More than two-thirds of us in America are considered to be overweight or obese, and statistics show that this percentage is increasing with time. This means that over 140 million Americans need help controlling their weight. Serious health issues such as diabetes, sleep apnea, hypertension, and high cholesterol are also becoming more common due to the increase in our weight. Many people are looking for solutions to their weight issues that do not involve surgery. In other countries, patients have numerous options to choose from in the arena of non-surgical weight management, but in the United States options have been limited until now, as the FDA has approved the intra gastric balloon for use in patients with a BMI of 30-40. The gastric balloon is different than any other weight loss tool we’ve seen until now, as it is not a stand-alone diet, it’s not surgery, and it’s not a diet pill. Click here to watch Dr. Curry’s gastric balloon infosession!
Orbera Intra-Gastric Balloon
The Orbera Managed Weight Loss System is an intra gastric balloon that helps you with your portion size, fullness, and hunger. It’s a soft, flexible, expandable device that is placed non-surgically, with an endoscopy under sedation. An intensive follow-up program for the next 6 months will help patients lose on average 25-50 lbs. The gastric balloon works by taking up space in your stomach, so when you start eating it takes a lot less food to make you feel full. After the procedure your hunger also will also be reduced because your stomach feels like it has food in it, when it is actually empty except for the gastric balloon. The US Orbera clinical trial showed 40% excess body weight loss, and Orbera patients lost 3.1x more weight than patients in the medical weight loss arm of the trial.
6 months into the program, the Orbera intra gastric balloon is taken out, again with a non-surgical procedure. Medical weight loss options are available after removal to ensure development of necessary behaviors to keep the weight off.
Gastric balloons have been in use word-wide for many years, and have an excellent safety profile and the procedure does not involve any incisions. The Orbera Managed Weight Loss System has been approved by the FDA and we are pleased to be the first practice in Cincinnati, Columbus, or Dayton to offer it!
Dr. Trace Curry is now offering consultations for this procedure. Schedule in Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, Columbus, or Dayton today! For current pricing for the procedure click here.
I was wanting more information about the gastric balloon.
Ok I will have someone email you Kyle.
Dr. C
That would be fine. Thank you
I would love to lose the weight can you send me more information. Thanks
Sorry for the delay – I will have someone contact you with more info!
Dr. Curry
Wanting to find out more about what this is also how much it would be … it’s important to me to know, Thank you
Hi there, currently our gastric balloon program is $7000, which includes insertion, removal, and 12 months of dietitian care.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
Does insurance pay for the balloon
There is one policy that some AT&T employees have that covers gastric balloon, but other than that no unfortunately. We do have self pay options though, you can call 513-259-2555 for more info.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
How many “Gastric Balloon” procedures has Dr. Curry done to date?
We have done about 20 so far, seeing great results too!
Dr. Curry
If you have 20-30 pounds to lose is this an option?
Yes it should be a perfect option as long as your BMI is over 30. There is a BMI calc on our home page LoseWeightCincy.com
Or if you give me a number and I’ll have someone call you to discuss in more detail.
Dr. Curry
So are you doing the dual reshape balloon now and if so how much is the cost of that one?
Yes we are now offering ReShape consults, and we are doing our first cases next week. It is currently $500 more than Orbera, so $7000 for the 12 month program. But until Dec 31’st we are running a $500 special. If you would like to make an appointment just call 513-559-1222 option 1.
Dr. Curry
I had gastric bypass surgery in 2000. I have gained back 75 of the 110 lbs I lost. Would I be a candidate for the balloon? Does insurance pay any of the cost if you have high blood pressure or other weight related conditions?
Patients who have had previous bariatric surgery are not candidates for the balloon unfortunately.
Dr. Curry
Are you eligible for the balloon if you previously had gastric bypass surgery?
Unfortunately no, as there would be nowhere for the balloon to fit.
Dr. Curry
Im at 33 BMI I have thyroid issues would this be a good choice? I was thinking about a lap band. I would need to loose at least 50lbs
Yes a balloon could be a great option, just request an appointment online and I’ll have someone call you to discuss.
Dr. Curry
Can Balloons be used in teenagers or kids? Seems like that would be a great option?
Unfortunately at this time neither device has received FDA approval for use in children or adolescents.
Dr. Curry
I would love to know more about this
I would love to learn more about both surgeries…Can you e mail me some information please…Thank you
Does insurance pay any of the cost of this procedure?
Unfortunately not, but we do have financing through Prosper Health (just click on “financing options” to the right). You can also use a flexible healthcare spending account.
