Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Dr Balalis contacts all next of kin following surgery, and updates them on your progress.  He also sees all patients daily (at least) until discharge.

Hospital policy is ever-changing, and this is updated frequently on the hospital websites.  The easiest way to stay up to date is to review the hospital website and to contact the hospital closer to your surgical date.

Yes, and they keep it off.  Bariatric surgery is the only proven way to lose weight and keep it off. Weight regain is still possible however and a continued effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle is essential to long term results. We have a holistic team to provide patients with support for long term changes.

Current guidelines followed by Dr Balalis recommend a BMI from 30 with a medical condition related to obesity or a BMI of 35.

All patients wanting more information, should consult with Dr Balalis to discuss weight loss surgery and other options.

No, it is not your fault. Obesity is a chronic disease, that results from a complex interaction between genetics and environment. Your genetics can determine how susceptible you are to weight gain and you can not change your genetics. Surgery can assist to improve lifestyle and health.

Not after a gastric bypass.  After a sleeve gastrectomy, Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatories are OK to use, as long as it is with a PPI (acid-suppression tablet). This is because non-steroidal medication after a gastric bypass can cause ulcerations with subsequent bleeding and perforation (hole in your bowel).  There are alternatives for steroidals.

Yes – Dr Balalis does not perform open bariatric surgery.  He performs laparoscopic or keyhole weight loss surgery, including all revision surgeries.

No – Dr Balalis does not believe in ‘re-sleeve’ operations and is happy to discuss this further.  There are more proven and durable revision surgery options available.

2 days in hospital – one night in ICU, and one night on the ward.  People who work office jobs, can aim to be back at work after 2 weeks.  If you have a more strenuous job, then this will mean more time off work.

6 weeks of no heavy lifting – no lifting more than 10kgs.  Our exercise physiologist will tailor a plan suitable for your specific needs, to ensure you continue to exercise during this time, and into the future, for improved health and quality of life.

10-14 days following surgery is usually when you can start driving again.  It is important that you are off pain medication, can slam on the brake in case of an emergency, and your insurance company are happy.

Usually 65-75% excess weight loss (difference between healthy weight and current weight), over a 2-year period.  The majority of this occurs in the first 12 months.

A range of multivitamin and mineral supplements are generally required following weight loss surgery. The type and number of supplements will depend on your surgery and results of ongoing blood tests to monitor your nutritional status.

Yes, regular blood tests are needed in the first 2 years.  It is important to keep on top of your blood monitoring to ensure the best result.

Dr Balalis feels passionately about the holistic and supportive team that is all under one roof at 149 Ward Street North Adelaide.  Their expertise and support is what provides patients with the care and knowhow needed for good outcomes.  Please come to your appointments, and also use our online support!

Only a minority of patients lose their hair, and this is particularly in the first 6-12 months.  The hair loss is temporary and associated with rapid weight loss.  It is important to liaise with our dietitians and medical team to ensure vitamins, minerals and supplements are optimised during this period.

Guidelines recommend 24 months after surgery as the ideal timeframe, however 12 months is a minimum recommended time frame.  It is important to liaise with our experienced bariatric surgery team, as we need to monitor vitamins, minerals and supplements more closely.

Yes over time, but not to where it used to be.  Please read the article on Dr Balalis’ website regarding stretching, which is a normal process, and does not equal weight regain.

2 days in hospital – one night in ICU or HDU, and one night on the ward.  People who work office jobs, can aim to be back at work after 2 weeks.  If you have a more strenuous job, then this will mean more time off work.

No – a Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass are different.  There is no ‘best surgery’, only different surgeries, with different risks and benefits.  Dr Balalis will discuss the surgical options further during a consultation.

Explore our Gastric Sleeve surgery page.

2 days in hospital – one night in ICU or HDU, and one night on the ward.  People who work office jobs, can aim to be back at work after 2 weeks.  If you have a more strenuous job, then this will mean more time off work.

No – a Gastric Sleeve and Gastric Bypass are different.  There is no ‘best surgery’, only different surgeries, with different risks and benefits.  Dr Balalis will discuss the surgical options further during a consultation.

Explore our Gastric Bypass surgery page or schedule a consultation to discuss..

Find out more about the price of Gastric Bypass surgery.

Since no incisions are made with an Endosleeve most patients can return to their normal activities within a few days. While recovery depends on each individual’s circumstances, it is recommended that you plan for at least three days of inactivity following the procedure.

An Endosleeve is a restrictive procedure meaning it will limit the amount of food that you can eat. Life-long vitamin/mineral supplementation as well as protein supplementation is also necessary due to decreased intake of food as well as limited absorption of nutrients.

Our expert dieticians will prepare post-procedure nutrition plan for you and continue to monitor your progress as part of our post-procedure support service, Post-Care-Success.

An Endosleeve uses permanent stitches that do not dissolve; however, these can be removed at a later date if required.

It is possible for the stitches to break over time if under too much tension, however this does not necessarily lead to reversal of the Endosleeve or weight gain.

If you are planning to get pregnant in the future, this should be discussed with Dr Balalis at your initial consultation.

It is normally advised that patients avoid pregnancy for at least six months following an Endosleeve procedure.

While an Endosleeve procedure is not suitable following a Gastric Bypass, it is possible to have a Transoral Outlet Reduction (TORe) using an overstitch device.

 If you have previously had a Gastric Bypass and would like to discuss a Transoral Outlet Reduction, please request an appointment to discuss your options with Dr Balalis.

