By strengthening portion control, the non-surgical Orbera balloon treatment aids patients in losing weight and keeping it off. It is used in conjunction with a 12-month diet and exercise program.
The intragastric balloon is inserted through the mouth and into the stomach, inflated with saline. This minimally invasive outpatient procedure takes about 30 minutes.
How It Works
By taking up space in the stomach, the Orbera balloon slows digestion and causes you to feel full after smaller meals. This results in significant weight loss, often three times as much as a healthy diet and exercise. It also improves obesity-related comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea.
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under mild sedation, with no incisions or scarring. To install the balloon and fill it with saline solution until it is roughly the size of a grapefruit, your endoscopist will insert a thin tube (catheter) down your throat and into the stomach.
Patients will remain on a liquid-only diet for the first ten days after treatment, then gradually return to solid foods over the next two weeks. Throughout the program, your endoscopist will provide coaching and support.
After six months, the Orbera balloon will be removed in a similar procedure under mild sedation. It can only stay in the stomach for six months because the corrosive effects of stomach acid can cause it to break down.
In the long term, it’s essential to remember that Orbera is a tool that should be used in conjunction with a medically supervised diet and lifestyle modification program. Otherwise, the balloon could lead to rebound weight gain. Patients must learn to eat smaller portions, even after removing the balloon.
Side Effects
The Orbera Balloon is a durable, soft silicone balloon that will take up space in your stomach, encouraging you to eat smaller portions. It is inserted in an endoscopic procedure and takes just 30 minutes. You will be able to go home the same day!
During the process, you will be provided with a liquid diet. Your doctor will observe you during outpatient endoscopic surgery to ensure you handle it properly. You will be under light sedation during the procedure to ensure your comfort.
Your medical team will work with you to develop a customized weight loss plan to help you maintain your new lifestyle habits after the balloon is removed. You will be paired with a dietitian to help you retrain your body to feel full on smaller portions and learn how to eat healthier food. You will also begin working on an exercise program and participate in behavioral therapy to support your efforts.
It is inserted through an outpatient endoscopic procedure under light sedation. The procedure is very safe and has an excellent track record. However, as with all surgical procedures, certain risks are associated with placing an intragastric balloon. In rare cases, the balloon can cause gastric perforation in your stomach. The FDA has received many reports of this problem with both Orbera and ReShape balloons since their 2015 approval.
Recovery
During an outpatient operation that lasts 20 to 30 minutes, the balloon is placed into your stomach through a tube with a camera (endoscope). You’ll be under light sedation. Then, it’s inflated with a sterile saline solution to take up space in your stomach and help you feel full faster.
The balloon is designed to provide six months of consistent support in the stomach to maintain appropriate portion sizes. Many patients lose as much as 50 pounds during the first six months of treatment. This weight loss helps reduce health risks, including high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, and heart disease.
It’s important to note that individual patients may experience varying outcomes. Your success depends on your commitment to making healthy choices and sticking with your program. The Orbera balloon can be removed anytime if your diet and lifestyle change.
You can eliminate the Orbera balloon if your diet or lifestyle changes.
Your doctor will carefully analyze your medical history to decide if you are a candidate for the surgery. Certain medical conditions and complications may prevent you from receiving the intragastric balloon, including a history of prior gastric surgery, severe liver disease, coagulopathies or other gastrointestinal disorders, pregnancy, an undiagnosed hiatal hernia, or psychiatric conditions that make it difficult to follow a structured food plan. Your doctor will also consider your adherence to the Orbera weight loss program, including weekly group meetings with a dietitian and fitness trainer.
Cost
The cost of the gastric balloon varies by location and surgeon. IBI Healthcare Institute offers transparent pricing and specials that may help offset costs for qualified candidates.
The procedure is performed under mild sedation in our office. First, a diagnostic endoscopy will be done to ensure the balloon is safe to place. Once the balloon is inserted, a sterile saline solution will fill the space in your stomach. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes for the procedure to be completed, and you can return home soon after.
You will be on a liquid diet for a week after the Orbera balloon is placed to allow your body to get used to it. You will then transition to a soft food diet. Your doctor will remove the balloon in a non-surgical procedure in six months. You will continue your new diet and exercise program to maintain your weight loss results.
It is a simple way to jumpstart your weight loss and remove stubborn belly fat. If you want to improve your overall health and enhance your quality of life, Orbera may be your solution.
