The stomach is the organ where your meal sits and is digested after being swallowed. Digestion breaks the meal down into small particles and happens over a period of hours, depending on the food type.

The stomach stretches as it fills with the meal, a bit like when you blow up a party balloon.

There are a number of signals the body creates to make us feel hunger. Hunger signals are sent to the brain when the stomach is empty/collapsed.

The gastric balloon is a plastic device which is placed and remains in your stomach until it is removed or degrades (depending on the type of balloon). It is not digested (like food is) and so keeps the stomach full, reducing the hunger signals sent to your brain. It also take up space in your stomach so there is less room for food.

The balloon is placed as a day procedure. You will need medication to manage nausea in the short term and assistance with a dietary plan. You will have ongoing medical reviews.

The balloon cannot stay long term but aims to establish effective weight loss over a period around 6 months. When the balloon is gone the stomach is back 'to normal'. For it to be effective long term you must aim to re-establish healthy eating and lifestyle habits in order for the weight loss to persist after the balloon is removed. Sometimes it is used with the goal of short term weight loss in certain medical circumstances.

There are criteria to meet before being medically approved to have the balloon inserted. This includes a minimum BMI (body mass index) of 27 or above and associated weight related health problems.

You also must have an appointment with a medical specialist to determine this. During the consultation the process will be further explained and you can ask any questions you have.