Swallowable Weight Loss Balloon in Singapore: The Latest Innovation on Weight Loss
Weight loss is something that many people in Singapore are trying to achieve. However, shedding off weight is not as simple as it sounds. A lot of Singaporeans still struggle to reach their ideal weight regardless of the various methods they have tried. Luckily, there’s a new innovation when it comes to weight loss in Singapore, the swallowable weight loss balloon. But why do people opt for this type of weight-loss procedure?
Yes, there are several weight-loss diets and exercise regiments out there, but it doesn’t work for everybody. As traditional weight loss methods don’t yield their desired result, many are left discouraged to continue. However, being overweight or obese can take a toll on your health, that’s why many people desire an ideal weight. And as many people are struggling to lose weight, their risk of developing chronic diseases increases as well.
One of those people who struggle to lose weight is Ms Nur Shahida Suhaimi. The 35-year-old mother of two is trying to conceive a third child to fulfil her wish of having a big family. However, this proves difficult as she currently weighs 106kg with a BMI above 32.5 which classifies her as an obese individual. As per the doctor’s advice, she tried to lose, but it proved to be a bigger challenge than she expected. Shahida is struggling to lose weight despite consistent diet and exercise. When opened to the suggestion of bariatric surgery, she refused to do so. Bariatric surgeries are procedures that cause weight loss by restricting the amount of food the stomach can hold. It usually requires invasive surgical techniques to minimize the size of the stomach.
Ms Shahida is only one of many people in Singapore who do not want to go under the knife in order to lose weight. In an article released by the Singapore General Hospital (SGH), 50% of patients seen at their Obesity Centre refuse to undergo weight loss surgery despite meeting the requirements of a candidate patient. Moreover, these patients have different reasons for losing weight. Asides from fertility issues, many of these people want to manage or avoid developing chronic conditions such as diabetes.
If natural means of losing weight don’t work, and weight loss surgery is out of the picture, what option does it leave these people?
Weight Loss Balloons in Singapore
As mentioned earlier, weight loss balloons have become a viable option for people in Singapore looking to lose weight. As the name suggests, weight loss balloons involves placing a deflated balloon through the mouth into your stomach, which is then filled with a special liquid until it is the size of a grapefruit. As it takes space, the balloon makes you feel full even if you only consume a small portion of food. It also allows the food to stay longer in the stomach, making you less inclined to eat for a longer period of time.
Weight loss balloons have been in the market for quite a while. However, conventional weight loss balloons require anesthesia and endoscopy, where a flexible tube passes through the throat, to place it in the stomach. If you are reconsidering because of the factors mentioned, there’s no need to worry. Allurion, a brand of swallowable weight loss balloon that doesn’t require surgery, endoscopy, or anaesthesia has arrived in Singapore.
Ms Shahida opted for this weight-loss method, making her the first patient in SGH to go through this Swallowable weight loss balloon. A process that only took 20 minutes involved swallowing a capsule of an inflated balloon with a glass of water, instead of surgery or endoscopy, and then filling it with purified water. After 16 weeks, a time-activated release valve allows the balloon to release the liquid naturally and it will be passed out naturally, with no need for surgery.
Ms Shahida reportedly lost nearly 15kg after 16 weeks, with the help of this specific weight loss balloon. Most weight loss balloons come as part of a lifestyle and fitness program, helping patients to create smarter choices beyond the placement of the balloon. Becoming more mindful of her food choices, Ms Shahida is also expected to lose another 5kg to 10kg thanks to this method.
What is Allurion?: The First Swallowable Weight Loss Balloon in Singapore
Allurion Balloon is the first and only swallowable weight loss balloon in Singapore. Unlike other weight loss balloons, Allurion requires no surgery, endoscopy, or anaesthesia. The inflated balloon is encased in a capsule with a thin catheter attached. The capsule form allows it to be ingested with a glass of water.
Then, your doctor will do an X-ray to assure the inflated balloon is placed properly in the stomach. The capsule dissolves and the balloon is filled with 550ml of purified water. You’ll undergo a second X-ray to make sure the balloon is properly filled. Again, the whole process only takes 20 minutes.
After 16 weeks, a time-activated release valve opens and allows the balloon to deflate The remnants of the balloon are naturally excreted out of the body through a bowel movement. 45% of people who use Allurion don’t notice the balloon passing. Clinical Studies shows that patients will lose an average of 10-15% of their body weight within these 16 weeks.
Ms Shahida reportedly lost nearly 15kg after 16 weeks, with the help of this specific weight loss balloon. Most weight loss balloons come as part of a lifestyle and fitness program, helping patients to create smarter choices beyond the placement of the balloon. Becoming more mindful of her food choices, Ms Shahida is also expected to lose another 5kg to 10kg thanks to this method.
With that said, weight loss balloons are not long-term solutions for weight loss. Like what her doctor advised Ms Shahida, it’s also about being more mindful of living a healthy lifestyle.
Allurion Balloon supports your weight loss journey by setting you up with a lifestyle program. Here you will work with a team of professionals, such as doctors and nutritionists, to help you in determining a diet and exercise plan that specifically suits your needs. You’re also set up with the Allurion smart scale and app, where you and your professional team can monitor your progress.
Figuring out how to lose weight can be tricky, but you don’t have to do it alone. There are alternative options like Allurion Balloon that can help you start a holistic approach to weight loss. To learn more about Allurion Balloon, Click Here.