ORBERA™ Gastric Balloon

The Orbera Gastric Balloon is an FDA-approved weight loss device that is inserted into the stomach to help patients lose weight. The balloon is made of soft silicone and is filled with a saline solution. The device is placed into the stomach through a non-surgical, endoscopic procedure and takes up space in the stomach, making the individual feel fuller faster and eat less. The Orbera intragastric balloon is typically left inside the stomach for 6 months, after which it is removed through another non-surgical endoscopic procedure. The procedure is meant to be used in conjunction with a comprehensive weight loss program that includes diet and exercise. The goal of the Orbera Gastric Balloon is to help individuals make lifestyle changes and develop healthier eating habits to maintain weight loss after the balloon is removed.

About the Gastric Balloon

The Orbera weight loss balloon is an alternative to invasive bariatric surgery. Balloon placement is performed on an outpatient basis under mild sedation and requires no abdominal incisions. Dr. Snow utilizes the guidance of a camera approximately the size of an index finger to pass the deflated balloon into the stomach and then fill it with a saline solution until it is roughly the size of a grapefruit. Once filled with fluid, the gastric balloon is approximately five to six inches in diameter and serves to occupy a large portion of the stomach. Having the balloon inside the stomach leads to the feeling of “fullness” after only eating a small amount of food. The Orbera balloon is removed six months later, and the patient will receive an additional six months of medically-supervised weight loss support.

Benefits of the ORBERA™ Gastric Balloon

• Non-surgical procedure that requires no incisions
• No permanent internal changes are made
• Patients who follow a diet and exercise routine with the gastric balloon lose, on average, more than 3 times the weight compared to patients who use diet and exercise alone.
• The procedure is accompanied by ongoing support to encourage lifestyle changes including diet and nutrition guidance and an exercise program that will help patients maintain weight loss
• The gastric balloon is a temporary device, leaving patients the option of seeking out further weight loss procedures without the need for revision surgery

What Kind of Results Can I Expect?

The gastric balloon is a powerful tool to jumpstart weight loss. The average weight loss with the Orbera Gastric Balloon is 20-40 pounds. The majority of this weight loss occurs in the first three months.

What to Expect After The Procedure

The gastric balloon procedure does not require a hospital stay. Patients may feel slightly nauseated for a brief time after insertion, but most patients are able to return to normal activity within two days.

Where Do I Go From Here?

The Orbera Gastric Balloon is best suited to patients with a BMI between 30 and 40 who are interested in losing between 20 and 40 pounds. It is an ideal weight loss solution for people preparing for an important event such as a wedding or reunion, post-baby weight loss, and for anyone committed to a healthy lifestyle who is tired of struggling with fad diets.

Plan Your ORBERA™ Gastric Balloon Procedure

• Covered by Insurance: No
• Financing Available: Yes
• Average Self-Pay Cost*: $7,225
• Minimally Invasive: Yes
• Non-Surgical: Yes
• Average Procedure Time: Less than 30 minutes
• Typical Hospital Stay: Out-patient
• Typical Recovery Time: 24 to 48 hours

*Prices are subject to change.

Wondering if the Gastric Balloon is Right for You?

If you’re ready to start your weight loss journey and would like to learn more about the Orbera Gastric Balloon or other weight loss options, please contact us to schedule a consultation or join us for a FREE seminar.

Invest in Your Health

When you invest in the Orbera Gastric Balloon, you’re investing in a healthier you. The Orbera weight loss system is proven to show significant results and we provide the tools and education to help you keep the weight off long-term. Patients who follow a diet and exercise routine with the gastric balloon lose, on average, more than 3 times the weight compared to patients who use diet and exercise alone.*

Includes:

• Balloon Placement Fees
• Nutrition Counseling
• Balloon Removal

*Individual Results May Vary

FAQs About Orbera Gastric Balloon

Is the Orbera Gastric Balloon safe?

The Orbera Gastric Balloon is generally considered safe when used as directed by a qualified healthcare provider. However, as with any medical procedure, there may be potential risks and side effects involved. Some common side effects include acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, ulcers, and dehydration.¹ Dr. Snow will discuss your concerns and the potential risks before you undergo the procedure.

Who is eligible for the Orbera Gastric Balloon?

The eligibility for the Orbera Gastric Balloon depends on various factors including the patient’s age, medical history, and current health status. Typically, those with a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40 who have not been successful with other weight loss methods may be eligible for the procedure. However, the best way to determine eligibility is to consult with Dr. Snow so he can assess your specific situation and make a recommendation based on your overall health and medical history.

How long does the Orbera Gastric Balloon stay in the stomach?

The Orbera Gastric Balloon typically stays in the stomach for 6 months. At that time, balloon removal takes place through a second non-surgical endoscopic procedure. The 6-month time frame is designed to help individuals make lifestyle changes and develop healthier habits to maintain weight loss after the balloon is removed.

What is the success rate of the Orbera Gastric Balloon?

The success of the intragastric balloon system varies from person to person and depends on various factors such as the individual’s starting weight, commitment to lifestyle changes, and overall health. Studies indicate that excess weight loss 6 months after balloon removal was 14% to 50.9%. At 12 months after removal excess weight loss ranged from 14.2% to 27.2%. Additionally, weight loss from the intragastric balloon has been shown to lead to significant long-term weight maintenance.²

Does the Orbera Gastric Balloon have any side effects?

As with any medical procedure, there may be potential side effects associated with the Orbera Gastric Balloon. Some common side effects include nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain or discomfort, dehydration, constipation, and difficulty swallowing. In rare cases, the Orbera Gastric Balloon may also move from its original placement or deflate, requiring additional medical attention.

How much weight can I expect to lose with the Orbera Gastric Balloon?

The amount of weight loss with the Orbera Gastric Balloon will vary from person to person and depend on various factors such as starting weight, commitment to lifestyle changes, and overall health. On average, individuals with the Orbera Gastric Balloon can expect to lose about 50% of their target weight over the first 30 days and lose approximately 30% of excess weight in total within 6 months.⁴ It is important to note that the Orbera Gastric Balloon is meant to be used in conjunction with a comprehensive weight loss program that includes diet and exercise. The amount of weight loss will also depend on the individual’s ability to maintain healthy habits after the balloon is removed.

Is the Orbera Gastric Balloon covered by insurance?

Whether the Orbera Gastric Balloon is covered by insurance will depend on your insurance plan and the details of your policy. Some insurance plans may cover the cost of the procedure, while others may not. It is best to check with your insurance provider to determine if the procedure is covered and to understand any out-of-pocket costs.

What is the cost of the Orbera Gastric Balloon?

The total cost of the Orbera Gastric Balloon procedure is $7,225, which includes the cost of the balloon insertion and removal procedures and nutritional counseling. It is important to understand the costs involved and to check with your insurance provider to determine if the procedure is covered.

¹ Mayo Clinic. Intragrastric balloon. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/intragastric-balloon/about/pac-20394435. Accessed January 30, 2023.
² WJG. Current status of intragastric balloon for obesity treatment. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4917609/. Accessed January 30, 2023.
³ FDA. ORBERA™ Intragastric Balloon System (ORBERA™) Patient Information Booklet. Available: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/letters-health-care-providers/update-potential-risks-liquid-filled-intragastric-balloons-letter-health-care-providers. Accessed March 28, 2024.
⁴ SOARD. Patients undergoing intragastric balloon achieve approximately 50% of their target weight loss in the first month postoperatively: an MBSAQIP analysis. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31668944/. Accessed January 30, 2023.