Dr. Curry
Why affter six month you have to take the balloon off?why you don’t keep in Theri for every ?and how much I have to pay?rigth now weight 135bl because I am on the diet bill for 3year
You have to take it out after six months because the risk of balloon rupture starts to increase. An Orbera is $6500 and includes a 12 month weight loss program.
Dr. Curry
Hi I had lapband, the band slipped, is this something I could do?
Yes, if your band has been removed a balloon is a great option.
Dr. C
I see that if you had gastic bypass this isnt available….i had the sleeve done…is this also unavailable? I only lost 40 lbs with the sleeve…
No there is no room for a balloon in someone with a sleeve. The best surgical option would be conversion to a bypass.
Dr. C
Will Insurance be covering this in the near future? I have many health conditions documented by my doctor…diabetes, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, etc…
Insurance companies are hard to predict Sharon, wish I could tell you more! At the very soonest it would be a couple years I’d say.
Dr. Curry
I am 5.0 196lbs tried eveything. What would be a better procedure, lap band or the gastric balloon. Do you have.more information available?
It depends on many factors Sara, best bet would be to talk to one of our patient service reps. Just call 513-259-2555
Dr. Curry
Can you do the Orbera Gastric Balloon if you had gastric bypass 12 years ago?
No Melissa – there would be no room for the balloon!
Dr. Curry
I see alot of comments on here of patients that have had the Gastric Bypass and have gained weight back. Does the stomach eventually stretch causing the weight gain? Is there any kind of re- tightening the stomach that can be done?
Sometimes the pouch can stretch leading to weight gain. There is a procedure that my partner, Dr. Pitt, dose called Overstitch. Just type it into the search box in the upper right hand corner of the home page and you’ll find more info.
Dr. Curry
Was wondering I have Humana health care insurance for people with low income. How can I find out if this insurance covers this procedure. Im 5`3 and weigh 284.e
Hi Paula,
Unfortunately, since gastric balloon is such a new procedure, it isn’t covered by any insurance companies.
Dr. Curry
Is there any doctor in Louisville Ky that does this also thanks
Try Dr. Vince Lusko’s office.
Dr. Curry
I am 54 yrs old and my son is 30 yrs old. I need to loose 50lbs and he needs to lose 150lbs. Would you recommend this procedure for us he is diabetic but I am not? I was hoping if he lost 50lbs it would encourage him to lose more weight. He is not comfortable with the surgical technique. Once the balloon is removed after the 6 months can another one be inserted after the six month follow up for further weight loss?
50 lbs is reasonable for a balloon, 150 lbs is unlikely. Serial balloons can be inserted, this has been done outside the US.
Dr. Curry
I think my son would be encouraged to continue his weight loss if he could lose the 50lbs. Would that be an option?
Do you currently offer a payment plan.
We offer Prosper Health Lending – just go to http://journeylite.com/index.php/financing-options/ or click on “Financing Options” on the right hand side of your screen.
Dr. Curry
My BMI is 42, am I still eligible for the balloon procedure? I am 5’6 264 and really have no other health issues other than asthma.
Yes Amy, the balloon can be used in patients with a BMI over 40. It is considered off-label use so the patient just needs to be informed that the FDA approved the device for patients with a BMI of 30-40, so using it outside of that is not FDA approved. Would you like to make an appointment for a consult?
Dr. Curry
Is age and/or diabetes a contraindication for the balloon procedure? I am 65, 5 foot and weigh 196. I am miserable!
No Vicki, age nor diabetes are contraindications. If you would like to set up a consult just call 513-259-2555.
Dr. Curry
I would like mote information please
Hi Shawna – there is a ton of information on the site. If you’ve already looked at it, call 513-259-2555 to speak to someone who can answer any remaining questions.
Dr. Curry
I am 55 year old ,i have high blood pressure, along with bad chlosteral I have had lipo done 8 years ago ,I am 4’11 weight 164 lbs,I would like to lose 45-50lbs,will the balloon be good for me?
Yes most likely a balloon would be a great option for you. Just call 513-259-2555 and Marcy, Angie, or Chrysta can talk to you in more details about your options!
Dr. Curry
With the balloon option being non invasive, why is it so expensive?
It’s half the cost of weight loss surgery, Teresa, yet the device costs over $2000, plus there is a procedure for both insertion and removal, as well as 12 dietitian visits.
Dr. Curry
If I decided to have the Reshape Duo, what is the time frame to having the surgery?
Hi Betty!
Usually it’s about 2-3 weeks from your initial consultation.
