The Orbera Balloon Weight Loss System: Your Questions Answered
Obesity is a major global health issue. And unfortunately, the United States comes in with the heaviest weight in statistics with a combined 65.7% overweight-obesity rate.
This means that over half the U.S. population is overweight, which is undoubtedly taking a toll on their overall health and well-being. This is where the Orbera balloon comes in as an effective, long-term solution for weight loss.
If you’re considering the gastric balloon weight loss treatment, here are all your questions answered…
Your Questions Answered: The Orbera Balloon Weight Loss Solution
The Orbera intragastric balloon is a revolutionary treatment which has taken the weight loss industry by storm. Why? Because it’s non-invasive and offers proven results which are manageable in the long-term.
The Orbera balloon is an excellent option for those who do not qualify for weight loss surgery but are in desperate need of losing weight. It’s also an alternative for those who need to lose weight in order to qualify for certain surgeries.
Whether you’re looking to lose weight (and keep it off!) or meet certain requirements for a particular surgery, here’s what you should know…
1. What Is the Orbera Gastric Balloon?
The Orbera gastric balloon is made from a highly resilient, durable silicone material. It is used for the purpose of encouraging weight loss by ”filling up” the stomach in order to help regulate portion control.
The Orbera balloon is inserted into the stomach via a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure. It’s then filled up with approximately 600 milliliters of saline solution. Though this may vary depending on a person’s body type and weight.
2. How Does the Orbera Balloon Work?
To put it simply, the purpose of the Orbera balloon is to take up space in the stomach to help a person lose weight by managing their food intake.
Generally, an Orbera balloon program is spread over a 12-month period. During this time, a weight loss and healthy lifestyle program are closely monitored and supervised by professionals.
For the first 6 months of the program, the Orbera gastric balloon is placed inside the stomach to assist with portion control and initial weight loss. This helps the patient adjust and develop new, healthy lifestyle habits.
After 6 months, the Orbera balloon is removed. During the remaining 6 months, each patient is encouraged to maintain a diet and exercise plan. This is to ensure weight loss is steady, while healthy new habits are maintained.
3. What Makes This a Successful Weight Loss Treatment?
The Orbera balloon is the only gastric balloon across the globe that is recognized by the ASGE for its safety and effectiveness.
But most of all, the Orbera balloon is effective for these reasons:
- It does not leave you feeling starved and dissatisfied like most diets
- It encourages portion control and instills healthy eating habits over time
- With facilitated weight loss, exercise becomes more achievable and comfortable, allowing for additional weight loss
According to research, the average person loses roughly three times more weight with the Orbera balloon procedure than regular diet and exercise alone!
4. Am I a Candidate for the Orbera Balloon?
You may be a candidate for the Orbera balloon procedure according to a number of varying factors. Some of these include:
- A body mass index below 35, which is the standard in order to be considered for any bariatric surgery
- You have not had success with any other weight loss programs, including medications
- You want to lose weight but want to avoid the long-term effects of bariatric surgery
This being said, you are not a candidate if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or become pregnant within 6 months of considering the surgery. You are also not eligible if you suffer from digestive issues or stomach ulcers.
5. Does This Treatment Require Major Surgery?
The Orbera balloon procedure does not require invasive surgery, as mentioned above. This means no anesthetics, incisions, stitches or scars.
The procedure takes an average of 30-minutes and is inserted into the stomach endoscopically (through the mouth and throat).
What’s more, the balloon is in place on a temporary basis, so there’s no need to worry about permanent surgical alternations.
6. Are Gastric Balloons FDA Approved and Safe?
The gastric balloon has been used within the weight management and obesity management industry for over two decades. But in short, the Orbera balloon is indeed FDA approved.
The Orbera balloon has evolved in durability, shape, and size over the years, but today it’s a modern, robust product and 100% safe for use as a weight loss solution.
7. What Are the Costs Involved?
Many weight loss centers vary on their policies regarding insurance coverage of this procedure. But at the moment, this treatment is not covered by insurance.
However, there are payment options available via the Care Credit Program. This amount is usually charged at an average of $417 per month, with little to no down payment required.
Keep in mind that each monthly payment may vary, depending on the patient and their credit acceptance rate.
8. What Can I Expect From the Results?
The results of the Orbera balloon vary depending on the person and the amount of weight they have to lose, of course. But on average, most people lose close to 21 pounds over the course of the first 6 months.
Once again, this is a very personal journey and will vary greatly depending on your original weight and body type. But generally, the first 6 months tend to reap the greatest amount of weight loss.
9. What Can I Expect Post-Procedure?
Because this is non-invasive surgery that doesn’t require major anesthetics, you should be able to leave the hospital just two hours post-treatment.
However, there may be a little discomfort in the throat for a few days after the procedure, due to the endoscopy. You could also experience nausea and stomach discomfort for a few days as your body adjusts to the Orbera balloon.
Over time, these symptoms should disappear.
10. Are There Any Risks or Side Effects?
While this procedure is FDA approved and 100% safe, there are a few adverse side-effects worth being aware of.
Some of these include nausea, vomiting, belly or back pain, acid reflux, digestion issues, infection, or inflammation of the stomach lining.
If any of these issues persist after the first few days, it may be worth visiting your weight loss doctor for a check-up.
Manage Your Health With Next Level Weight-Loss
If you’re considering the Orbera balloon procedure, we are your expert go-to weight loss clinic in the Tampa or Lakeland area!
Still have your doubts or questions on your mind? Learn more Orbera facts, here.
