Do you want to lose weight? Are you not seeing the results you’d like from diet and exercise? Do you want a solution that’s quick, effective, and safe?
Some people might tell you that such a thing doesn’t exist: only diet and exercise can give you real results. That isn’t true! Certain weight loss procedures can change your life.
If this situation describes you, Orbera procedure might be that procedure that changes your life! Got questions about what it is? Find out the answers to the ten most frequently asked questions about Orbera here.
1. What Exactly Is the Orbera Procedure?
The Orbera procedure is actually simple. It uses an inflated balloon to take up space in your stomach. Easy as that!
The doctor will first perform an endoscopy to make sure you’re healthy enough, fit, and safe to have the procedure. An endoscopy is when they use a small camera on the end of a tube to check out your digestive tract. It’s very common and safe!
If you’re deemed fit to have the procedure, then the doctor will take a gastric balloon through your esophagus and place it in your stomach. No cutting or stitches needed!
Then they use a syringe to fill the balloon so it inflates. By the time it’s totally inflated it’s about the size of a grapefruit.
The point is to take up space in your stomach, making it smaller. You won’t be able to eat as much so you can learn portion control. It also should slow your digestion.
2. Is it Surgical?
This is a non-surgical procedure. Yes, you read that right: no knives, no scalpels, no incisions, no stitches, no scars! It’s no “operation” at all!
The doctor goes into your mouth, down your throat, right into your stomach. So no intense scars on your stomach to worry about.
In fact, the procedure as a whole only takes about 20 minutes! Since it’s only 20 minutes and they’re not actually doing surgery, the Orbera procedure is out-patient, meaning you check-in and check-out the same day. That is incredible compared to other weight loss procedures!
3. Is it Permanent?
The gastric balloon placed in your stomach is in no way permanent. In fact, it’s removed just six months later.
That means you don’t have to commit to a long-term or lifelong object in your body, like a sleeve. It also means that keeping the weight off is up to you! There’s no magic fix inside you, doing all the work forever.
So the changes implemented by the Orbera procedure might not be permanent either, if you’re not diligent about your new healthy lifestyle. It gives you a brilliant, effective, safe second chance with your weight but it’s up to you to stay healthy.
4. How Much Does it Cost?
When it comes to your health and quality of life, you should think of cost as an investment. You are investing in your well-being and happiness!
The total cost of the procedure depends where you have it done. The national average is around $6,000. Most clinics that offer the procedure also offer financing options.
Many insurances don’t cover the procedure because it’s relatively new, although it is FDA-approved. That means the cost will most likely be out-of-pocket for you. That doesn’t, however, mean that your insurance won’t cover it — it’s always worth it to check!
5. Is it Painful?
Everyone, of course, wants to know if a weight loss procedure will be painful. Good news: you are slightly sedated during the Orbera procedure so you can be comfortable and calm.
It makes you sleepy and relaxed, so you shouldn’t feel any sort of pain. Plus, there are no incisions necessary, so you don’t have to worry about sharp or lasting pain. The sedation is more so you can stay still and calm.
6. Is There Downtime Afterwards?
There’s no after-pain or post-op downtime required after Orbera because it’s non-surgical! No worries about stitches or aftercare.
You might feel sick for a few days following the procedure, just as your body gets used to the balloon. That should fade rather quickly, plus your doctor can prescribe medication to help with those symptoms.
7. Will it Make Me Lose Weight?
The whole point of this procedure is to help you lose weight. But it doesn’t literally take pounds, fat, or skin off of you like liposuction or a tummy tuck. You won’t walk out of the procedure 50 pounds lighter, if that’s what you’re expecting!
Instead, it teaches your body about portion control so you have the ability to lose weight over time. It’s a long-term solution; it’s about learning the skills and dedication that will serve your health and weight your whole life.
8. How Do I Keep the Weight Off?
This is the most important part of the Orbera procedure: keeping the weight off once you’ve lost it! The gastric balloon can definitely help you lose weight, but once it’s removed you need to continue those good habits.
You’re paired with a specialist who helps you construct an eating plan. It’s totally tailored to you.
The goal over the six months with the balloon is to train your body when/how to feel full so you never overeat. The goal after removal is to keep up that healthy habit.
9. How Is the Balloon Removed?
The gastric balloon is removed in a simple, safe way. Your doctor will go down through your mouth to deflate the balloon. Then they carefully pull it out the same way they put it in.
Easy as that! Your stomach will return to its normal size and shape after the balloon is removed. That’s why it’s so crucial that you let the balloon help you develop your ideal eating habits during the six months it’s in!
10. Will It Work For Me?
The Orbera procedure has already helped hundreds of people reach their weight loss goals. There’s no reason why it can’t help you!
The trick with Orbera is that you must be fully committed to your health so that you can keep the weight off. That’s why the procedure includes not just the balloon, but learning new skills and developing healthy, lifelong eating habits.
Need some extra inspiration? Read through some fabulous success stories. These are from real patients with real experience with the Orbera procedure.
Orbera Is Non-Surgical and Non-Permanent: What Could Be Better Than That?
Many weight loss procedures seem scary because they require surgery, intense recovery, and a permanent commitment to whatever it is. The Orbera procedure requires none of that!
Orbera is non-surgical and non-permanent. They place the gastric balloon, you learn and apply a new eating lifestyle with it for six months, then they remove the balloon.
You have your body back to yourself (no balloon or sleeve inside you!) with a whole new set of skills and habits to direct your eating and lifestyle. Contact us for a free consultation. Lose weight and keep it off!