Dr. Curry
I’ve never heard of this before. I see how it would help you lose weight though, because less space in the stomach, would mean less hunger! What happens if it collapses though? Can they still get it out?
Early rupture rate is pretty rare but has been reported. It’s easy enough to remove if it happens, the danger is if it is not removed soon enough it could possibly get out of the stomach and cause a bowel obstruction. This is why most doctors put blue dye in there, so if it leaks the patient would know it as it would turn their urine blue.
Dr. Curry
I would like more information regarding this procedure? What if this procedure was being used to treat a chronic condition such as RA.. will insurance assist?
Hi Amy – insurance won’t assist with gastric balloon regardless of the reason. It will take years, if ever, before they cover. I’ll have someone contact you with more info.
Dr. Curry
how long do you have to be off from work after having the procedure?
Most people take 2-3 days off as nausea and vomiting is pretty common after initial insertion.
Hello Dr Curry
I know the removal of the lap band is ABOUT $3500. My question is, you would pay removal and the cost of the ballon?
Thank You
Shelly
We can’t do a band removal and balloon placement in the same operation, there would have to be 2-3 months in between.
Dr. Curry
If serial balloons are inserted for persons with a BMI over 40, does the cost increase since it will be done in the same procedure? Is the Obera inserted twice or would the reshape be what is used or 2 of them? Additionally, the fact that for over a BMI is not FDA approved means what to me? Just that they don’t guarantee the effectiveness or results? or what? Lastly, why wont insurance cover this procedure since it too helps with weightloss?
There is a slight discount on a 2nd balloon as there is one less anesthetic involved. The companies that make the balloons only requested approval for BMI 30-40. This doesn’t meant that it doesn’t work for patients with a BMI over, just that nobody has asked the FDA yet. Lastly, as you probably know, insurance companies frequently don’t cover obesity related treatments, especially new ones.
Dr. C
Is there a way to decrease cost upfront by paying for the dietician and online weightloss access monthly so I could use my HSA? Financing is not available for me.
Unfortunately no, but you can use an HSA account.
Hello Dr. Curry
You do wonderful work by the way my co worker looks amazing after having the gastric sleeve. I have a BMI of 60. I’m extremely scared of surgery and really like the sound of the balloon. I’ve contacted your office several times only to back out because of the scariness of surgery. Would the balloon benefit me at all since my BMI is so high?
Thanks for the kudos Elizabeth!
While a sleeve would be a better option for a patient with a BMI of 60, losing 30-50 lbs would definitely benefit your health. We do have a BMI limit of 55 at our center however, so we’d have to get some pre-procedure weight loss first.
Dr. Curry
I am 260 and wanna lose at least 60 lbs what is my best bet I don’t want any thing surgical like gastric bypass or sleeve ? will I be able to lose the weight without weight loss surgery?
Claudine if you don’t want surgery, your best bet for losing 60 lbs would probably be a gastric balloon. Just call 513-259-2555 and one of our patient service reps can answer all your questions.
Dr. Curry
I have a BMI of 60, I don’t want gastric by pass or lapban, however this balloon procedure looks doable. Can you do this for someone with a BMI of 60?
I wouldn’t deny you a balloon it would just be considered off-label use and you have to be ok with target weight loss for balloons of 30-50 pounds.
Dr. Curry
Can you do either balloon if you have reflux? If so, is one more preferable? Does the balloon exacerbate the reflux?
Yes you can have a balloon if you have GERD as long as it is not severe. No particular balloon preference, either one is fine. Sometimes GERD can worsen afterwards, however.
Dr. Curry
Hello,
I see the target weight loss for the Orbera is 30-50 lbs. What is the target for the Reshape Duo?
After 6 months can you get another balloon/Reshape for an additional 30-50 lbs? If so, would there be any kind of discount?
I have been to several seminars (elsewhere, as You were just recommended to me), I am really interested in the sleeve. I have 80-100 lbs to loose. My BMI is 38-39
If I choose the sleeve how long from the start to the finish procedure?
Thank you
ReShape target weight loss is the same, 30-50 lbs. Another balloon can be done a month later, typically we see 20-30 lbs with second balloon. For 80-100 pounds I would probably go with sleeve. For an insurance patient it’s usually 3-6 months. For a self pay patient usually 6-8 weeks. If you’d like to make an appointment just click on the right hand side of the screen!
Dr. Curry
Is self pay an option? Payment plan? How much required down for endoscopic procedure?
Hi there, we do require payment in full prior to the procedure but we offer financing through Prosper, and you can also use flexible healthcare spending accounts.
