"People who have the surgery have been big for years, maybe since being a teenager or since having a baby," says Roger Ackroyd, a consultant surgeon who carries out the procedures at the Claremont Hospital in Sandygate, Sheffield.

Non-surgical intragastric balloons can be used in two ways - to help overweight people to slim, but also to help obese people lose weight so it is safe for them to undergo anaesthetic and surgery.

Overweight people who want to slim must have a Body Mass Index - a ratio of height and weight - of over 27 to qualify for the treatment. A rating of 18 to 25 is considered normal.

Patients are closely assessed before treatment, but there are pros and cons - and the balloons don't work for everyone.

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Mr Ackroyd said: "The downside is a lot of people are intolerant of the balloon and it cannot stay in for more than six months."

The size of the balloon varies depending on the size of the patient, and is filled to between 400ml and 700ml.

The idea is to encourage a feeling a fullness to curb the appetite, and slow down the digestive process so food stays in the stomach for longer.
A coating on the balloon also helps to signal 'fullness' to the brain, so reducing the desire to overeat.

It is vital that patients relearn how to eat, and are given support to tackle their old habits - otherwise once the balloon comes out the weight goes back on again.

Gateway Health, the company behind Clare's procedure, stresses it is not a miracle cure and works by people committing to adopt lifestyle changes.

Patients are offered 12 months of support and aftercare to help them make the required lifestyle changes even after the balloon has been removed.

Email info@gatewayhealth.co.uk or call 08459 000 339 for more information.

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