How much weight can be lost with an Orbera balloon?

Hello,
Thank you for your question.
I agree with my colleagues that the typical weight loss we see in our office is 20-50 pounds. The greatest weight loss we have seen in our clinic is 80 pounds. It depends on patients' starting weight, goals, and lifestyle changes. Our clinic offers a comprehensive program that includes a dietician, psychologist, and a package price for reinsertion of the balloon if needed.
Best wishes in your pursuit of better health,
Dr. Moein

The amount of weight will vary from patient to patient.  The starting weight and size of patients vary widely.  Studies have shown that patients lose about three times more weight than they would have with diet and exercise alone, without the balloon.  Generally patients see a range from a 20 pound weight loss up to 70 pounds or more.

The Orbera balloon is a relatively new weight loss modality introduced in the United States. There are no large numbers comparable to traditional weight loss surgery to make predictions with a great degree of certainty. In our practice, 30-50 lbs of weight loss have become both reasonable and expected even though our best weigh loss so far has been 80 lbs. As with any weight loss procedure, outcomes significantly depend on the patient's commitment and drive.

Thanks for the question. The amount you lose with Orbera will depend on a few factors, including your starting weight, your motivation level, and how much you exercise. In the US Pivotal study of Orbera, patients lost an average of 10.2% of their total body weight, which was about 22 lbs. This was 3 times more weight loss than patients who only followed a diet and exercise program. These numbers are excellent, but we find that in the "real world" patients will lose more -- typically 20-50 lbs, sometimes even higher. We provide a comprehensive 12-month program, with monthly dietician visits, to ensure that you are getting the maximal results and that they are sustainable.

In my experience, I had a patient who lost 80 pounds in 6 months. Another patient lost 70 pounds. One patient lost 54 pounds after 4 months and asked to have the balloon removed because she reached her goal. I did removed the balloon as requested.
Take care,

Hi, great question. Typically, people can lose anywhere from 20-40 pounds. (Usually around 31% of excess body weight based on research studies), but how well one does depends on many factors. This is a tool and it needs to be used appropriately in combination with lifestyle and behavior modification to help you lose weight and to keep it off. The balloon is placed in your stomach for 6months and then removed endoscopically. I believe it is important for patients to have support after the balloon is removed to try and prevent any weight regain, so I provide a 1 year program for my patients to have a dietician and myself available to support my patients for the 6months following removal to keep them on track. This procedure is an excellent and effective option. I recommend reaching out to an experienced surgeon to learn more about it and to find out if this is right for you.

The weight loss can vary between 30-70 pounds. The majority of weightloss happens within first three months. You weighloss will depend on how devoted and motivated you are to your weightloss journey.. Balloon is not a magic bullet. You still need  to modify your diet and try to make better food choices. My first case few years back lost 50 pounds in 30 days. 

The studies showed an expected weight loss between 20-40 pounds. But you well know that outcomes vary from study-patients and non-study-patients. Depending on what the excess weight is, the higher the weight typically the more the loss. But that is a generality. Expect a weight loss in the range of 30+ pounds in the first 6 months and then more during the ensuing period (if continued nutritional support, diet) and an active life style including exercise. If you were to lose a pound/week, then the first 6 months you would at least lose 26 pounds. We see patients losing 2-3 pounds/week during the initial phases of the first 6 months, thus likely losing more than 30 pounds in the first 6 months. I hope this helps you. Best of luck

Though individual results will vary, in the US clinical study, ORBERA™ patients lost an average of 21.8 lbs. In general we see numbers ranging from 20 to 50 lbs in 6 months. It is very difficult to predict where are you going to fall in this range because so many different variables affect weight loss. Warm regards, Dr. Darido.

The average patient loses about 30 pounds with Orbera.  We all know how averages are calculated however, that means some patients lose less and some lose more!  Our patients in New Orleans are very happy and successful.  Best wishes in pursuit of improved health, regardless of what treatment you choose!