The Gastric Balloon - a nonsurgical weight-loss tool that works
With so many weight loss options out there, it can be hard to navigate which options are best for your unique needs. Many people come to our practice having tried various weight loss medications, but they just aren’t seeing the results they’d like. However, having less than 100 pounds to lose, they aren’t candidates for weight loss surgery. This is where the gastric balloon offers the best chance to help facilitate their weight loss.
The gastric balloon is a non-surgical weight loss product for adults who need to lose 30 to 100 pounds. It helps with weight loss by taking up space in the stomach, so patients are full with smaller meals and have a minimal appetite. There are no incisions and the insertion of the balloon, or balloons, only takes 20 to 30 minutes. When combined with a supervised nutrition and exercise program, the gastric balloon is a very effective tool that yields excellent weight loss results.
Let’s take a look a the different balloon options and what to expect as far as cost and results.
Gastric Balloon Options
Obalon is the first and only swallowable, FDA-approved gastric balloon for weight loss. For placement, the patient swallows a large capsule containing a small balloon. After they swallow the capsule, we inflate the balloon in the stomach. This entire process takes about 10 minutes and is performed in the office without sedation. The patient repeats the process to swallow a second balloon 2-3 weeks after the first. They may also choose to swallow a third balloon within 2 months. The three balloons remain in the stomach for six months and then are removed via light sedation.
The ORBERA® is a soft, silicone balloon that is placed into the stomach in a simple, non-surgical outpatient procedure under mild sedation. We insert a deflated balloon through the esophagus and into the stomach via endoscopy. The balloon is then filled with a sterile saline solution to about the size of a grapefruit. The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes. After 6 months, the balloon is removed via a similar procedure.
Whichever option our patients choose, our support team will continue to work with the patient for six more months after balloon removal to ensure long-term success.
Cost and financing
The cost of the Obalon program is $6,500, and the cost of the ORBERA® program is $6,800. Both programs include surgical consultation, balloon insertion and removal, and a 12-month monitored weight loss program. Financing options are available through national agencies, including Lending USA, Prosper Healthcare Lending, and CareCredit. The procedure is tax-deductible for many patients, and they could ultimately save up to 30% by using a tax-advantaged Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account.
These weight loss solutions may seem expensive, but many people end up spending a lot more on weight loss products that don’t work and are short-term. The program is designed to be a year long so that permanent life-style changes can occur.
The Results and life after
Results depend on the individual. If the patient is dedicated to changing their lifestyle and making a commitment to weight loss, then they can expect to lose 35-60 lbs. Most patients experience twice the weight loss than they would with diet and exercise alone.
Gastric balloon patients must continue their efforts long after we remove the balloon to achieve lasting results. Maintaining a healthy weight requires a commitment to lifelong changes, and at Nashville Weight Loss Solutions, we have the support and resources you need to make these changes.
Contact Nashville Weight Loss Solutions for more information about our weight loss options.
Are you dieting and exercising on your own, but still not getting the results you want? Nashville Weight Loss Solutions offers a comprehensive range of proven weight loss programs to help, whether you need to lose 20 pounds or 200. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation!
