Orbera Balloon for Weight-Loss

Results with the Orbera weight loss balloon arerapid, with most weight loss occurring in the first 3-4 months. It is important for you to understand that the Orbera procedure is a tool to aid weight loss and must be used in conjunction with diet, exercise, and a behavior modification program. This unique Orbera weight loss system is designed to help patients lose weight by changing their eating habits and life. The amount of weight you lose and maintain will depend on how closely you follow your diet and adopt long-term lifestyle changes. Clinical studies have shown that people lose an average of 13% of their body weight at 6 months. On average, patients lost 3.1x the weight of those that were on a diet and exercise program alone.

Once in place, the gastric balloon is filled with saline to partially fill the stomach so that they may consume smaller portions of food. Most weight is lost in the first three months, but because the gastric balloon stays in for six months, you will learn the right amount of food to eat to maintain your new weight-long term.

Insurance does NOT cover the ORBERA balloon. However, we understand that the Orbera gastric balloon placement can be a significant investment in your health, so we offer various financing options to make the Orbera balloon cost accessible.

Orbera is a non-surgical weight loss procedure, which means no incisions, stitches, or scars. The procedure does not alter your anatomy. It is an outpatient procedure that takes about 15 minutes; people go home the same day. It is typically performed under sedation, not general anesthesia (no breathing machine is required). And, importantly, the balloon is in place only temporarily, as opposed to permanent surgical alterations. With these unique advantages, many patients and doctors regard Orbera as one of the best weight loss systems available today, combining both an effective solution and a minimally invasive approach.

Your physician will see you approximately 1-2 weeks after your balloon is placed. You will meet with your dietitian once a month for the entire 12-month treatment program. These sessions are typically conducted via secure video conference (telemedicine) from the comfort of your home. Your physician will be available to see you throughout the treatment period, though we do not require office visits on a set schedule.

Published clinical studies of Orbera have shown that, provided you keep to the prescribed diet and exercise regime, you will maintain weight loss through dieting post-removal. So, if you stick to your new, healthy lifestyle, you will be well on the way to maintaining your weight loss.

Gastric balloons have been used in the management of obesity for over 20 years. Over this time, they have evolved in shape, size, and design resulting in a modern, durable product, which is now well established as a safe weight loss procedure. Nearly 300,000 Orbera balloons have been distributed worldwide.

The Orbera balloon is constructed from a very smooth and soft silicone material to minimize the risk of irritating the stomach wall. You will also be prescribed medicines that will reduce the acidity in your stomach and help protect your stomach wall. Patients with prior stomach surgery are not eligible for the procedure because of a higher risk of the balloon causing a perforation in the stomach. Some patients without prior stomach surgery have also had stomach perforations, but this is typically following extended periods of side effects. Patients should be advised to immediately contact their physician for any unusually severe, worsening, or recurrent symptoms lasting longer than two weeks.

In the unlikely event that your Orbera balloon should deflate, you may no longer feel full after eating. If the balloon were to leave your stomach and enter the small intestine, you could develop symptoms of bowel obstruction, including pain, nausea, and vomiting. If you suspect this may be the case, notify your doctor immediately. A simple abdominal X-ray can determine whether this has occurred. If it has, your doctor will arrange to remove the deflated balloon.