ORBERA INTRAGASTRIC BALLOON

What Is A Gastric Balloon?

A gastric balloon, also known as an intragastric stomach balloon, is a temporary device that is placed in a patient’s stomach to take up space. In addition to limiting the amount the individual can eat, the balloon also helps the patient feel “full” and satisfied for longer.

A gastric balloon is intended to be used in connection with a supervised program that monitors patient weight loss progress and includes a healthy diet and an exercise program.

What Is The Orbera Intragastric Balloon?

Gastric balloons have been used to help with weight loss for over 20 years. Over the years, refinements and upgrades have been made to improve safety profiles and enhance their effectiveness.

In August of 2015, the Orbera intragastric balloon was approved by the FDA for use in the United States. The Orbera balloon has been used outside of the United States since 2005 and is currently being used by gastric balloon doctors in over 80 countries.

How Does The Orbera Gastric Balloon Procedure Promote Weight Loss?

The Orbera gastric balloon is designed to help patients lose weight quickly and efficiently through a 12-month medically supervised program. During the duration of the program, patients have access to support from several medical professionals including a nutritionist, exercise professionals, phycologists, etc.

For the first six months of the program, the Orbera weight loss gastric balloon is placed in the patient’s stomach. During this time, it takes up a substantial amount of stomach volume causing the patient to consume fewer calories. The gastric balloon also creates a sense of fullness that lasts a significant amount of time even though the patient is consuming smaller portions.

The long-term objective, while the balloon resides in the patient’s stomach, is for them to develop behavior patterns promoting healthy lifestyle choices that they will implement and carry forward into their future.

What Can I Expect During The Orbera Gastric Balloon Procedure?

A soft, smooth silicone balloon is placed in a patient’s stomach through a 20-30 minute non-surgical endoscopic procedure that requires only mild sedation.

The deflated Orbera balloon is lowered down the endoscope and strategically placed into the patient’s stomach where it is then filled with a saline solution until it reaches the approximate size of a grapefruit. After six months, the Orbera balloon is deflated and removed through the same endoscopic procedure. The patient remains part of the supervised program for an additional six months and can continue to lose weight.

Orbera can help patients lose up to three times the weight they would lose through dieting or exercise alone – provided they commit to a healthy lifestyle and continue to practice portion control.

The average weight loss after the Orbera gastric balloon procedure is between 30-40 lbs. but patients have reported weight losses of over 100 pounds. Individual results may vary.

What Is The Recovery Time After A Gastric Balloon Procedure?

Generally, patients are discharged within a few hours of the procedure and will need someone to drive them home.

Patients may experience nausea or vomiting after undergoing the gastric balloon weight loss procedure but these should resolve in 2-3 days. Your doctor may be able to prescribe medication to help alleviate the symptoms.

Patients can return to work as soon as the next day if they are feeling up to it. Individual recovery times may vary.

If you are interested in losing weight without surgery and having the support of medical professionals who care about your health and will support you in achieving your goals, contact Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center. Our team of experts offers non-surgical weight loss options including the Orbera gastric balloon in NYC. We would love to partner with you on your weight loss journey. Contact us today!