What if I told you there is a non-surgical weight loss device that can help you feel full and assist in achieving your ideal weight, would you be interested? Today we are going to discuss the non-surgical intragastric balloon, how it works and how much the procedure costs.
What Is an Intragastric Balloon?
An intragastric balloon is a device that is used to help obese and overweight patients lose weight. It is a non-surgical and non-invasive and less expensive alternative to bariatric surgery.
The ORBERA® balloon is a brand name for a commonly used intragastric balloon.
How Does the Orbera Balloon Work for Weight Loss?
While the patient is gently sedated, the deflated Orbera balloon is placed into the stomach using an endoscope that is lowered down the throat. The balloon is then inflated to about the size of a grapefruit with saline solution.
The Orbera balloon helps patients lose weight because the balloon is taking up room in the stomach making the patient feel “full” and also causing a semi-forced portion control environment. The patient can only eat small portions at mealtimes and their stomachs are not reminding them all day of how hungry they are. The combination of these two benefits makes losing weight less difficult.
How Long Does Treatment With an Orbera Balloon Last?
Normally, part of the cost of the Orbera balloon treatment covers specialized support that the patient receives for a period of 12 months. The Orbera balloon itself is only placed in the stomach temporarily for 6 months, but patients receive nutritional guidance and support for an entire year.
Is Orbera Covered by Insurance?
Currently in the United States, major insurance companies and those included under the Medicare umbrella specifically exclude coverage for intragastric balloon procedures. Insurance companies treat intragastric balloon weight loss as an aesthetic procedure and not a procedure to treat co-morbidities related to obesity.
It always takes insurance companies a significant amount of time to “catch up” to medical advancements and currently the Orbera balloon is not covered by insurance.
Most bariatric surgery centers offer low-cost financing options to qualified patients to help patients self-pay for the Orbera balloon. Another cost-saving option is to use their flexible spending accounts FSA/HSA if they have one, to help lower the cost of the Orbera balloon.
What Is the Average Cost of the Orbera Balloon?
The cost of the Orbera balloon procedure will vary by location in the United States and pricing is often calculated differently among practices. It is important to fully understand what the price quoted to you includes before choosing a bariatric surgeon.
Ask your bariatric specialist questions such as:
- Does the cost of the Orbera balloon include both the insertion and removal of the balloon?
- Does it include sedation?
- What about the 12 months of ongoing support and follow-up visits?
According to The Bariatric Surgery Source website, the average cost of an Orbera balloon procedure in the United States is $8,248. Here is how the cost of Orbera stacks up against average bariatric surgery costs.
Average Cost of the Orbera Balloon vs Bariatric Surgery Chart
| Procedure | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Orbera Balloon | $8,248 |
| Gastric Lap Band | $15,180 |
| Gastric Sleeve | $19,228 |
| Gastric Bypass | $24,288 |
| Duodenal Switch | $27,324 |
How Much Does the Orbera Balloon Cost in Georgia?
The Orbera balloon cost varies by state and by a surgeon but IBI Healthcare Institute offers all-inclusive, self-pay, transparent pricing. Patients receive unprecedented support from IBI Healthcare professionals throughout the entire 12 month period to help them achieve their weight loss goals.
Currently, IBI is offering an amazing special on the cost of the Orbera Balloon procedure of only $6,500 (prices are subject to change at any time). While Orbera is not covered by medical insurance, IBI does offer financing options. With select financing plans, there are no payments in the first 3-6 months.
If you are interested in the Orbera balloon procedure and finding out if you may be a candidate contact IBI Healthcare Institute today to set up a consultation. Our professional highly-skilled staff is ready to help you navigate through your weight loss journey to obtain your desired goal.
