Our Unique and exclusive NGBC Stomach Balloon Programme

Some patients ask us

“What if I just have a balloon. Do I really need a programme as well?”

The answer is a resounding “YES!!” The key to making the very most from your balloon is to follow a behaviour modification programme.

Others occasionally ask us

“What if I just do your programme without a balloon. Do I really need a balloon?”

The answer is again a resounding “YES!!” It is well established that diet programmes just do not work in the long term. After all, that is why most patients come to us in the first place.

The NGBC Balloon Programme™ has been specifically designed to work alongside the stomach balloon, in order for our patients to get the most that they are able from their own balloon.

It's design is a direct consequence of our experience and it is exclusive to the centre. It can easily be modified to the personal requirements of each particular patient. Its design is a direct consequence of the experience of our own Director with his own gastric balloon, and it is exclusive to the Centre.

Our ethos is that obesity is a chronic lifelong condition. It can never be cured as such; but it can most definitely be controlled, put into remission as it were. And with continuing support, that remission can last for the rest of the patient’s life.

The Stomach Balloon is a remarkable development allowing us to help our patients modify their behaviour and their relationship with food forever. And with the NGBC Balloon Programme alongside it, it works beautifully.

Consequently, the Stomach Balloon Programme at the NGBC consists of the following elements, all equally important:

The NGBC Balloon Prep Programme

This is our own unique 5-day preparation programme prior to insertion of the balloon. It consists of an exclusive mix of medications and other elements designed solely to make the first few days with the balloon as easy and comfortable as possible.

The NGBC Accelerated Weight Loss Programme

Once the balloon has settled in the stomach (about a week for most patients), we then utilise this exclusive system for usually four to six weeks to really get things moving in the right direction. Most patients lose anything up to 1 - 2 stones in this initial period.

The NGBC Food and Eating Programme

After the initial period of accelerated weight loss, we then commence our own NGBC Triphasic Eating and Food Programme™. At the National Gastric Balloon Centre, we believe that food and eating are distinct elements.

Each is awarded equal importance in our programme, making the whole issue of food in the patient's life easier to deal with. It is this process that continues throughout the remainder of the balloon’s placement, and then forever thereafter. It is not a fad diet. It is not a liquid diet. It is not a quick fix. It is just a healthy simple approach to food.

The NGBC Support Programme

At the NGBC we believe that, irrespective of how you lose weight, life long support is essential. After all, you can be an asthmatic and not have been wheezy for years because you are well controlled. But you are still an asthmatic. As a diabetic, your blood sugars may be in excellent shape, but you are still a diabetic. And unfortunately, as an alcoholic you may not have had a drink for years, but deep down you are still an alcoholic.

We absolutely believe that the same applies to obesity. Your weight might be fine, but underneath you are still prone to obesity. That is precisely why we all yo-yo diet.

Therefore, we have developed our own exclusive NGBC Support Programme™. Obviously, this commences immediately the balloon is removed, and the first six months is included in our all inclusive one year care package.

Indeed, the overwhelming majority of our patients continue to visit or contact us for lifelong monitoring; advice; and support. We wholeheartedly recommend this. After all, any asthmatic or diabetic is reviewed by their physician for the rest of their lives. And our patients are no different.