Intragastric balloon Melbourne
Considering an intragastric balloon in Melbourne? Dr. Matthew Peverelle provides personalised weight loss treatment to help suitable patients achieve meaningful and sustainable results.
Book OnlineEffective, Non-Surgical Weight Loss
Struggling to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, but not ready for invasive bariatric surgery? The intragastric balloon offers a safe, temporary, and highly effective middle ground.
Placed endoscopically via the mouth with no incisions, the balloon occupies space in your stomach. This helps you feel fuller faster, control portion sizes, and kickstart a healthier lifestyle. Combined with our dedicated Melbourne-based support team, you are set up for sustainable, long-term success.
Gastric Balloon Insertion
Dr. Matthew provides a fully integrated weight loss program in Melbourne, ensuring you have clinical and nutritional support every step of the way.
Expert Procedure
Dr. Matthew Peverelle offers a non-surgical weight loss option for suitable patients, with personalised care and expert guidance throughout the treatment journey.
Expert Support
The balloon is a tool, but habits dictate success. Our program includes customized nutritional counseling to maximize your weight loss.
Sedation & Comfort
Procedures are overseen by highly experienced doctor, ensuring your insertion and removal are completely painless and stress-free.
Continuous Monitoring
Regular check-ins with his medical team ensure you are adapting well to the balloon, managing side effects, and staying on track.
Your Journey: How It Works
A straightforward, incision-free process designed for rapid recovery and maximum weight loss results.
Initial Consultation
Dr. Matthew assess your health history, weight loss goals, and ensure you are a suitable candidate for the intragastric balloon procedure.
Endoscopic Placement
Under light sedation, the deflated balloon is inserted through your mouth into the stomach, then safely filled with sterile saline.
The Weight Loss Phase
For the next 6 to 12 months, the balloon restricts portion sizes while you work with our dietitians to rebuild healthy eating habits.
Safe Removal
At the end of your program, the balloon is safely emptied and removed endoscopically, leaving you to continue your new, healthier lifestyle.
Getting Ready for Your Balloon
Proper preparation minimizes side effects and ensures a smooth insertion process.
Pre-Procedure Diet
You may be asked to follow a specific liquid diet for a few days before your procedure to ensure your stomach is completely empty and prepared.
Fasting Guidelines
Strict fasting from solid food is required for at least 6 hours, and from liquids for 2 hours, prior to your admission time.
Medication Check
Dr. Matthew will prescribe acid-reducing medication to take prior to insertion to prepare your stomach lining and minimize post-procedure nausea.
Post-Care Planning
You will need a support person to drive you home after sedation. Plan to rest for 2 to 3 days as your stomach adjusts to the balloon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the intragastric balloon procedure in Melbourne.
1. What exactly is an intragastric balloon?
It is a soft, durable silicone balloon placed temporarily in your stomach and filled with sterile saline. It takes up space, helping you feel full quicker and consume smaller portions, facilitating weight loss.
2. How much weight can I expect to lose?
On average, patients lose between 10% to 15% of their total body weight within the 6 to 12-month period, depending on their commitment to dietary and lifestyle changes.
3. Is the insertion procedure painful?
No. The procedure is performed endoscopically while you are under light intravenous sedation. You will be asleep and comfortable, experiencing no pain during placement.
4. How long does the balloon stay in my stomach?
Depending on the specific type of balloon recommended by your specialist, it will remain in your stomach for either 6 or 12 months before being endoscopically removed.
5. Are there side effects after placement?
It is common to experience nausea, cramping, and vomiting for the first 3 to 5 days as your stomach adjusts to the balloon. We provide medication to help manage these initial symptoms.
6. Will I be able to feel the balloon inside me?
You may feel a sense of heaviness or fullness in your upper abdomen initially, but this sensation typically fades as your body becomes accustomed to the balloon.
7. Do I need to follow a special diet?
Yes. You will start with a liquid diet for the first few days, graduating to soft foods, and eventually solid foods. Long-term, you must follow a portion-controlled, nutrient-dense diet outlined by your dietitian.
8. Does Medicare or private health cover the intragastric balloon?
While the intragastric balloon itself is usually not covered by Medicare, there may be rebates available for the initial consultations and the endoscopic procedure if you have valid medical reasons and a GP referral. We can provide a detailed quote.
9. Can the balloon rupture or leak?
Balloon deflations are rare. The saline inside is tinted with a blue dye; if a leak occurs, your urine will turn green or blue, alerting you to contact us immediately for safe removal.
10. What happens when the balloon is removed?
Removal is a simple 15-minute endoscopic procedure under sedation. Because you have spent the last 6-12 months practicing portion control with our dietitians, you will be well-equipped to maintain your weight loss independently.