Frequently Asked Questions
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We want you to make an informed decision about your weight loss journey. Here are some of the most common questions and answers that we hope you will find useful. The clinic you choose will be able to answer all your questions and provide you with resources required to make an informed decision about your weight loss.
1. How does it compare to the ‘swallowable balloon’?
Some gastric balloons are advertised as swallowable with a dissolvable valve meaning they do not need extraction.
However, there is no clinical evidence to show that these balloons last more than a few weeks or months. They are not filled with dye specifically so you will not notice when they deflate.
In a lots of cases people opting for these balloons are paying for an expensive diet plan. And is one of the reasons it has been banned from sale in France.
The heliosphere bubble is designed for a 6-month duration and because it is removed you can rest assured you are getting the full 6-month effect.
2. Why do we use an endoscopic procedure for insertion and removal?
Some manufacturers advertise their balloons saying endoscopy is not required.
However, any gastroenterologist will want to conduct an examination prior to installing any device in the stomach.
The endoscopic procedure is minimally invasive and carried out in a treatment room under light sedation. It allows the clinician to do a full examination prior to and after the installation.
There are serious risks associated with missing this step out.
Whilst the HelioSphere is fitted with light sedation, an endoscopic examination is always carried out to ensure the device can be inserted safely and is deployed correctly.
3. Why 6 months not 12?
6 months is the optimum time as it allows the body and metabolism time to adapt to the lower food intake and set that as your new normal. This allows you to maintain your new weight yourself.
Beyond 6 months can lead to complications and minimal weight loss.
Traditional liquid filled gastric balloons are very heavy and if left for a long time the pressure can cause the stomach mucosa to deteriorate.
4. How much weight will I lose?
The HelioSphere Bubble has been clinically proven to achieve a weight loss up to 27kg.
Every person is different and will lose different amounts of weight, with most people losing 10-15kg.
The good thing is that, although you can’t feel it, your Bubble is there working for you maximising your weight loss for the whole 6 months.
5. Who can have the HelioSphere Bubble?
Most people can have a HelioSphere Bubble. So, as long as you have a BMI of 27 or over, are between 18 to 65 years old and are not currently pregnant you are eligible for this weight loss treatment.
The HelioSphere Bubble is a medical device and our treatment protocol is always based on best clinical practice. An endoscopic examination must be conducted prior to installation and if any abnormality is discovered that could compromise the your health, the device will not be fitted.