The Orbera intragastric balloon is an FDA-approved nonsurgical weight loss method. This procedure involves a soft, durable silicone balloon inserted into the stomach endoscopically and filled with saline solution until it’s the size of a grapefruit.
This device takes up space in the stomach, making sticking with a diet and exercise regimen easier. After six months, the balloon is removed with a similar endoscopic procedure.
What is the Orbera Balloon?
The Orbera balloon is an FDA-approved incision-less, nonsurgical weight-loss device. It is a soft, flexible, silicone-like “stomach balloon” placed via an endoscope through the mouth while you are lightly sedated. It is filled with saline through a self-sealing valve until it reaches about the size of a grapefruit. Once in place, the balloon slows the passage of food and liquids into your stomach, training you to feel satisfied with smaller meals.
The saline in the balloon is non-toxic and will not cause any severe problems, but if the balloon were to rupture, you could have it removed in surgery. Side effects from the Orbera balloon are rare and typically consist of nausea and abdominal pain, which medication can easily manage.
Unlike many surgical approaches to obesity, Orbera is an invasive-free procedure that can be used on individuals who have exhausted more conservative weight loss methods. Individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30-40 and with obesity-related co-morbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea, can benefit from this innovative approach.
During the first six months, patients work with their Orbera team to change their habits and retrain themselves to notice and stop hunger signals. Most weight loss occurs during this time, with most patients losing 20-50 pounds. After this time, the balloon is removed via a simple and non-invasive endoscopic procedure that takes just 20 minutes.
Is the Orbera Balloon Right for Me?
The Orbera balloon is a nonsurgical, FDA-approved weight loss solution for people who are struggling with obesity and have not achieved success with diet and exercise alone. The soft silicone device is inserted through a quick, non-invasive endoscopic procedure and takes up space in your stomach, helping you feel complete with smaller meals and eat less overall.
Once the orbera balloon has been placed, you will undergo a six-month guided weight loss program. During this time, you will work closely with our team to ensure that your balloon remains in place and that you maintain healthy eating habits. You will also be able to track your progress by using our online food diary.
After six months with the Orbera balloon, you will have a brief nonsurgical procedure where it is removed from your stomach. You will then begin a new phase of your weight loss journey and continue your success with our team by working closely on a diet and exercise plan to help you achieve long-term results.
You should not receive the Orbera balloon if you have certain medical conditions, such as stomach irritation or ulcers, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are undergoing other surgical procedures. In addition, you should not undergo the process if you have a history of gastric reflux disease, severe gallstones, or liver disease.
Is the Orbera Balloon Right for You?
The Orbera Balloon is a nonsurgical alternative to traditional bariatric surgery and has been proven successful in helping patients kickstart their weight loss. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under mild sedation.
A deflated balloon is inserted through your mouth using an endoscope and placed into your stomach. It is then inflated with a syringe filled with sterile saline until it is about the size of a grapefruit. The balloon occupies space in your stomach, making it harder to eat large portions and helping you feel full after eating smaller meals.
The Orbera balloon is removed in a simple, nonsurgical endoscopic procedure as you lose weight. The process typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Once your balloon is removed, you will work with your team to continue making lifestyle changes to help you maintain your weight loss. You will also work closely with a dietitian to develop a healthy diet and meal plan.
Some medical conditions could prevent you from receiving the Orbera balloon, including stomach irritation or ulcers, pregnancy, or a history of pancreatitis. You must discuss your medical history to determine if the Orbera balloon suits you. If you do not qualify for the Orbera Balloon, Roller Weight Loss & Advanced Surgery has several other options to meet your needs.
How Do I Know if the Orbera Balloon is Right for Me?
The Orbera balloon is inserted in a simple, non-surgical procedure that takes 20 to 30 minutes. It does not require incisions or scarring and is entirely reversible. It is typically performed under sedation or general anesthesia.
It fills space in your stomach to help you feel complete with smaller meals. It also helps slow the passage of food and liquids. You will be on a restricted diet of only clear beverages and small meals while the balloon is in place.
While the balloon is in your stomach, you will work closely with our team and dietitian to learn healthier eating habits to keep the weight off long-term. After the balloon is removed, our team will continue to provide guidance and support for six months.
The Orbera balloon is an excellent solution for many who want to kickstart their weight loss journey without surgery. The patients have experienced dramatic, positive results that improve obesity-related co-morbidities such as obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, and elevated cholesterol.
