Orbera Gastric Balloon...

What is the Orbera™ Weight Loss Balloon or Orbera™ Gastric Balloon?

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Orbera is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure involving a four step process to initially accelerate weight loss followed by a maintenance program. Generally this procedure is recommended for patients who need to lose 30-50 lbs.  

 

The process begins by placing a gastric balloon in the patient’s stomach for six months. Because there is physically less room in the stomach for food consumption, the balloon facilitates weight loss and essentially forces the patient to learn healthy portion control habits. After the doctor removes the balloon, the patient continues to receive nutritional counseling to ensure they can maintain their newly learned habits long-term.

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Step 1: Procedure

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The Orbera procedure is performed in the doctor’s office and takes only approximately 20 to 30 minutes to complete. Patients can go home the same day and resume normal activities. First, the patient is placed under mild sedation. The doctor performs an endoscopy to ensure the procedure is safe to perform. After the endoscopy, the doctor inserts a deflated gastric balloon into the stomach through the esophagus and then fills the balloon with a saline solution using a syringe until it is the size of a grapefruit.

 

Since the Orbera procedure is non-surgical, there are no incisions and therefore patients do not experience any scarring.

 

Step 2: New Habit Development

 

During the six months that gastric balloon is inside the patient’s stomach, it is critical that they work closely with their dietitian, fitness trainer, and attend support groups to maximize the benefits the Orbera system offers.

 

Step 3: Balloon Removal

 

After six months, the doctor will remove the gastric balloon in another non-surgical procedure that takes only 20 minutes to complete. The doctor deflates the balloon and removes it through the esophagus. At this point, the patient has developed healthy eating habits that will ensure long-term success.

 

Step 4: Continued Success

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The remaining six months of the Orbera program focuses on the patient working with the dietitian, fitness trainer, and attending support groups. While Orbera is a tool patients have great success with in losing weight, maintaining long-term weight loss is the goal. 

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Is Orbera right for me?

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Dr. Korman assesses whether patients are candidates for the Orbera procedure during a preliminary consultation where your individual health concerns are addressed. You can schedule an appointment by calling our office directly: 310-577-554