Had my placement appointment this AM. I paid 8,000 for these balloons that didn’t go down, I vomited them up.

Question

Will I get my money back? I felt like a college kid belly’d up to the bar to chug chug chug w 1/2 dozen ppl w/all eyes on me. The doctor had to leave the X-ray room for a Surgery. I’m feeling so down & alone, I wasn’t told if I get my money back or if other options. Are there other options ? Will I get my money back ? Thank u so much

Babak Moeinolmolki, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for your question. I am so sorry to learn about your uncomfortable and isolating experience. 
Patients should be made to feel the valued focus of the treatment team, never a spectacle to observe. It is essential that patients feel safe and supported in every step of their weight loss journey. Helping patients feel confident and clear on the treatment plan is one of my favorite aspects of my job and optimizes patients’ likelihood of success. 
I’m sorry you felt deserted and alone at the time you needed their support and expertise most. Your care team should have been there to answer all of your questions and explain the next steps and refund plan. Obalon typically reimburses patients for costs incurred with unsuccessful placement attempts.
I encourage you not to give up and seek and care team better suited to your needs.
Kindest regards,
Dr. Moein

Michael P. Dunn, MD · Answer

I am so sorry to hear about your experience.  The Obalon Balloon system is changing the lives of my patients and I hope that you and your doctor can get this figured out.  I would encourage you to be sure that you have taken the anti-nausea medication that is typically started the day before the procedure.  The only patients that I have had with vomiting during the procedure are those that did not do this.  Also, discuss with your doctor whether or not some anti-anxiety medication would be in order.  I would definitely give this another shot especially if you were able to swallow the placebo.
Best of luck to you!

Christopher E. McGowan, MD · Answer

Hi, 
Sorry to hear that about this experience. The Obalon capsules that contain the balloons are certainly sizable, which is why every patient must complete a "test swallow" with placebo/sugar capsules. Even still, you could have trouble getting it down. This happens in less than 10% of patients. I understand the stress of trying to get it down with everyone watching. I'm assuming this was the first balloon? The Obalon company actually provides a warranty program that will reimburse the cost of the failed balloon (to the physician), assuming they followed the necessary steps. Therefore, the only cost outlay was the time spent at their facility, and the initial consultation. Obviously every program is different, so I cannot speak for the specific practice you went to, but I would certainly expect to receive the majority of your money back. 
For our patients who cannot swallow the Obalon placebo capsules, we recommend the Orbera balloon, since it is placed endoscopically. 
Good luck, and I hope everything works out well for you.

Had my placement appointment this AM. I paid 8,000 for these balloons that didn’t go down, I vomited them up.

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Had my placement appointment this AM. I paid 8,000 for these balloons that didn’t go down, I vomited them up.

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Obalon Intragastric Balloon

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.