For individuals struggling with obesity, defined as a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 30 and 40 kg/m², and who have found diet and exercise insufficient, the Obalon Balloon System presents a promising, minimally invasive approach to weight loss. This article delves into the intricacies of the Obalon system, exploring its mechanism, procedure, benefits, and considerations.
What is the Obalon Balloon System?
The Obalon Balloon System is the first and only swallowable, FDA-approved 3-balloon system designed to aid in weight loss. It is intended for temporary use, as an adjunct to a moderate intensity diet and behavior modification program, to facilitate weight loss in adults with obesity (BMI of 30 - 40 kg/m2) who have failed to lose weight through diet and exercise. The entire treatment lasts six months, after which all balloons must be removed.
How Does the Obalon System Work?
The Obalon system works by occupying space in the stomach, creating a feeling of fullness that helps to reduce food intake. This early “I’m full” system to your brain is responsible for reducing the destructive excess eating responsible for weight gain. The balloons are placed gradually over three months so the treatment can be tolerated more easily. The maximum amount of weight loss is achieved after the total of three balloons are placed.
The air-filled balloon floats in the stomach and applies pressure to the upper pole of the stomach where the nerve signals that inform your brain that you are full are located.
The Obalon Procedure: A Step-by-Step Guide
Unlike traditional gastric balloons that require endoscopy and sedation for placement, the Obalon system boasts a non-surgical approach.
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- Initial Consultation: The journey begins with a consultation with an Obalon-trained physician. During this visit, the doctor will review your medical history, conduct a physical examination, and perform necessary medical tests to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the system.
- Balloon Placement: The Obalon procedure is unique in that it doesn’t require surgery. It is a balloon system that enters your stomach orally. It takes less than ten minutes per balloon, and no sedation is needed. You simply swallow the Obalon capsule, and the balloons are each inflated through a tiny tube that is attached to the capsule. You drink a cup of water and swallow the capsule with the tube attached, exactly as you would any other pill. Once the capsule reaches your stomach, it releases the balloon. (This is confirmed via X-ray.) Next, your doctor inflates the balloon with gas, then the tube is removed, leaving the inflated balloon in your stomach to suppress appetite. Up to three balloons may be placed during the first three months, with the entire treatment lasting six months.
- Lifestyle Modification: 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. You will receive ongoing, personalized support from a registered dietitian, who will help create a healthy regimen and lifestyle change that will allow you to maintain your weight loss results long after you finish our six-month program. Our Health and Fitness Director can help tailor the right exercise routine based on your abilities, exercise experience, schedule and daily routine. Our registered dietician Samantha Rigoli will help you learn about the best foods to choose before, during and after your Obalon treatment. She will meet with you individually to get to know your preferences and the issues you’ve struggled with in the past.
- Balloon Removal: All balloons must be removed 6 months after the first balloon is placed. The Obalon® balloons are removed during a mild endoscopic procedure. This typically does not last more than 15 minutes and you will be able to return home on the same day as your appointment.
Benefits of the Obalon System
- Non-Surgical and Fully Reversible: The Obalon system offers a non-invasive alternative to weight loss surgery. The procedure doesn't require any incisions or anesthesia during placement.
- Progressive Weight Loss: The placement of up to three balloons over several months allows for a gradual and more comfortable adjustment for the patient.
- Proven Safety Profile: The Obalon Balloon System underwent a 7 year FDA trial to prove that it works and is safe.
- Psychological Benefits: As a cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Scarpidis uses Obalon to lower your BMI, improve your health and lower your risk for cardiovascular disease - but he can also help you to achieve a more attractive appearance overall. As partners in the Obalon Weight Loss program, our patients’ success is our success. And, to celebrate, we offer exciting incentives that will keep them motivated and inspired. These incredible incentives include Hydrafacial medical-grade facials, BOTOX treatments, and non-invasive skin tightening sessions, all of which work in tandem with Obalon to improve your physique along with your self-confidence.
Candidacy and Expectations
The Obalon Balloon System is considered an ideal treatment for patients who are at least 22 years old and have a 30 to 40 BMI. The Obalon® Balloon System is intended for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 to 40 kg/m2 (30 to 50 pounds overweight) willing to follow a diet and exercise program.
Realistic Expectations
The average weight loss after treatment with Obalon is around 15 lbs. In one study, those who swallowed gas-filled balloon capsules lost 1.9 times more weight than their counterparts who relied on diet, exercise and lifestyle changes alone.
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.
Potential Side Effects and Considerations
As with any medical procedure, the Obalon system has potential side effects. The most common side effects reported were mild abdominal pain and nausea which typically resolved within two weeks. A person can expect some abdominal cramping and nausea following the procedure, and there could potentially be vomiting, bloating, and diarrhea, these side effects are temporary and manageable with medication and guidance from our doctors. You must take daily acid-blocking medicine prescribed by your doctor.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
While the Obalon Balloon is the first and only swallowable, FDA-approved balloon system for weight loss on the market, it is unfortunately NOT covered by insurance. In general, the national average cost for Obalon runs between $6,000 and $9,000. This number includes three balloons, placement, removal, and accompanying diet and exercise support.
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Alternatives to Obalon
While the Obalon® Balloon System may not be the best weight loss solution for every patient, there are alternative options available. Like the Obalon® Balloon, the ORBERA® intragastric balloon is a FDA-approved device designed to facilitate weight loss by managing hunger and promoting portion control. A healthy dieting and exercise plan follows placement of the balloon, and the device is removed six months after insertion during an in-office procedure. That said, the two treatments differ in their method of balloon placement; the ORBERA® balloon is inserted into the stomach via an endoscope (a thin tube with a tiny light and camera on the end) while the Obalon® Balloon System involves a swallowable weight loss device.
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