The Orbera Weight Loss Balloon has been a resounding success as a non-surgical weight loss solution since its inception 20 years ago. With hundreds of thousands of success stories worldwide, the Orbera Weight Loss Balloon is a weight loss program that achieves results.
WHAT IS ORBERA ALL ABOUT?
The Orbera Weight Loss Balloon is a non-invasive, non-surgical weight loss solution that helps patients adjust their eating behavior. Patients learn portion control and develop new eating habits to maintain long-term weight loss. If Orbera is right for you, our group helps you use it as a tool to change your eating behavior and sustain the progress long after the balloon is removed.
WHAT IS A GASTRIC BALLOON?
A gastric balloon is a smooth, soft balloon that is placed in the stomach endoscopically (without surgery or stitches). The balloon is then filled with saline (making it about the size of a grapefruit) allowing you to control portion sizes by filling a space in your stomach. The balloon is removed 6 months later (again endoscopically).
HOW DO GASTRIC BALLOONS HELP PEOPLE LOSE WEIGHT?
Once in place, the gastric balloon takes space in the stomach so that patients consume smaller portions of food and still feel full. 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.
HOW MUCH WEIGHT CAN BE LOST WITH ORBERA? IS THE WEIGHT LOSS MAINTAINED AFTER THE BALLOON IS REMOVED?
Weight loss with Orbera is quite rapid, with most weight loss occurring in the first 3-4 months. Clinical studies have shown that people lost an average of 13% of their body weight at 6 months, and on average, patients lost 3.1x more weight by comparison to people on a diet and exercise program alone!
Important for patients to understand that the balloon is a tool to aid weight loss and must be used in conjunction with diet, exercise, and a behavior modification program to maintain results long-term. The amount of weight lost and maintained will depend on how closely patients follow their diet and adopt long-term lifestyle changes.
HOW IS THE BALLOON DIFFERENT THAN BARIATRIC SURGERY?
The Orbera Weight Loss Balloon is a non-surgical weight loss procedure, which means no incisions, stitches, or scars; the procedure does not alter your anatomy. Furthermore, the balloon is in place only temporarily, as opposed to permanent surgical alterations. Additionally, the procedure performed under moderate sedation instead of general anesthesia,
All in all, it is an outpatient procedure that takes about 20 minutes, and patients end up going home the same day.
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO HAVE A BALLOON IN THE STOMACH?
Many patients say it feels like they have eaten a large meal immediately after the procedure. In the first few days after placement, the body adjusts to the balloon, during which time patients might feel sick, but medication can be prescribed to help with the proactive management of these symptoms.
The balloon is not noticeable during exercise, and it is not visible from the outside. After a few weeks, the ability to “tell” where the balloon goes away.
ARE GASTRIC BALLOONS SAFE?
Gastric balloons have been used in the management of obesity for over 20 years. Over this time, gastric balloons have evolved in shape, size, and design resulting in a modern, durable product, which is now well established as a safe weight loss procedure. Orbera is a brand of gastric balloon that has been used with success for nearly 300,000 individuals!
WHO QUALIFIES FOR ORBERA?
The ideal candidate for Orbera is an adult with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 to 40 and is willing to participate in a medically supervised program. Individuals who have had prior stomach or bariatric surgeries, including hiatal hernia repair, lap band, or gastric bypass are not eligible for the balloon. Additionally, individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not eligible.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU HAVE TO COME INTO THE CLINIC AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
The physician will see the patient approximately 1-2 weeks after the balloon is placed. Each patient is provided with a dietitian that he/she meets with once a month for the 12-month treatment program. These sessions are typically conducted via secure video conference (telemedicine) for the convenience of the patient..
The Orbera Weight Loss Balloon is a weight loss program that achieves results in a matter of a few months. Book an appointment now to learn more about the services we offer.