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Intragastric Balloons Orbera and Obalon Procedures for Obesity
Obalon is the FIRST and ONLY swallowable, FDA-approved stomach balloon system for weight loss. It is part of the family of obesity stomach weight loss balloons. The Obalon Balloon System facilitates weight loss by taking up space in your stomach so you eat less. Three balloons are placed for a six-month non-surgical treatment, combined with a professionally supervised nutrition and exercise program for optimal weight loss. Patients in the clinical study lost twice as much weight as with diet and exercise alone. Stomach balloons can be an alternative to bariatric surgery.
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The Obalon Balloon System takes up space in your stomach so you eat less. During treatment you should receive professional nutrition counseling and exercise. This support helps you make the lifestyle changes that promote weight loss. The Obalon Balloon System changes your eating habits in order keep the weight off.
An average of 89% of weight lost in the Obalon Clinical Study was kept off at 1 year (6 months post-removal) when combined with a moderate intensity diet and exercise program.
The placement of each Obalon balloon typically takes less than 10 minutes and does not require anesthesia or sedation. You swallow a capsule containing a small balloon, and then your physician inflates the balloon with a special mix of air. Procedures are not used for the placement of the Obalon balloon. One balloon is placed initially, another in 2 weeks from the time of initial placement, and the third and last balloon is swallowed at 4 weeks from the second balloon. The gradual introduction of these smaller balloons (compared to single balloon systems) allows for better accommodation of the these space occupying devices. As a result, this strategy minimizes the abdominal distress that is often experienced with single, larger, fluid filled balloon systems. After 6 months, all three balloons are removed during one upper endoscopic procedure. The removal procedure is typically no longer than 15 minutes.
The Obalon Balloon System can assist with your weight loss efforts, but your weight loss success is also dependent on your readiness to develop new lifestyle skills. The degree of weight loss will depend on your ability to modify your lifestyle and maintain this behavior after the balloons are removed. The majority of patients lose 6-7% of the total body weight or approximately 25% of there excess body weight. It is important that you discuss your willingness to accept this commitment with your physician before undergoing the Obalon Balloon System treatment.
You are a candidate for the Obalon Balloon System if you have a body mass index (BMI) from 30 to 40 kg/m2 (30 to 100 pounds overweight) and are 22 years or older. The program begins with the placement of the Obalon Balloons in your stomach for up to six months. The program should be accompanied with a healthy diet and exercise program during the time you have the balloons and is recommended for six months after the balloons are removed.
Patients usually resume normal activities immediately after the balloon placement procedure. You cannot take any stomach irritating medicines like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or Aspirin while the balloons are in your stomach. Some examples of NSAIDs are Motrin or Advil. You cannot have the balloons placed if you plan to live in a place at an altitude more than 4000 feet higher or 2500 feet lower than where your doctor places your balloons. See the Safety Information section and Patient Labeling for contraindicated activities with the Obalon Balloon System.
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*Actual Obalon Patients. Weight loss results may vary.
The Orbera intragastric balloon is a nonsurgical procedure effective in temporarily reducing hunger by controlling food intake and is completely reversible. A single, soft, expandable, silicone balloon is placed inside the stomach through the mouth using a video upper endoscope. Once inserted into the stomach, the empty balloon is filled with sterile saline water that results in the inflated balloon occupying a large part of the stomach. The balloon creates a feeling of fullness causing one to feel full much earlier during meals.
Placement of the intragastric balloon takes approximately 30 minutes and is performed by a team of qualified gastroenterologists who are experienced in flexible endoscopy. The balloon is inserted and removed in the outpatient, same-day setting and does not involve surgery. Dr. Starpoli performs a truly minimally invasive procedure.
The intragastric balloon procedure is completely reversible and effective in temporarily reducing hunger by controlling food intake. In combination with behavioral change and structured nutritional guidance, a 19% to 50% loss of excess weight can be achieved
The intragastric balloon remains in the stomach for a six-month period at which time it is removed, in the same manner as it was placed.
The ORBERA™ intragastric balloon is a widely used balloon in the world with a long clinical track record demonstrating safety and efficacy. The ORBERA™ intragastric balloon is approved for use in Canada, Mexico, Australia, India, several European and South American countries. It is now also FDA approved in the United States.
The success of the intragastric balloon is contingent on an extensive nutritional and behavioral program. This program is conducted during the 6 months in which balloon is in place and continued for an additional 6 months after removal of the balloon. Dr. Starpoli and the American Obesity Center provide a revolutionary platform employing smart mobile technology to enhance ease of access to counseling and improved compliance. As a result, we provide an excellent opportunity for a positive result.
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The Intragastric Balloon Procedure is ideally suited for patients who:
- Have a BMI of over 30
- Have been unable to achieve their weight loss goals through diet and exercise
- Are uncomfortable with, or ineligible for, other types of weight loss surgery
- Are willing to participate in a medically supervised diet and behavior modification program
- Are considered to be at least 25 pounds overweight
- Previous gastrointestinal surgery
- Any inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract
- Potential upper gastrointestinal bleeding or other congenital anomalies
- Large hiatal hernia or structural abnormality in the larynx or esophagus
- Any condition that would hinder endoscopy
- Unwillingness to participate in the supervised diet and behavior modification program
- Drug or alcohol addiction
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Past or present psychological disorders
- Regular use of anticoagulants, aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or any other gastric irritants
Intragastric balloon procedures are generally not covered by insurance.
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To schedule a visit, call 844-I AM FULL
*Disclaimer: individual weight loss results vary and there is no guarantee that you will lose significant weight or maintain weight loss. Stomach balloons are always combined with sound dietary and behavioral counseling to optimize the outcome.