Adelaide Weight Loss surgeon Dr George Balalis has a new non-surgical technique to help people struggling to get to a healthy weight.

The Allurion Gastric Balloon, formerly The Elipse, is a new weight management option available for the two thirds of Australians who are overweight or obese. Ideal for people who require support to beat the ongoing battle to reduce their weight, but either do not qualify or are after a less invasive option than weight-loss surgery.

Obesity is defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) above 30, with morbid obesity from 35. Weight loss surgery is the most beneficial treatment for patients with a BMI from 35 and medical comorbidities. Weight loss surgery is safe, however like all surgeries there are still risks involved. Weight loss surgery is currently only performed on less than 5 per cent of patients who qualify.  

Dr George Balalis states that “even a 5-10 per cent weight reduction has health benefits, including decreasing cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, improved sleep apnoea and lowering HbA1c in diabetics.”

The Allurion Gastric Balloon is for patients aged between 18 and 65 with a BMI above 27-40 and provides an average weight loss of 10 to 15 per cent of total body weight.

Dr Balalis is a Bariatric or Weight Loss surgeon. He is driven by the challenge of an ever-evolving surgical field and a yearning to help. This continued exploration of new techniques to weight management meant he was very excited by the Allurion Gastric Balloon.

How does it work?
Under the 30-minute procedure, first performed in Australia by Dr Balalis in June 2021, a capsule containing a deflated balloon is swallowed by the patient.

The balloon is then filled with 550ml of water, via a small tube which is then disconnected. When expanded in the patient’s stomach, it creates a feeling of fullness and also slows down gastric emptying. This provides an opportunity for a patient to improve upon their routine and lifestyle. After approximately four months, the balloon will empty and pass naturally. Already widespread overseas, the procedure requires no anaesthetic, sedation or endoscopy.

Dr Balalis has performed over 160 balloon placements to date. During the balloon journey, Dr Balalis and his team work with patients to improve their relationship with food to achieve long-lasting results.

Dr Balalis has explained that this is educational information, and that with all medical procedures it is important to have a formal consultation to discuss suitability and risks involved.

For more information, please visit www.drgeorgebalalis.com.au or phone 8164 6945.

Dr George Balalis
Email [email protected]
149 Ward Street, North Adelaide, SA, 5006