The Orbera intragastric balloon is a nonsurgical weight loss treatment that works 3x better than diet and exercise alone. The procedure is simple, quick and safe.
It takes up space in the stomach, so you eat smaller portions and feel satiated faster. Unlike fad diets, this is a long-term solution to help you lose weight and learn to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The Balloon
The Orbera balloon is a small, soft, silicone device inserted into the stomach through an endoscope without surgery. It is filled with saline and occupies a portion of the stomach to help you feel full faster and reinforce proper portion sizes. The balloon is positioned in the stomach and secured with a valve to prevent it from moving around or dislodging.
The procedure is performed under sedation and usually lasts 20-30 minutes. The saline-filled Orbera balloon is placed inside the stomach using an endoscope, a thin, lighted instrument with a camera at its tip. Your doctor will then inflate the balloon with saline until it is about the size of a grapefruit.
Once the Orbera balloon is in place, you will follow a 12-month diet and exercise coaching program. You should notice rapid weight loss during this time, most of which will happen in the first three months.
At six months, the Orbera balloon is removed with another endoscopic procedure. This process is quick and painless. On average, patients in the US clinical trial maintained 75% of their weight loss six months after the removal of the balloon. This demonstrates the reversible nature of Orbera and how it helps keep the weight off long-term. It is also a safe and nonsurgical weight loss solution with over 20 years of experience and over 220,000 balloons distributed worldwide.
The Process
The balloon is a soft, rubber-like capsule inserted into your stomach during a nonsurgical procedure. You’ll be under mild sedation as the endoscopist guides the deflated balloon through your mouth and esophagus into your stomach, inflating it with a saline solution until it’s about the size of a grapefruit.
By filling space in your stomach, the Orbera weight loss balloon helps to promote satiety and reinforce healthier portion sizes. It also makes you feel fuller faster and keeps your hunger at bay. The program lasts six months, during which time you’ll work closely with your care team to make lasting changes in diet and exercise.
During this time, open communication is key. You’ll have regular face-to-face sessions with your nutritional coach, fitness trainer, psychologist and doctor to accomplish your health goals. This is when most patients see the most dramatic results – losing 20 to 50 pounds or more.
After six months, the balloon will be removed during a simple, non-surgical procedure. The removal process takes less than 30 minutes and is completely painless. This two-part program yields amazing results – on average, patients lose 3.1 times more weight than diet and exercise alone. Plus, if you continue to practice healthy eating habits and lifestyle choices, your weight loss will remain sustainable long after the Orbera balloon is gone.
The Results
Most people who undergo the Orbera procedure will lose about 30 pounds or more in their first six months. However, they must continue eating smaller portions and follow their nutrition plan after removing the balloon to prevent the weight from returning.
The procedure requires no incisions, and patients can go home within minutes after the Orbera balloon is inserted through the mouth. The balloon is inflated with saline, similar to swallowing a pill. Patients are required to fast for 24 hours before the procedure and must avoid drinking liquids for 12 hours. They must also have a ride home because sedatives are used during the endoscopic process.
Patients can sometimes experience bad-smelling belching or burping because the food gets stuck in the mucous coating that covers the Orbera balloon. To avoid this, patients should eat slowly and chew well. They should also wait 20-30 minutes after each meal before deciding whether or not to eat more.
Patients must have their Orbera balloon removed no later than six months because it can deflate and block part of the stomach, intestines, or esophagus. If the balloon stays in place too long, it can lead to death from bowel obstruction. To have the balloon removed, doctors use an endoscopic procedure or surgery.
The Maintenance
The Orbera balloon is designed to be inserted in your stomach through a nonsurgical outpatient procedure. The device is introduced in its deflated state through a diagnostic endoscopy. It is inflated by your Fort Worth physician using a sterile solution-filled syringe to fill it up to the size of a grapefruit. You are mildly sedated during this procedure and can go home on the same day.
This non-invasive weight loss procedure is a great alternative to other surgical approaches to obesity. The device helps patients overcome the dietary barriers that often prevent them from losing weight, such as hunger and cravings. It also helps to teach them how to eat smaller portions and slow their eating. Many patients report that they can lose three times more weight than with diet and exercise alone.
The average patient with the Orbera balloon will lose 20 to 50 pounds within six months, depending on how well they follow their treatment plan. Open communication with your support team is essential for the success of this weight loss approach. That includes face-to-face sessions with a nutrition coach, physical trainer and psychologist. For patients unable to meet with their supportive team, Orbera offers an online support program. In addition, both companies offer flexible financing options with no prepayment penalties to help you make this life-changing device more affordable for your budget.
