How do you decide which gastric balloon procedure to use? Obalon Balloon vs. Orbera? Does the Orbera balloon work the same as the Obalon? Is the weight loss potential the same with both Obalon and Orbera? How Does Orbera compare to Obalon in cost? These are all good questions and today we are going to look at Orbera vs. Obalon in a side-by-side comparison so you can make an informed decision when choosing the procedure that is right for you.
If you have decided you want or need to lose weight but you do not wish to have surgery a gastric balloon may be a good choice for you. Perhaps you have tried different fad diets or commercial weight-loss programs but were unsuccessful in losing weight and need a little extra help to get you where you need to be. A Non-Surgical weight loss procedure such as a Gastric Balloon may help you while you learn and put into practice lifestyle and behavior changes that will help you lose weight and maintain a healthy weight long-term.
How Do Gastric Balloons Work For Weight Loss?
No matter which gastric balloon system you choose, they all facilitate weight loss using restrictive measures although the techniques may be slightly different. Gastric balloons are highly effective in aiding weight loss by occupying space in the stomach. As a result, individuals experience a feeling of fullness, even when consuming small meal portions. This method significantly helps them limit their calorie intake and achieve their weight loss goals. A balloon system is meant to be used as part of a supervised weight loss program together with a low-calorie, healthy diet, and an exercise plan. It will take all these elements for patients to be successful in losing weight.
Additionally, balloon systems are only to be used temporarily for six months. The goal during the placement of the balloon is for the patient to learn and implement new lifestyle choices that become habits they continue for a lifetime. Both the Obalon and Orbera balloons are removed after six months endoscopically while the patient is under mild sedation.
How Does The Obalon Balloon Work?
The Obalon balloon is made up of three different smaller balloons that are filled with gas and introduced into the patient’s stomach one at a time during three different appointments over three months.
The patient swallows a capsule containing the balloon and a tiny tube, which the doctor then uses to inflate the balloon to a predetermined size in the patient’s stomach. The doctor then detaches the tube. Finally, the patient leaves the office with no downtime and returns a month later to receive the second balloon and then a third the following month.
The patient participates in supervised treatment for a full twelve months with the support of their weight loss clinic. The balloons are removed after six months but the patient is to continue using portion control, exercise, and continue a low-calorie diet for the remainder of the supervised program.
How Does The Orbera Balloon Work?
One soft silicone balloon is used by the Orbera® Balloon to occupy space in the stomach, fill it with saline, and act as portion control. This helps individuals to prevent eating too much at one time and to feel full faster and longer.
The doctors perform the Orbera balloon placement, which is a convenient procedure that can be completed in a single office visit. They use an endoscope, a camera-equipped tool, to lower the deflated balloon into the patient’s stomach while lightly sedating them. Once the doctors place it, they fill the balloon with saline, resembling the size of a grapefruit, to provide effective weight loss solutions.
Although patients may experience temporary discomfort as their stomach adjusts, they can return home the same day. Utilizing an endoscope makes it possible to place the Orbera balloon swiftly. Moreover, we carefully fill the balloon, which is similar in size to a grapefruit, with saline to achieve optimal results. Additionally, the Orbera balloon will gradually adapt to accommodate patients’ stomachs, reassuring them of its ability despite the transient discomfort.
The supervisors support and supervise patients for a year as they learn new behavior patterns and lose weight. They remove the balloon after six months, but the patients continue their supervised treatment for the full twelve months. During the latter six months, they continue to practice their new healthy eating habits and physical fitness programs to continue to lose weight and keep it off. The patient has the full support of their weight loss clinic and is never on their own while navigating this weight loss journey.
Obalon vs. Orbera Cost
The cost of gastric balloon systems varies by geographical location and weight loss surgeon. The Obalon balloon system appears to be a bit more costly in most regions due to the three separate office appointments required for the doctor to stagger the insertion of the three balloons.
Some gastric surgeons will offer specials on gastric balloon programs such as IBI Healthcare Institute in Atlanta, Georgia is currently running a special promotional campaign on the cost of the Orbera balloon system for $5,999. Subject to change at any time.
- The average cost of a gastric balloon in the United States is $8,150.
- Obalon vs. Orbera – neither is covered by insurance.
- Medical loans are available for qualified patients:
- FSA or HSA Tax savings accounts can help offset some costs.
Orbera vs. Obalon Comparison Chart
| Orbera Balloon | Obalon Balloon |
|---|---|
| Number of Balloons | |
| One | Three placed spaced one a month apart for 3 months |
| Method of Placement | |
| Through an endoscope under mild sedation Success rate of 100% for placement | Swallowed like a pill. Some patients are unable to swallow the Obalon capsule, due to its size of a large grape |
| Substance Used for Inflation | |
| Saline | Nitrogen |
| Office Visits Required for Placement | |
| Only 1 office visit | 3 separate office visits one per month for the first three months of the program |
| Side Effects Immediately After Placement* | |
| Patients may experience nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, acid reflux | Patients may experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or a sensation of balloon movement initially |
| Average Cost in the USA | |
| $6,000-9,000 | $6,500-9,500 |
| Expected Weight Loss** | |
| 20-70 pounds 3x as much weight with Orbera than with diet and exercise alone | 15-50 pounds |
*Until the stomach becomes adjusted.
**Potential weight loss results can vary based on the patient’s commitment to following program guidelines. Some patients report losing more than 90 pounds.
Check out our elaborated Orbera® Balloon FAQs section. Having difficulty choosing the best-suited weight loss procedure or wondering if you are the right candidate for the Orbera procedure? Don’t hesitate to contact IBI Healthcare Institute today if you are interested in learning more about losing weight through a gastric balloon procedure.
Firstly, schedule a consultation to discuss if you might be a candidate. Additionally, our expert team of professionals is committed to partnering with you on your weight loss journey. Furthermore, they will provide guidance and support throughout the process. Most importantly, they will celebrate your success and help you achieve your weight loss goals. So, take the first step towards a healthier you and reach out to IBI Healthcare Institute today.
