Orbera®️ Gastric Balloon

What is the ORBERA® Managed Weight Loss Program?

The ORBERA® Managed Weight Loss Program is a medical procedure for weight loss that focuses on developing long-term, sustainable, healthy habits. The comprehensive, two-part program starts with a soft, intra-gastric balloon placed in your stomach for 6 months to encourage portion control.

The second part of the program is very important because it helps you maintain the weight loss. We will work with you to guide you through the process of developing a healthy, balanced diet and support you in making healthy lifestyle choices.

ORBERA® is indicated for people with a BMI of 27kg/m2 and above, between the ages of 18-70 years.

What is a Gastric balloon?

A gastric balloon is a non-surgical, temporary device which is placed in your stomach to assist you with your weight loss. The balloon is made of a durable silicone material and is latex free. It works by taking up space in your stomach consequently decreasing the quantity of food that the stomach can hold. The presence of the balloon also interferes with stomach emptying, such that food stays in the stomach longer. Together, these effects promote diminished appetite and early satiety with lesser food quantity allowing you to learn portion control and develop healthy changes in your eating habit. The size of the balloon varies by individual needs and requirements.

How is the procedure performed?

The procedure is performed by a gastroenterologist via gastroscopy under light sedation, in which the balloon is inserted into your stomach via your mouth. Immediately after the balloon is placed and filled with sterile salt water, you will regain complete awareness and remain in the clinic for observation until the doctor discharges you. The procedure takes 10-20 minutes and you will be able to go home the same day.

After 6 months, the intragastric balloon is removed through the mouth in a similar manner, under the same supervised conditions.

How long does it take to recover after the procedure?

You should plan at least three days of inactivity to recover from the procedure. You will be able to resume normal activity sooner or later depending on how quickly your body adjusts to the balloon. The first few days following insertion of the ORBERA® intragastric balloon can be challenging. As the stomach adjusts to the balloon you may experience nausea, vomiting, cramping, heartburn or discomfort. These side effects are temporary and you will be prescribed medication to help manage them.

How do I lose weight with the ORBERA® Balloon?

An ORBERA® gastric balloon is a non-surgical, temporary device which is placed in your stomach for 6 months to assist you with your weight loss. The balloon is made of a durable silicone material and is latex free. It works by taking up space in your stomach. When combined with a healthy diet and exercise the balloon helps control portion sizes and facilitates weight loss.

The ORBERA® balloon works by occupying about one third of the stomach cavity, decreasing the amount of food the stomach can hold. When combined with a healthy diet and exercise the balloon helps control portion sizes and facilitates weight loss. The balloon assists with weight loss via three potential mechanisms; delaying gastric emptying, reducing gastric volume and stimulating ‘stretch’ receptors in the stomach which signals the brain to initiate a feeling of fullness.

Your dietitian will meet with you throughout the program to help you implement positive dietary and lifestyle modifications. Healthy food choices and lifestyle changes will be easier to maintain with the ORBERA® balloon in place.

How much weight will I lose with the ORBERA® Balloon?

Clinical evidence suggests an average of 10-15kg in 6 months, however this is dependent on your starting weight and how well you adapt to the lifestyle changes. You can expect to lose 3.1x the weight with a gastric balloon than you would with diet and exercise alone. Many diet programs are difficult to maintain and you struggle with feeling hungry. With a gastric balloon you eat smaller meals as the balloon takes up space in your stomach. You are more in control your appetite, will learn portion control and make healthy changes in your eating habits.

Your success depends on whether you make the necessary dietary and lifestyle adjustments and how well you apply them. A gastric balloon is a tool to aid weight loss and must be used in conjunction with diet, exercise and a behaviour modification programme.

The system has been evaluated in over 230 global clinical studies showing an average weight loss of 10-15kg in the 6-month time frame. There has been over 300,000 procedures performed worldwide with ORBERA®. Seventy to eighty percent of weight loss typically occurs during the first three months of treatment. Having a team of experts to help you overcome the challenges of retraining your appetite, adopting new dietary habits, and establishing a reasonable exercise routine will be essential to meet your long-term weight loss goals.

What is the advice around pregnancy and the ORBERA® balloon?

You must not become pregnant while the balloon is implanted, as pregnancy will result in the balloon having to be removed early. Contraception should be used while a balloon is in place. If you are already pregnant, we will not be able to proceed with a balloon insertion. Women are also advised not to become pregnant within three months of having their balloon removed, due to the possibility of nutritional deficiencies during the weight loss period.

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