ORBERA Gastric Balloon

ORBERA ® Gastric Balloon

Gastric balloons have been used internationally over the past two decades to help patients lose weight. Multiple modifications and technological enhancements have been made to the balloon to improve its safety profile and effectiveness. The ORBERA® intragastric balloon placement is a temporary, non-invasive and reversible procedure in which a balloon is placed endoscopically into the stomach. This soft silicone balloon will occupy space in the stomach and “trick” your stomach into feeling full which will allow you to eat less and feel full longer. These balloons remain in the stomach for about 6 months allowing patients to lose significantly more weight than with just diet and exercise alone and are then removed endoscopically.

What is ORBERA ® Gastric Balloon?

The ORBERA® intragastric balloon placement is a temporary, non-invasive and reversible procedure in which a balloon is placed endoscopically into the stomach. This soft silicone balloon will occupy space in the stomach and “trick” your stomach into feeling full which will allow you to eat less and feel full longer.

To be a candidate, you must be of at least 21 years of age (as authorized by the FDA) with a body mass index (BMI) of at least 30 (calculate your BMI) and have not been able to lose adequate weight with diet and exercise. ORBERA ® is a great option if you do not want any permanent changes to your gastrointestinal tract and need some extra temporary “help” in losing weight in addition to diet and exercise.

Are you a candidate?

This is a same-day outpatient procedure that takes about 15 minutes. While you are lightly sedated, your board-certified gastroenterologist will insert a long thin deflated balloon catheter through your mouth and into your stomach. Under direct visualization with a camera attached to a thin and flexible tube, the balloon will inflate with saline. The balloon will fill until it is about the size of a grapefruit. After about six months, you will return for another outpatient procedure in which the balloon is removed. During these six months, you will be enrolled in a supervised program with health coaches to help you reach your weight loss goals and provide you with the tools to maintain and continue to lose weight.

Are you a candidate?

How is it performed?

How much weight can you expect to lose?

Estimated weight loss from the ORBERA ® intragastric balloon is up to 3x the amount of weight than what would be lost by diet and exercise alone. According to studies, the average amount of weight loss after ORBERA ® intragastric balloon placement is 30-50 pounds with some reported to have lost more than 100 pounds. We feel that the placement of the balloon is just the beginning of your weight loss journey as we are committed to giving you the tools you need to maintain your weight loss beyond the time the balloon is in place.

What can you expect after the procedure?

After being closely monitored, you will likely be discharged a few hours after the procedure. You will likely experience symptoms of nausea, bloating and possibly vomiting. These symptoms will usually disappear after your body becomes used to the smaller space in your stomach and you will likely be able to return to work in 2-3 days. There are medications that we will prescribe you before and after your procedure to help with these symptoms. Symptoms to be aware of that will require medical attention will be thoroughly discussed at your visit and prior to your procedure.

Will I have any dietary/activity restrictions after the procedure?

Yes, now that your stomach has significantly less space due to the balloon, you will not be able to eat the same quantity of food that you were prior to your procedure. You will be given a booklet with dietary recommendations regarding what you should and should not eat for the coming days to weeks after the procedure while your stomach accommodates to its new size. In addition to dietary modifications, we will also assist you in exercise planning with trained experts that will work with you individually to track your progress. These lifestyle changes are aimed to be lifelong to help you maintain the weight loss that we will work hard with you to help lose.

Follow-up

Remember, this is not just a one-time visit, but is rather a long-term journey. You will return the next day to receive IV fluids at our infusion center. We will check in at this time about how you are feeling. You will also have scheduled follow up in the office 1-2 weeks after the procedure and then once every couple months until you are scheduled to have the balloon removed 6 months from the date of placement. During the time the balloon is in place, you will also have concierge aftercare. This will include weekly calls with a board certified bariatric counselor/nutritionist and 24/7 access for any questions or concerns to provide you with the tools you need in this next chapter of your life.

How much does it cost?

The ORBERA ® procedure costs $8,999. This cost not only covers the procedure but also your journey to wellness consisting of post procedure follow-up appointments and lifestyle coaching/support available to you for up to one year. These procedures are not currently covered by all insurance companies. We understand financial limitations can be a barrier to undergoing elective treatments to improve your health. We offer various financing options including CareCredit to help you move 4ward in your wellness journey.

Are you from out of town?

We at 4ward Wellness welcome patients from anywhere, and we know it is crucial to have the right accommodation when visiting us. Located 20 minutes from Albany International Airport, 4ward Wellness have partnered with these hotel(s) (Hyperlink). If you wish to stay elsewhere, our friendly staff will help you find accommodation that is suitable for your needs. When travelling, all patients must have a responsible adult accompanying them. Let us know how we can help.

Pricing

Initial Consultation

$99*

ESG

$11,999*

Initial office consultation
ESG Procedure (includes: facility, anesthesia and physician fees)
Up to 1 year of bariatric nutrition/lifestyle counselling
24/7 direct physician access
Post procedure IV hydration

Bariatric Revisions

$9,999*

Initial office consultation
- Revision procedure (includes: facility, anesthesia and physician fees)
Up to 1 year of bariatric nutrition/lifestyle counselling
24/7 direct physician access
Post procedure IV hydration

Gastric Balloons

$9,999*

Initial office consultation
ORBERA Procedure (Includes: facility, anesthesia and physician fees)
Up to 1 year of bariatric nutrition/lifestyle counselling
24/7 direct physician access
Post procedure IV hydration