New Weight Loss Balloon A Nonsurgical Approach

By Sarah Kelly, MS, RDN

Bluepoint Medical Associates

. https://www.bluepointmed.com/

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New Weight Loss Balloon A Nonsurgical Approach

Long-term weight loss goals now have a new helping hand. The Orbera intragastric balloon is a two-part program that is now available for those looking for a non-surgical approach for weight loss.

Recently FDA-approved, the intragastric balloon is a soft silicone balloon that is inserted into the stomach in a deflated state and then filled with sterile saline. The balloon stays in place for up to six months to help jumpstart your weight loss program. It utilizes a different mechanism for weight loss, one being early satiety with smaller meal portions.

The program includes 12 months of comprehensive weight management care led by a team of specialists including a weight loss surgeon, a medical specialist in weight loss and management, nurses, dietitians, exercise specialists, and behavior specialists. The program should provide a personalized approach to help achieve your weight goals. An intensive lifestyle intervention program will help clients form new nutrition, activity, and behavioral habits to maintain a healthy weight.

The intragastric balloon is inserted and removed non-surgically under a mild sedative. It normally takes about 20-30 minutes and is performed as an outpatient procedure. Patients continue to follow up with the wellness team while the balloon is in place and after its removal, as they continue on their weight loss journey.

The Orbera Intragastric Balloon has been in use for over 20 years in over 80 countries, including Australia, Canada, and the U.K. It is a proven non-surgical approach to weight loss. In a recent US-based clinical trial, the intragastric balloon helped overweight and obese patients achieve three times as much weight loss when compared to those using traditional approaches to weight management. At the six month mark, a mean of 38.4% excess weight loss was achieved in the clinical study.

Options for weight management solutions have traditionally been divided between either diet and exercise programs or weight loss surgery. Orbera fills the need between the two, offering an option to address what is a critical health issue in the United States. This new non-surgical approach offers another effective tool for people to manage their weight and achieve their goals.