Our experience with gastric balloon is off to a great start, and these new devices are helping many patients lose weight without surgery. Patients who are considering a gastric balloon are always interested in how long the procedure takes and what it involves, so I thought I’d put together a quick video that shows the procedure and the steps involved. If you would like to watch a live orbera gastric balloon placement, take a look!
As you can see, the entire procedure takes around 5 minutes and this is typical for an uncomplicated balloon insertion. After the procedure there is really no pain as there are no incisions, however patients frequently report nausea and vomiting for a few days afterwards. I recommend taking a few days off work while your body adjusts to the balloon.
Success after a gastric balloon still depends on developing healthy eating and exercise habits, and this is critical for long term success. But the balloon can provide patients with a big jump start on their weight loss that can help keep them motivated and lead to long-term success.
Happy losing – Dr. Trace Curry, Cincinnati Ohio