Can a person keep their Orbera balloon longer than six months?

No. You can not keep the balloon in longer than 6 months. The ballon has only been studied for 6 months. The danger of leaving it longer is that it can lose its fluid and then migrate into your intestines and cause an obstruction requiring emergency surgery or even death. It is very safe during the 6 month period.

Six months is the safe duration for the balloon to stay in the stomach.  Although in other countries, the balloon is left in for longer, in the US six months is the recommended guideline that providers follow.  Generally the six months are sufficient for significant weight loss to occur.

Thanks for the question. Unfortunately, no, at this time the Orbera balloon is only FDA approved to remain in the stomach for 6 months. The longer the balloon remains in place, the greater the risk of the balloon leaking or causing a complication. Interestingly, Orbera was just recently approved to remain in place for a full 12 months in the European Union, but this does not apply to patients in the United States. We strive to help our patients achieve their desired goals within the 6 month treatment period, or the additional 6 months of dietary counseling that are provided (12 months total).