We are delighted to announce that we at BHP are now offering ORBERA Intragastric Balloon as a new, non-surgical, clinically proven, and FDA approved weight loss system. Developed to help overweight and obese patients achieve and maintain sustainable long term results, ORBERA is a safe and effective weight loss solution with 20 years of global use and real world results. This system has been used reliably in over 80 countries for adults suffering from obesity with body mass indexes (BMIs) between 30 and 40, and in a clinical trial, patients witnessed a 10 percent reduction in their starting body weight.
Dr. Mona Misra, M.D., F.A.C.S., who is a board-certified bariatric surgeon with BHP, says “for people who are looking to lose up to 20 to 50 pounds of stubborn weight, this is an ideal way to jumpstart the weight loss process.” She adds that, because some people would like to try a non-surgical alternative prior to committing to bariatric surgery, or they are simply not heavy enough to qualify for bariatric surgery, the ORBERA Intragastric Balloon system is an excellent way to start losing weight. Dr. Misra adds that the system is especially effective for people who experience yo-yo dieting, in which individuals regain lost weight, often including an additional unwanted “bonus” of additional weight.
The ORBERA Intragastric Balloon involves an incision-free procedure in which an endoscopically inserted balloon is placed in the patient’s stomach while he or she is under light sedation. The balloon is then inflated to the size of a grapefruit, ensuring a smaller stomach capacity and making patients feel full far faster than previously. After the procedure, the patient is expected to adhere to a long term dieting and behavior modification plan prescribed by our weight loss team of dieticians and clinical psychologists. The patient continues to meet with the weight loss team on a regular basis to ensure continued success. After six months, the balloon is removed, and the patient continues to follow the long term advice of our weight loss team. Dr. Misra says that “on average, within a span of six months, patients who get the balloon can expect to lose an amount of between 25 and 35% of excess weight.”
While each patient is unique and there is no perfect solution for every one of them, the ORBERA Intragastric Balloon system is among the least invasive and most successful weight loss procedures currently available.