In your practice, what are the long term results of having Orbera in regard to keeping weight off?

Question

Do your patients slowly gain the weight back after the balloon is removed?

Babak Moeinolmolki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question Congratulations on seeking proactive solutions to improve your health!
If your BMI is on the lower end of the spectrum, the gastric balloon may also be an excellent option for you. Most commonly, gastric balloons are used for individuals with a BMI >35 or >30 with certain comorbidities. I have had many patients successful with both weight loss surgery and with the gastric balloon. Both interventions are most effective in patients motivated to make healthy lifestyle changes, such as yourself. Studies show that on average, patients lose more weight and better maintain the weight loss after weight loss surgery as compared to the gastric balloon.
To qualify for weight loss surgery, the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery recommends you meet one of the following:
BMI ≥ 40, or more than 100 pounds overweight.BMI ≥35 and at least one or more obesity-related co-morbidities such as type II diabetes (T2DM), hypertension, sleep apnea and other respiratory disorders, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, osteoarthritis, lipid abnormalities, gastrointestinal disorders, or heart disease.Inability to achieve a healthy weight loss sustained for a period of time with prior weight loss efforts.
Some patients choose to start with a gastric balloon and then proceed to weight loss surgery (typically gastric sleeve) if they do not meet their weight loss goals.
Meeting with a bariatric surgeon in your area will allow you to further discuss the pros and cons of the different non-surgical and surgical options as well as insurance coverage and the cost for each in your geographic area.
Best wishes,
Dr. Moein

Christopher E. McGowan, MD · Answer

It completely depends on the individual. We try to ensure ensure long-term success by optimizing diet during the 6 month balloon treatment, and then continuing dietary support for an additional 6 months. Many of our patients continue to lose weight after the balloon is removed, as they remain very motivated and have learned proper portion control and healthier eating habits. Available studies would suggest that most people keep all of the weight off at 12 months and 60% of patients keep all of it off at 2 years (so some re-gain could occur).

Pablo Garcia, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello,The weight loss balloon is a non-surgical option for people with a BMI of 30 to 40. Paired with healthy diet and exercise, the balloon is a good option for those who don’t want, or qualify for, weight loss surgery, but the results are not as dramatic as what can be expected with gastric bypass or a sleeve gastrectomy. The Gastric Sleeve limits the amount of food that you can eat, it helps decrease the ghreline hormone who is responsible of the hunger, you will feel less appetite after the surgery. Your current BMI is to high to place a balloon, my recommendation is to consider the sleeve gastrectomy. 
Approach a certified bariatric surgeon who can give you a recommendation and discuss about the different options and proceed to take the better option for you based in your actual health status and BMI.
Good luck in this journey, my best wishes

In your practice, what are the long term results of having Orbera in regard to keeping weight off?

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Answers (3)

More Orbera Gastric Balloon Questions

What type of anesthesia is used for Orbera procedure? How long does the procedure last?

Am I a good candidate for Orbera? I had hiatal hernia surgery 8 years ago.

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