What is the Orbera® Gastric Balloon?
Orbera® is a removable gastric balloon that is inserted non-surgically through the mouth for weight loss. While only recently FDA approved in the US, it has been available outside the states for several years and has a proven track record. There are numerous other gastric balloons besides Orbera available outside the US, and they all have an excellent safety profile. The FDA approved Orbera with indications to be offered to patients with a BMI of 30-40.
The Orbera Managed Weight Loss System is designed for patients that need to lose 30-60 lbs, which in many cases is enough weight loss to resolve type 2 diabetes. It is a unique device for the treatment of obesity in America as it’s not a diet, not surgery, and not a weight loss pill!
A simple endoscopic procedure is performed to place the Orbera gastric balloon, which is then filled with saline. The balloon takes up space in the stomach and helps you feel full earlier. It also delays gastric emptying which can help to reduce hunger. The Orbera is left in place for up to 6 months to provide the patient with hunger reduction and portion control. Combined with a healthy diet and exercise with a multi-disciplinary team approach, physicians monitor patients closely for weight loss and side effects. After 6 months, the device is removed but the patient remains enrolled in the program for another 6 months to ensure that they have developed healthy eating habits and are exercising regularly. No incisions are required for this procedure!
Reversible, minimally invasive anti-obesity procedures such as Orbera are arming physicians with new weapons to treat Obesity. Excess weight is a leading cause of co-morbidities such as diabetes, sleep apnea, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.
Learn more by scheduling a consultation with Dr. Trace Curry or Dr. James Augusta in Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, Columbus or Dayton. Virtual telehealth consultations are also available!
Tabitha Miller says
I would like to speak with someone in reference to the gastric balloon procedure.
Dr. C says
Hi Tabitha,
We are currently awaiting on FDA approval of the gastric balloon. We will announce it as soon as it is approved, so stay tuned!
Dr. C
Dr. C says
Hi Tabitha we are seeing consults now, just call 513-259-2555 for more details!
Dr. C
Dr. C says
We are doing our first case tomorrow (8/27/15). As far as we can tell, we will be the 2nd practice, behind the Mayo Clinic who did one last week, to place an Orbera gastric balloon!
I am excited about this procedure as it really fills a void in the treatment of obesity, between weight loss medications and surgery.
LAura says
What is the general coat of the balloon?
Dr. C says
Orbera is $6500 including insertion, removal, and 12 months of office care. ReShape is $7000.
Dr. Curry
Dr. C says
Just an update, we have done 20 gastric balloons with no complications and we are seeing great success! Most patients are losing 7-10 lbs in just the first week, and our first patient has already lost nearly 20 lbs at week 4.
Beth says
How much it cost
Dr. C says
An Orbera gastric balloon is $6500 for a 12 month program. Financing is available, and you can use flex spending such as HSA accounts as well.
Dr. Curry
Susan Aboul-Nasr says
Just saw this on ashville tv about Dr. Curry. Very interested. I live in simpsonville sc. Please call me about about how long I would be away since it is ongoing program.
Dr. C says
Hi Susan, just call 513-259-2555 and someone can help you. We have lots of out of town patients.
Dr. Curry
sallie Flannery says
I am 41 over weight ,5’1 , type 2 diabetic. I am just tired oh being overweight I’m tired of hurting when I walk I’m tired hurting when I bend just tired of being fat
Dr. C says
Hi Sallie, I will have someone get in touch to discuss your options.
Dr. C
Wanda Pierce says
I am currently going through the process of getting a sleeve surgery but am getting cold feet. I feel that this isn’t a good option for me. Am really wanting to check out the balloon procedure thing that it would be a better option for me
Dr. C says
Hi Wanda just give Marcy a call at 513-259-2555 and she can talk you through the pro’s and con’s of each.
Dr. Curry
Mel says
Is balloon covered by insurance?
Dr. C says
No it is not, however as it is FDA approved you can use a healthcare spending account.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
Regin says
What do you mean by reshape.
Dr. C says
ReShape is a brand of gastric balloon. It has 2 smaller balloons side-by-side, shaped kind of like a dumbbell.