ORBERA™ Intragastric Balloon System
The ORBERATM Intragastric Balloon System is a weight loss tool for adults struggling with obesity. Individuals follow a 12-month program beginning with the placement of the Orbera balloon. After six months, the balloon is removed. Our team of physicians, dietitians, exercise physiologists and behavior coaches work with you throughout the 12 months, helping to reinforce the lifestyle changes and maximize weight stability. During this journey, you will encounter new challenges and opportunities as you adjust to a new method of eating and a new way of life. Our entire staff is here to answer your questions and provide support for you.
Why choose ORBERATM Intragastric Balloon System for weight loss?
Balloon placement provides an effective tool to create weight loss and improve or resolve many obesity-related medical conditions. Patients using the FDA-approved ORBERATM System lose more than three times the weight of patients participating in a traditional diet and exercise program.
Who is a candidate?
You MAY qualify for the ORBERATM Intragastric Balloon System if you have:
- A body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 and less than 40
- Readiness and willingness to participate in a medically supervised program
The intragastric balloon is not recommended if you have:
- had a prior gastrointestinal or bariatric surgery
- any inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract
- potential upper gastrointestinal bleeding conditions
- a large hiatal hernia
- a gastric mass
- a severe clotting or bleeding disorder (coagulopathy)
- liver failure (hepatic insufficiency) or cirrhosis
- suspected or actual allergic reaction to materials contained in the ORBERATM system
- any other medical condition that would not permit elective endoscopy
- a serious prior or present psychiatric illness
- alcoholism or drug addiction
- the inability or unwillingness to take prescribed proton pump inhibitor medication for the duration of the device implant
- the inability or unwillingness to participate in a medically supervised diet and behavior modification program with routine medical follow-up
- current use of aspirin, anti-inflammatory agents, blood thinners (anticoagulants) or other gastric irritants
- pregnancy or are currently breastfeeding
- a structural abnormality in the esophagus or pharynx
- serious esophageal motility disorders
How it works
ORBERATM is a simple, non-surgical outpatient procedure. After you’re given a mild sedative, the physician will insert the deflated balloon through your mouth and into your stomach. It is then filled with a safe saline solution until it’s about the size of a grapefruit. The entire procedure usually only takes 20 or 30 minutes and most people go home the same day.
ORBERATM Checklist
- Attend seminar or view the ORBERATM Intragastric Balloon System section of the Weight Management Online Seminar.
- Complete Health History Questionnaire.
- Attend initial consultation with surgeon.
- Fee payment for procedure. The program fee covers the initial dietitian consultation, placement of the balloon, post-placement surgeon visit, post-placement dietitian visits, six months of weekly dietitian and health coach visits, balloon removal, and six months of monthly health coaching visits.
- Dietitian consultation. During this visit you’ll be introduced to the diet progression post balloon placement and the recommended meal plan to maximize weight loss.
- Placement of balloon. Placement of the balloon is completed in an endoscopy suite at St. Cloud Hospital. During the 30-minute procedure the deflated balloon will be inserted and positioned into the stomach via the mouth. It is then filled with saline until it’s about the size of a grapefruit. You may be on medications before and after the procedure to reduce nausea and vomiting.
- Post-placement surgeon visit. You will visit with the surgeon one month after balloon placement to assess progress and evaluate weight loss and symptoms.
- Weekly dietitian and health coach visits. During the six months after balloon placement you will meet weekly with a registered dietitian or health coach to implement and practice diet and lifestyle changes to maximize weight loss and weight maintenance. Phone visits are also offered.
- Removal of balloon. The balloon will remain in your stomach no longer than six months. Removal is performed in an endoscopy suite at St. Cloud Hospital. During the 30-minute procedure the balloon will be deflated and removed via your mouth.
- Monthly coaching visits. After removal you will be scheduled with monthly visits with our health coaching staff to focus on weight maintenance strategies.