Research has shown that people who’ve had a gastric balloon do less well following an Endosleeve in terms of weight loss.

 If you have had a gastric balloon and feel like you need additional support, please request an appointment to discuss your options with Dr Balalis.

Research has shown that people who’ve had a Lap Band do less well following an Endosleeve in terms of weight loss.

If you have had a Lap Band and feel like you need additional support, please request an appointment to discuss your options with Dr Balalis.

Read more on our Endosleeve procedure information page or schedule a consultation to discuss..

Read more about Endosleeve procedure pricing.

No, Dr Balalis does not perform lap band surgery. There are more effective and safe options available, including sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass. This is evidence based, and Dr Balalis performs a high volume of band removals and revision surgery to help those patients suffering with side effects of lap bands.

Explore our Lap Band removal page or schedule a consultation to discuss.

Find out more about Lap Band removal surgery pricing.

To be considered for the Allurion Balloon:

No prior surgery to your stomach or oesophagus.

Over the age of 18

A BMI between 27 and 40

Are not currently pregnant or breastfeeding

Are prepared to make changes

Dr Balalis will also formally assess you for all contraindications in your initial consultation and discuss risks and benefits of the procedure. Dr Balalis is very passionate about helping patients improve their health. If you do not meet the criteria for the Allurion Gastric Balloon,  but your BMI sits in the obese range, Dr Balalis encourages you to consider other clinically proven options.

The Allurion Balloon (formerly the Elipse Balloon) is a soft balloon placed in your stomach. It is the first gastric balloon that requires no surgery, endoscopy, or anaesthesia for placement or removal. The balloon is placed during a brief 20-minute outpatient visit. After approximately 16 weeks, it empties and passes naturally.

The balloon takes up space in your stomach and induces weight loss by increasing satiety (fullness), delaying gastric emptying and reducing the amount of food eaten at each meal.

After approximately 16 weeks of the Allurion Program, clinical studies have demonstrated that patients lose on average 10-15% of their body weight over the 4 months of the balloon.

The patient swallows a capsule containing the deflated balloon along with a thin tube. Once the balloon is confirmed to be in your stomach via x-ray, the balloon is filled through the catheter with 550 ml of water. A second x-ray takes place to make sure the balloon is filled. The placement takes place during a 20-minute outpatient visit.

99.9% of patients are able to swallow the Allurion balloon. Dr Balalis has techniques to assist with this and can discuss this with you during your consultation.

Some people experience nausea, abdominal cramping, and occasional vomiting after balloon placement. In most cases, these symptoms are well-controlled with the commonly used medications prescribed.

Most people return to normal activity within 2-3 days, however some people may experience longer side effects. It can be a good idea to book a few days off work afterwards just in case. Medications are prescribed to assist with the management of this.

After approximately 16 weeks inside your stomach, a time-activated release valve will open, allowing the balloon to empty and pass naturally through the gastrointestinal tract without the need for a removal procedure.

Ienca, R, et.al, published in Obesity Surgery in 2020, volume 30, pages 3354 – 3362.

Following medical approval, there are no absolute dietary restrictions with the Allurion Programme. However, to maximise weight loss and comfort, our dieticians will make recommendations tailored to each patient. The Allurion Balloon must be used in conjunction with a nutrition plan.

After the Allurion Balloon passes, the Allurion Program and the related support from your healthcare team continue for one month. At the end of the Allurion Programme, you should continue your healthy lifestyle habits.

A recent clinical study has shown that, when coupled with a 16-week intensive lifestyle modification (nutrition and exercise modification), The Allurion Balloon leads to significant weight loss when compared with lifestyle modification alone.

Nausea and vomiting in the first few days after placement.

Intolerance of 2-3%, which may need endoscopic removal [1].

The risk of the balloon itself are rare (less than 1%), and these include hyper inflation or obstruction which would require intervention to remove the balloon (such as an endoscopy). Dr Balalis is a specialist bariatric surgeon and able to perform this in the rare event of it occurring [1].

Over 60,000 + patients have been treated with the Allurion Balloon and serious adverse events have been reported in 0.34% of patients.

Ienca, R, et.al, published in Obesity Surgery in 2020, volume 30, pages 3354 – 3362.

Dr George Balalis is FRACS trained and specialises in Bariatric/Weight-Loss surgery and Gastrointestinal Surgery. He believes in long term solutions for weight-loss and is able to discuss and offer a number of options for patients struggling with their weight and health. Dr George Balalis believes that the Allurion Program is a fantastic option for individuals struggling with their weight, that do not qualify for surgery or as an alternative to surgery in some cases.

Visit our Allurion Gastric Balloon page or schedule a consultation to discuss.

Read more about the price of an Allurion Gastric Balloon procedure.

•  Most patients either go home on the same day or after an overnight admission
• Pain relief consists of regular paracetamol and tapentadol if required
• Patients can return to office type work in 1 week
• Patients should not drive for at least 10 to 14 days; when they are able to perform an emergency stop, off pain relief and their insurance is happy

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Damage to the bile duct – rare, but serious risk; 1 in 300
• Bile leakage – rare, but may require further operation
• Retained gallstones – rare, but may require an ERCP (advanced endoscopy)
• If bile duct stones are found you may need an ERCP (advanced endoscopy)

Yes, you can resume a normal diet. Some patients experience diarrhoea following a fatty meal, however this is variable.

You can lead a normal life without a gallbladder, and laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a very safe and commonly performed operation by Dr Balalis.