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The ORBERA Intragastric Balloon is a soft, durable silicone balloon that is designed to help patients with a BMI of 30 to 40 lose weight. It is an FDA Approved weight loss solution that focuses on developing sustainable, healthy habits that will help you keep the weight off over time. The balloon is part of the ORBERA Managed Weight Loss System – a comprehensive, non-surgical two-part program that starts with the balloon filling space in your stomach helps allow you to eat smaller meals which reinforces portion control. After the balloon is placed, individualized coaching will help coordinate your program and assist you in meeting your goals. ORBERA is the number one global market leader for gastric balloons with more than 220,000 ORBERA balloons distributed worldwide in over 80 countries.
The ORBERA balloon is a non-surgical endoscopic procedure done under mild sedation. The balloon is temporary and placed in your stomach for six months without surgery or any incisions. The deflated balloon is placed in the stomach and then filled with saline until it’s about the size of a grapefruit. This takes about 20 to 30 minutes and you can go home the same day. At six months the balloon is removed in the same way it was placed, through a non-surgical procedure done under mild sedation. It is deflated, then removed. Coaching support takes place over 12 months, even though the balloon is removed after six months.
To qualify for the balloon procedure, you must have a BMI (Body Mass Index) between 30 and 40, be of adult age and willing to participate in a medically supervised program.
The first several days after the balloon is placed you may experience nausea and some abdominal discomfort. We will make every effort to keep you comfortable during these few days. Weight loss is typically rapid with the majority of weight loss usually occurring in the first three months. The adjustments you make to your eating habits and your continued efforts to stay active will greatly influence your results. During the 12 month period you will receive coaching from your doctor, nurses and a dietician to help keep you motivated to meet your long-term weight loss goals.
Data collected in the U.S. Clinical Trial has shown the average person lost 3.1 times the weight as compared with diet and exercise alone within six months. At month six, the ORBERA group achieved a mean of 38.4 percent excess weight loss.
The ORBERA group also lost significantly more weight than the control group over the course of the study and was able to maintain significant weight loss through month 12, six months after removal of the device.
Insurance approval for bariatric surgery can be a difficult maze to maneuver. Our practice has 7 Patient Advocates who focus on obtaining insurance approval for patients. They will verify your insurance and walk you through any required prerequisites prior to surgery. When you call our office you will be introduced to your Patient Advocate who will work with you until the time you are scheduled for surgery.
If your insurance does not cover bariatric surgery, your Patient Advocate will discuss our cash pay prices and financing options.
Dr. Leithead accepts all insurances, including Medicare.
Use the form to request an appointment online or you may call us directly at
(877) 691-3001