ORBERA® Intragastric Balloon – Non-Surgical Weight Loss Treatment

Orbera-Logo-2-300x152Advances in weight loss treatment have yielded both surgical and non-surgical options for patients who are trying to lose weight and change their lives for the better. While Dr. James Parrish offers a comprehensive range of bariatric surgery options here at Mid Louisiana Surgical Specialists, he also offers an FDA-approved weight loss treatment technique that does not require surgical intervention: the ORBERA® Managed Weight Loss System.

The ORBERA® technique involves the temporary placement of an intragastric balloon inside the stomach. As the balloon takes up space once it is inflated, it can help you experience an earlier sensation of fullness at mealtimes. *A clinical study showed that patients who had the ORBERA® gastric balloon for six months lost an average of 21.8 pounds. With continued weight management under the ORBERA® system and good eating and lifestyle habits, even more weight can be lost. The ORBERA® system can be performed in patients over the age of 18 and has helped many individuals successfully navigate the path to better health.

*Clinical Study Approved by FDA

What Are the Benefits of the ORBERA® Managed Weight Loss System?

The ORBERA® Managed Weight Loss System offers patients with a body mass index (BMI) of between 30 and 40 a number of significant benefits, including:

  • Non-surgical weight loss treatment
  • A comprehensive weight loss program designed to help you lose weight and keep it off
  • Guidance and support from experts who can help you develop a long-term plan to improve dietary and fitness habits
  • Only minimal downtime is typically necessary
  • The ability to lose about three times as much weight than could be achieved with diet and exercise alone
  • Significant weight loss within the first three months

What Does the ORBERA® Intragastric Balloon Procedure Involve?

Here is how the ORBERA® system works: our experienced bariatric surgeon will endoscopically insert a small intragastric balloon down the throat and gently place it in the stomach. The balloon is not inflated during the insertion and placement process. There are no incisions required, and a mild sedative is typically enough to minimize discomfort during this quick outpatient procedure. Once the balloon is in the ideal position, Dr. Parrish will then use a saline solution to fill it. After it has been filled, the intragastric balloon is similar to a grapefruit in size. For most patients, it takes only about 30 minutes to complete the ORBERA® procedure.

The balloon will remain inflated for six months. After this amount of time has passed, Dr. Parrish will deflate the balloon and remove it from the stomach, completing the first phase of treatment with the ORBERA® Managed Weight Loss System. The second phase involves a team of weight loss experts and coaches, which can include our bariatric surgeon, a dietitian, and an exercise physiologist, who will help you enhance your eating and fitness routines so that you continue on your path to safely and effectively losing weight—and keeping it off. The ORBERA® system’s medically supervised weight loss program is a necessary part of the treatment as it is specifically tailored to help you adjust to new lifestyle and dietary habits. This team approach is designed to give you a thorough base of support as you embark on your weight loss journey!

The ORBERA® Intragastric Balloon Infographic

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*Click image for full graphic

Will I Need a Recovery Period After ORBERA® Treatment?

A small period of rest and recovery will be necessary after the ORBERA® procedure. Most patients will need a minimum of three days’ recovery time before resuming many of their normal daily routines in order to give the body time to adjust. During this recovery period, individuals may feel excessively tired. Nausea, cramping, acid reflux, and mild vomiting may also occur, particularly in the first few days; however, many of the common initial side effects of this treatment dissipate within the first week and can typically be controlled with medication.

How Much Does ORBERA® Treatment Cost?

The cost of ORBERA® treatment will be estimated based on the procedure that places the ORBERA® intragastric balloon itself as well as the 12-month weight management support program that is part of the ORBERA® treatment. Other factors can go into the total price of treatment depending on the patient’s unique needs and goals, and a member of our team will be happy to present a custom cost estimate to you for review during your initial consultation. If medical insurance does not cover the cost of ORBERA®, our practice accepts a number of convenient payment options, including financing arrangements for qualified applicants through reputable third-party financing agencies, that can help make the treatment as budget-friendly as possible.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About ORBERA®

You have many options when it comes to weight loss procedures. To help you determine which one is best for you, Dr. Parrish has provided answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the ORBERA® intragastric balloon. Ready to learn more? Talk to our skilled medical team to set up a consultation and find out if this or another weight loss technique is right for you.

How much weight can I lose with ORBERA®?

What makes this technique so effective is that it works in conjunction with a physician-directed diet and exercise regimen to achieve more pronounced weight loss than diet and exercise alone. In general, you should think of ORBERA® as a tool that enhances your ability to lose weight, an ability that already resides within you. Each person’s experience will vary slightly, but in general patients tend to lose between 20 and 30 pounds with this method. Greater weight loss can be achieved over time by adhering to the newly established lifestyle and maintaining healthy habits.

Will I gain back the weight when the balloon is removed?

We spend a great deal of time and consideration helping you become comfortable with a prescribed diet and exercise regimen. The ORBERA® balloon simply acts as a catalyst to jumpstart your weight loss. By acclimating you to a different way of living, one that is healthier and more active, we can assist you in maintaining your weight loss and potentially losing more weight in the future. In the event weight gain occurs, we will work with you to reestablish the habits that helped you succeed both while the ORBERA® balloon was in place and soon after it was removed.

What happens if the balloon deflates?

The ORBERA® intragastric balloon underwent extensive testing to ensure the highest levels of safety. As a result, a leak or deflation is a very rare occurrence. If you notice that you are suddenly no longer feeling full after eating the same way as you had been with this method, a simple X-ray can be performed to check on the balloon to see if it is functioning as intended. If necessary, the balloon can be removed the same way it would when the six-month program was complete. In the unlikely event you need to remove your balloon ahead of schedule, you and Dr. Parrish can decide whether to replace the balloon or to try another approach.

Does insurance cover ORBERA®?

Many insurance companies offer significant coverage for weight loss procedures; however, the ORBERA® Managed Weight Loss System is recently FDA approved and may not be covered by all medical insurance plans. Our practice works with many medical agencies, and we can help you determine if your provider covers this treatment. If coverage is lacking, or if you prefer to pay out-of-pocket, we work with several medical financing companies that offer low- and no-interest plans with both short and long terms.

Can I have another weight loss procedure after trying ORBERA®?

Many people experience success using the ORBERA® intragastric balloon. This method, however, does not preclude patients from using another bariatric technique in the future for any reason. Dr. Parrish will review all your options with you during your initial consultation, including discussing whether an alternative surgical approach may be right for your needs and characteristics. Our primary goal is to provide exceptional ongoing care, and we will work with you to find a solution that maximizes your results.

Contact Dr. James Parrish

Do you have questions about ORBERA®? If so, please contact us today. We will be happy to talk more with you about this procedure, or help you schedule a consultation with Dr. Parrish.