On August 5, 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the ORBERA™ Intragastric Balloon, a soft yet durable silicone balloon that is designed to assist adult patients with obesity, in losing and maintaining weight. It is intended for adult patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 to 40 who have attempted more conservative weight reduction alternatives. This weight loss option simulates a full stomach quicker after smaller meals. It reduces your hunger allowing you to control your portion sizes and can be used as a stepping stone on the path to weight loss success. However, with this latest non-surgical weight loss procedure comes plenty of new information to be shared. To help you understand the ins and outs of this new gastric balloon weight loss procedure, we have provided a host of information that includes a detailed overview of the process, its benefits and how one can qualify for this procedure.
THE PROCESS
A Gastric Balloon is placed into the stomach through the mouth with the help of a endoscope that goes through the mouth and into the stomach.
The balloon is then filled with 500-700 ml of saline fluid and a blue dye. The procedure may be uncomfortable, but is generally painless. It takes only 15 minutes and you will go home the same day
The balloon is placed in the stomach for six months, and is used in conjunction with a long term supervised diet and behavior modification program.
WEIGHT LOSS
Once the balloon is in place, the patient receives an individually tailored support program through the ORBERA™ Managed Weight Loss System team of experts –which may include a dietician, psychologist and exercise physiologist – to help keep them motivated, coordinate their program and help them work through weight loss barriers to meet their long-term weight loss goals. Coaching takes place over 12 months, even though the balloon is removed after six months.
The weight loss is rapid with the majority of it typically occurring in the first three months of treatment. On average, patients lost 3.1 times the weight loss of diet and exercise alone. It is important to note that the adjustments to your eating habits and your continued efforts to stay active will greatly influence your results. Specifically, the program is designed to help the patient develop sustainable, healthy habits that will help keep weight off over time.
REMOVAL
After six months, the gastric balloon is deflated before being removed. It is then pulled through the mouth using an endoscopic tube. You will need to be aware that when the gastric balloon is removed, your stomach will return to its normal size and shape.
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
For many, the weight loss journey leaves patients with little support or options in the gap between diet & exercise and surgery. ORBERA™ is an incision-less, non-surgical solution for patients who are not appropriate for or considering invasive surgery, but for whom diet & exercise or pharmaceutical interventions have not worked.
For those suffering from obesity and its related health concerns, there are options available such as this new gastric balloon weight loss procedure. To learn more about gastric balloon procedures and your other weight loss options, call us at (855) 690 – 0565 and schedule your consultation today!