Dr. C
Hi my bmi is 27, I do have a history of thyroid disease. Do you perform off label surgeries? I’m reading that I wouldn’t meet criteria for the surgery
Hi we do off-label procedures in some cases, but we cannot do a weight loss procedure of any kind on a patient with a BMI under 30.
Dr. Curry
Does your BMI have to be under 40 for the balloon? I’d like to do it but I’m over 40. The other options scare me due to the severity of the procedure and anticipated recovery time.
We do offer balloons to patients with a BMI over 40. It’s considered off-label use but allowable.
Will insurance cover any of the procedure for the balloon ?
Unfortunately not, however you can use a flexible spending account.
I’ve with the ups and downs of weight gain and weight loss. normally I go to the doctor and he prescribes me phentermine and I get down 15-20 pounds. This time I have only lost 10. I’m 5’5 147-149 could I get the ballon to loose 15-20 pounds? I know it would possibly be considered off label.
Hi if you’re BMI is over 30 you are most likely a candidate.
Dr. C
Do you accept out of state patients?
Yes we have many out of state patients Tonya. For more info just send an email to psr@journeylite.com and we can get you set up with a virtual consult.
Dr. Curry
What is the biggest differences between the two types of balloons? Do you feel that one works better than the other?
Hi Sarah,
We just did an analysis on our patients and found the early removal rate to be lower with ReShape, so that is what we are recommending at this point.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
Hi I have four auto immunes, IBS and high BP. Are there risks with this procedure especially with my auto-immunes? I’m afraid my body would try to fight off the balloon as a “foreign object” and send my already depleted immunity system haywire. What do you think?
Hi there. The balloon is inside your stomach, your body does not attack foreign objects in there fortunately so it shouldn’t be an issue.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
can I get this balloon pill if 8 yrs ago I had the gastic sleeve? I know my stomach has enlarged but need to loose some weight due to medical issues thank you
Balloons can’t be done on patients who have had prior bariatric surgery. For additional weight loss, conversion to a gastric bypass or SIPS could be a potential option however.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
Is overs balloon weight loss procedure covered under primary insurance Medicare and secondary united healthcare? Or do you have a payment plan?
Balloon is not covered by any insurance. We do have financing options, call 513-259-2555 and they can help you more.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
I have my orbera placed in Mexico. Can it be removed at your clinic?
We possibly could do that if you can provide documentation that it is actually an Orbera and not a different type of balloon that we haven’t worked with before.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
I can provide documentation. How much is removal?
How much is the endoscopic sleeve at your location?
Would this be covered by insurance??
Gastric balloons are not covered by insurance unfortunately.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
Can you please tell me how putting a balloon in you stomach with no surgery can possible cost so much. That an outrage. He’ll you can have surgery n it cost less.
I’m sorry you feel it’s an outrage, but the balloon costs around $3000, there are two procedures performed each requiring a surgeon and an anesthesiologist, and there are 12 registered dietitian visits.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
Hello
Can you please tell me how many balloons do I need to lose over 30 pounds in 6 months and the cost for everything with remove it!
Many balloon patients lose 30 lbs during the 6 month interval that the balloon is in place. The cost is around $7000 for insertion, removal, and 12 months of office care.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
I had the laparoscopic Roux en Y gastric bypass 15 years ago. I had complication of a bleeding ulcer afterward twice and almost died. I have since gained almost all of the weight back in the past couple years. What procedure if any is recommended for me at this time?
An Overstitch or medical weight loss are the best options for priro Roux-en-Y patients. If you call 513-259-2555 our patient service reps can help you figure things out.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
My BMI is 56.5, I’m 350 lbs, 5’6 & a 46 year old female. I’ve had the lap band but it was removed last year March. I was 292 at the time of surgery. I rather not have the GSV. Could I get the balloon in my case? I only take water pills for my pressure. The high pressure is due to the weight & poor sleep.
I was also told to lose at least 50 lbs before doing the GSV. If I could do that, I wouldn’t need it. What do you think is best? Thanks.
A patient with a band that has been removed could be a balloon candidate, however it would be off-label in a patient with a BMI of 56. 30-50 lbs is usually what we see with the balloon in the best of results, so if that is in the ballpark for what you are looking for then perhaps it would be an option.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians
Does insurance cover a sleeve if you have high blood pressure?
It depends on the plan and the patient’s BMI. Usually if BMI is over 40 no weight related medical problems are required. If BMI is 35-40 some plans require 1 medical comorbidity and some require 2, depending on the plan.
Dr. Trace Curry
Medical Director
JourneyLite Physicians