What is the Elipse™ Balloon?

The Elipse™ Balloon has been clinically proven to effectively induce weight loss. By about 16 weeks, you can expect to have lost 10% to 15% of your starting body weight. With the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, the weight loss can be sustained for up to 12 months or longer.

The placement of the Elipse™ Balloon, which does not require any surgery, endoscopy, or anaesthesia, takes around 20 minutes. Contained within a digestible capsule, the deflated, compacted and empty balloon is attached to a thin tube called a catheter. You will then swallow the capsule with some water. After you have swallowed it, an X-ray will be done immediately to confirm that the capsule is correctly in your stomach. Dr Huang will then proceed to gradually fill the balloon with saline solution via the catheter. A second X-ray will then be done to check that the balloon is properly filled. Upon confirmation, the catheter will be detached from the tube and gently pulled out. The placement is then considered completed. After a period of about 16 weeks, the balloon will automatically empty itself of the saline solution via the opening of a time-activated release valve. The deflated balloon will then be eliminated naturally through the gastrointestinal (GI) tract during the opening of your bowels, without any need for a removal procedure.

According to published clinical data, 99.9% of patients were successful in swallowing the Elipse™ Balloon. If, however, you find it difficult to swallow the capsule on your own, Dr Huang will assist you in this process by inserting a thin wire into the catheter to stiffen it slightly, then gently guide it past your throat so that you swallow it swiftly and smoothly.

Nausea, abdominal cramps, and occasional vomiting are some of the possible side-effects that may occur after the balloon placement. However, in most cases, these symptoms are temporary and well controlled with commonly used medications prescribed for such symptoms.