A woman who hoped to kick-start her weight loss journey by investing £4,500 in a gastric balloon ended up in intensive care after the procedure went awry. Alaina Shaw, 33, from Uxbridge, West London, underwent the gastric balloon procedure, where a capsule is swallowed, inflates in the stomach to reduce appetite, and is then expected to pass naturally through the gastrointestinal tract.
The former accountant found herself in a life-threatening situation when the balloon became stuck in her intestines after moving from her stomach. Alaina, who weighs 21 stone, expressed her terrifying ordeal, saying, “I didn’t lose any weight – I thought I was going to die. I want to warn people about the dangers of getting this done.”
Alaina had a consultation at a clinic in north London in October 2023 and proceeded with the surgery in November of the same year. However, instead of losing weight as expected, she endured excruciating pain. Despite seeking assistance from the clinic, Alaina felt she was not being helped adequately, prompting her to contact the practice multiple times.
Eventually, Alaina’s condition deteriorated, leading her to seek emergency care at Hillingdon Hospital in Uxbridge. Doctors performed keyhole surgery and discovered the balloon had lodged itself in her intestines instead of dissolving, necessitating its removal through surgery. While initially facing the prospect of a bowel removal, surgeons managed to extract the balloon without such extreme measures, leaving Alaina with a five-inch incision on her belly button.
Alaina’s traumatic experience prompted her to question her survival as she spent two days in the ICU. Subsequent to her hospital discharge after two weeks, she faced financial uncertainty due to her inability to work as she had just started her dog-walking business after leaving her account manager job.
Alaina is now seeking full reimbursement from the clinic for the failed procedure. The balloon manufacturers have declined to comment on specific cases but maintain their commitment to patient safety. With the clinic yet to respond to inquiries, Alaina’s case sheds light on the risks associated with certain weight-loss procedures.