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

Hello,
Thank you for your question. One of the positive things about the Orbera balloon is that it does not require general anesthesia (breathing tube and loss of consciousness). Instead "moderate sedation" is induced with medicine administered through an IV. This type of sedation is often referred to as "twilight sedation." There are fewer risks involved with moderate sedation as compared to general anesthesia. The balloon placement typically takes 15 minutes.
Best wishes,
Dr. Moein

The Orbera balloon is placed during an upper endoscopy, which is performed under "moderate sedation." This is a deep sleep, but not general anesthesia. You will be breathing on your own, but not aware of your surroundings. In general, you won't have any recollection of the procedure. The most common medication used to make you sleepy is Propofol. This is very fast-acting and fast-exiting, which means you will be awake within several minutes after the procedure is over. 
In general, the procedure will take approximately 10-15 minutes. You will recover for 30 minutes after the procedure, then go home. 

The type of Anesthesia is only “IV sedation”. That is similar to a deep sleep. 
Although you are breathing on your own, you feel nothing and will not remember the procedure.
An Anesthesiologist will be monitoring your responses and the level of sedation.
Duration of procedure is about 20-30 minutes and you be able to go home the same day.
Most patients stay an hour for recovery before discharge!