What makes Orbera different from other intragastric balloon brands?

Orbera is the most widely used intagastric balloon in the world.  Over 220,000 cases have been performed with an excellent safety record and significant weight loss results.  Patients who are interested in having this sort of device should consider these factors in the decision of which device to receive.

There are currently 3 FDA approved intragastric balloon systems: Orbera, Reshape, and Obalon. Orbera and ReShape are both placed endoscopically. Orbera is a single balloon, Re-Shape has a 2-balloon design. Both are indicated for obese individuals with a BMI of 30-40, though ReShape also requires 1 medical co-morbidity, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Both balloon systems remain in place for 6 months, then are removed endoscopically. There are no head-to-head studies comparing the two systems, though in the US Pivotal trials, Orbera patients lost an average of 10.5% percent of their total body weight (about 22lbs) and ReShape patients lost 6.8% (14lbs). The third system, Obalon, is a swallowed balloon system. A total of 3 balloons are swallowed, then inflated with gas (not saline, like Orbera and Reshape) using a thin catheter. The balloons are swallowed over a period of 9-10 weeks, so that you can adjust to the total volume slowly. This equates to fewer side effects, particularly nausea. The balloons are then removed after 6 months. In the US Pivotal study, patients lost an average of 6.6% of their total body weight, or about 15lbs.
Hope that helps!

Orbera is a single balloon, Reshape is a double balloon. I attended a medical conference where the various methods of nonsurgical weight loss were discussed. The Orbera system had been performed and studied in Europe for over 20 years, so it had the best track record. The ReShape balloon had a few more complications than Orbera and the amount of weight lost was not significantly different than Orbera even though ReShape had 2 balloons. The Obalon system is a 3 balloon system that was just FDA approved, With Obalon, the patient swallows the 3 balloons which are in a capsule and have to be inflated by the doctor (no anesthesia). After 6 months the three balloons have to be removed endoscopically (with anesthesia). Since this just came out, I have to look at the studies regarding the results and potential complications of this very new system.

Take care