidates for gastric balloons. They might be suitable in some circumstances for persons with a BMI as low as 27.
How Does Stomach Balloon Work?
The gastric balloon is placed inside the stomach endoscopically, and filled with saline or other medically safe materials until it reaches the desired size.
The operation is quick and takes around 20 minutes. Often, patients are mildly sedated, but general anesthesia can also be used. After the operation, patients are monitored for two hours at the clinic before being released the same day to continue their recovery at home.
Because the gastric balloon takes up space inside the stomach, it limits food intake. Patients feel full with smaller portions, and they don’t get hungry as quickly. This makes following a diet easier. When combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, patients can expect to lose a significant amount of their excess weight with a gastric balloon.
Is Gastric Balloon Safe?
The gastric balloon operation is completely reversible, unlike some other bariatric procedures that modify your digestive system, such as gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgeries.
Because it is a non-surgical treatment, no incisions are made during the operation. This lowers the risk of severe side effects.
Some of the patients can feel discomfort in their stomach or experience nausea following the gastric balloon operation. This generally goes away in the following days.
As with all medical procedures, there is always a risk of developing severe side effects after gastric balloon as well such as ulcers and balloon deflation. However, this is a very rare occasion and gastric balloon treatment is generally regarded as safe.
How Much Weight Can You Lose with Gastric Balloon?
A gastric balloon is a successful weight loss treatment. With six month gastric balloons, patients lose weight gradually, and the effect of the balloon lasts for a few months after it is removed from the stomach as well.
During this time, most patients can expect to lose between 25-50 pounds (10-15 kg) on average. As a result of the treatment, people lose about 15% to 20% of their initial weight, or 60-70% of their excess weight.
It is important to make healthy lifestyle changes to get to most advantages out of the gastric balloon treatment.
Does NHS Cover Gastric Balloon Treatment in the UK?
Unfortunately, unless you have a very high BMI or weight-related health issues including diabetes and hypertension, you are unlikely to receive a gastric balloon or any other type of weight loss surgery on the NHS.
It is typically difficult to be approved for weight loss treatments with NHS. If you are not severely obese and wish to get a gastric balloon for aesthetic concerns, you will not be eligible for gastric sleeve treatment on NHS.
If you are one of the lucky people to be accepted, keep in mind that the process can take a long time as NHS wait lists are usually long.
How Much Is a Gastric Balloon in the UK?
If you are not eligible for a gastric balloon on NHS, you can consider getting one at private weight loss clinics around the UK.
Prices can vary from clinic to clinic and depending on which type of gastric balloon you will get. On average, the cost of a gastric balloon treatment starts from £4,500 in UK’s weight loss clinics. The final price will be determined at the clinic after your consultation.
Best Prices for Gastric Balloon outside the UK
There are many advantages of getting weight loss treatments like gastric balloon outside the UK.
The majority of individuals considering weight loss surgery wish to receive the treatment quickly, lose weight, and begin a healthier lifestyle. By getting a gastric balloon abroad, you can avoid long waiting lists and significantly reduce the cost of the treatment at the same time.
Traveling abroad for the gastric balloon procedure is appealing due to the high quality and standard of bariatric surgeons in recognized weight loss clinics.
How Much Is a Gastric Balloon in Turkey?
If you are considering traveling abroad for gastric balloon treatment, Turkey might be a great option for you. Turkey offers significantly lower prices for weight loss treatments when compared with countries like the UK, many other European nations, and the USA. Prices are usually 50-70% less expensive in Turkey.
Gastric balloon prices at weight loss clinics around Turkey start at €1,800, making Turkey one of the world’s most affordable places for gastric balloon procedures. Prices can vary according to the type of gastric balloon used and the clinics’ policies. To learn more about the pricing for gastric balloon treatment in Turkey, you can contact us for details.
Why Travel to Turkey for Weight Loss Treatments?
Turkey is one of the most visited medical tourism destinations by UK citizens. Thousands of people all around the world visit Turkish medical facilities each year for a great variety of medical treatments including aesthetic surgeries, dental treatments, hair transplants, and weight loss treatments.
Turkey has gained popularity for its experienced and well-equipped medical facilities, professional surgeons, reasonable costs, and vacation opportunities.
Is It Safe to Get a Gastric Balloon in Turkey?
When you visit Turkey, you will find the clinics and surgeons are highly experienced with years of practice. They are experts in welcoming international patients and providing world-class services.
Medical weight loss surgery professionals with extensive training and experience are employed by Turkish healthcare facilities with a commitment to giving international patients the best care possible.
When you choose reliable weight loss clinics, Turkey is both completely safe and affordably priced.
Are you considering alternative ways to get weight loss treatments? Getting a gastric balloon in Turkey might be one of the best options for you. Cureholiday is working with some of the best weight loss clinics and specialists in Turkey. If you wish to learn more about the weight loss treatment process in Turkey and benefit from medical travel packages, we invite you to contact us with all your questions.