Gastric Balloons for Weight Loss
What is the Obalon Balloon System?
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Obalon is the FIRST and ONLY swallowable, FDA-approved balloon system for weight loss. The Obalon Balloon System helps facilitate weight loss by taking up space in your stomach so you eat less. Three balloons are placed for a six-month non-surgical treatment, combined with a professionally supervised nutrition and exercise program for optimal weight loss. Patients in the clinical study lost twice as much weight as with diet and exercise alone.
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How it Works
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The Obalon Balloon System helps facilitate weight loss by taking up space in your stomach so you eat less. During treatment you should receive professional nutrition and exercise support to help you make the lifestyle changes that promote weight loss. The Obalon Balloon System supports you to help change your eating habits and keep the weight off for the long term.
Lasting Results
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An average of 89% of weight lost in the Obalon Clinical Study was kept off at 1 year (6 months post-removal), when combined with a moderate intensity diet and exercise program.
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The Procedure
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The placement of each Obalon balloon typically takes less than 10 minutes and doesn't require sedation. In your physician’s office, you swallow a capsule containing a small balloon, and then your physician inflates the balloon. After six months, all three balloons are removed in one procedure with light sedation.
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The removal
procedure is typically no longer than 15 minutes.
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Lifestyle Modification
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The Obalon Balloon System can assist with your weight loss efforts, but your weight loss success is also dependent on your readiness to develop new lifestyle skills. The degree of long-term weight loss will depend on your ability to modify your lifestyle and maintain this behavior after the balloons are
removed. It is important that you discuss your willingness to accept this commitment with your
physician before undergoing the Obalon Balloon System treatment.
Who Can Get the Obalon Balloon System?
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You are a candidate for the Obalon Balloon System if you have a body mass index (BMI) from 30 to 40 kg/m2 (30 to 100 pounds overweight) and are 22 years or older. The program begins with the placement of the Obalon Balloons in your stomach for up to six months. The program should be accompanied with a healthy diet and exercise program during the time you have the balloons and is recommended for six months after the balloons are removed.
PATIENT STORIES
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YFmG6rDKVs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9zSyYSyGE8
Will the Obalon Balloon System limit my activity?
Patients usually resume normal activities immediately after the balloon placement procedure. You cannot take any stomach irritating medicines like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or Aspirin while the balloons are in your stomach. Some examples of NSAIDs are Motrin or Advil. You cannot have the balloons placed if you plan to live in a place at an altitude more than 4000 feet higher or 2500 feet lower than where your doctor places your balloons. See the Safety Information section and Patient Labeling for contraindicated activities with the Obalon Balloon System.
Does insurance cover the balloon and how much does it cost?
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Typically, insurance does not pay for any of the cost for the balloon. Cash pay is the only option. The price can range between $5,000 to $7,000. This covers the cost of the devices (all three balloons), the surgeon fee (to place and to remove), the flouroscopy (x-ray machine needed to place it) and the endoscopy cost (the camera used to take the balloons out). The prices will vary deepening on the location and the facilities used.
