ORBERA INTRA-GASTRIC BALLOON
The Orbera® intra-gastric balloon was approved by the FDA for use in the United States in 2015. Since then, Dr. Chiasson has utilized this weight loss procedure, particularly in individuals who want to improve their weight loss success with a non-surgical procedure that does not permanently alter their digestive system. The Orbera balloon is used along with diet and lifestyle changes to aid weight loss. Nearly 300,000 balloons have been placed worldwide over the last 20 years.
What is the Orbera Intra-gastric Balloon?
The Orbera Intra-Gastric Balloon is an Incisionless weight loss procedure. It involved the placement of a smooth, soft silicone balloon into the stomach. The balloon is inflated with a sterile saline solution and left to float freely in the stomach for a period of six months. After six months, the balloon is removed through a non-surgical endoscopic procedure.
How does the Orbera Intra-gastric Balloon work?
The Orbera Intra-gastric Balloon is a temporary device that is placed through the mouth into the stomach under endoscopic guidance. The balloon is about the size of a small grapefruit and is intended to occupy about 50% of the stomach. This limits the amount of food that one can eat. In addition, the balloon causes the stomach to empty more slowly. This has the effect of helping the patient feel full for a longer period of time. The balloon is intended to be used along with a supervised weight loss program which includes diet counseling, exercise education, and possible additional medical management to obtain the best results.
Who is a candidate for the Orbera Intra-gastric Balloon?
The Orbera Intra-gastric Balloon procedure is intended for individuals who are seeking to enhance their weight loss efforts with a non-surgical procedure that does not permanently alter the digestive tract. It is approved for patients with a BMI of 27-50. Of note, patients who have been successful can have the procedure repeated as needed.
What to expect with the placement of the Orbera Intra-gastric Balloon?
The Orbera Intra-gastric Balloon is placed into the stomach during a short endoscopic procedure that is performed using twilight anesthesia sedation. An endoscope is first used to assess the stomach to ensure that the patient does not have a large hiatal hernia or stomach ulcer. The endoscope is then removed, and the deflated balloon is advanced through the mouth into the stomach. The endoscope is then placed back into the stomach, and under direct vision, the balloon is inflated and then detached from its delivery device.
Before the procedure, the patient is given a number of medicines to control nausea and vomiting. Afterward, one is discharged home after a short recovery. The anti-nausea medicines are then continued for 24-48 hrs in order to limit symptoms.
What are the advantages of the Orbera Intra-gastric Balloon?
The primary advantage of the Orbera Intra-gastric Balloon the fact that it can act as an adjunct to help to jump-start a successful diet.
How much weight loss is associated with the Orbera Intra-gastric Balloon?
Patients will typically lose between 30-50 lbs depending upon their commitment to the medical weight loss program.
READY TO GET STARTED WITH DR. CHIASSON?
In 2016, more than 1.9 billion adults, 18 years and older, were overweight. Of these over 650 million were obese. You are not alone and you do not need to feel any less of a person if you are overweight or obese. Take action now and increase your quality of life with Dr. Patrick Chiasson, the leading Tucson Bariatric Surgeon.