Losing weight can feel like an uphill battle for many patients trying to improve their appearance and strengthen their health. Fortunately, modern medicine provides innovative treatment options that make the process easier. To kickstart your weight loss and set the stage for healthier habits, you may want to consider the ORBERAâ„¢ gastric balloon treatment.
At Miami VIP Surgery, Dr. Keshavarzi is dedicated to providing comprehensive, one-on-one bariatric care. If you need more information about our practice or are interested in scheduling a consultation appointment, contact Miami VIP Surgery today!
ORBERAâ„¢ is an FDA-approved, nonsurgical weight loss device that can help patients shed excess weight while allowing them to gradually change their lifestyle habits to promote health and wellness. On average, the ORBERAâ„¢ gastric balloon makes it possible to lose over 3 times the weight people usually shed through diet and exercise alone. This procedure is quickly gaining popularity because it is simple, easy, and effective. Gastric balloons help patients both lose weight and keep it off. We perform this nonsurgical procedure at our state-of-the-art bariatric center in South Miami.
Preparation for the ORBERA™ gastric balloon begins with a thorough consultation, during which Dr. Keshavarzi evaluates the person’s weight, overall health, and lifestyle to determine suitability for the procedure. This stage is essential for qualifying patients who can benefit most from the treatment. The process emphasizes individualized patient care, ensuring that each plan is tailored to meet specific needs and goals. Comprehensive guidance is provided to help patients understand the steps involved and prepare both physically and mentally for the weight loss journey ahead.
During this nonsurgical treatment, a deflated intragastric balloon is inserted into the patient’s stomach through the esophagus. Once inside the stomach, a saline solution inflates the balloon. This entire process typically takes between 10 and 20 minutes to complete. Here is a more detailed description of the procedure:
The ORBERA™ procedure begins with inserting the stomach balloon into the patient’s digestive system. Under mild sedation, a thin, flexible tube with a deflated balloon attached is carefully guided down the esophagus and into the stomach. This endoscopic approach ensures a minimally invasive placement without the need for surgery.
Once correctly positioned inside the stomach, the balloon is filled with sterile saline until it reaches a size that partially occupies the stomach’s volume. This inflation creates a feeling of fullness, which helps reduce overall food intake by limiting the stomach’s capacity.
After inflation, the stomach balloon remains in place for up to six months. Throughout this period, the balloon helps patients control portion sizes and develop healthier eating habits. Regular follow-ups are scheduled to monitor progress and ensure the device remains properly positioned without complications.
At the end of the treatment period, the balloon is deflated and removed using the same endoscopic technique. This removal process is quick and generally well-tolerated, allowing patients to continue their weight loss journey with the healthy habits established during the balloon’s placement.
Does the Procedure Require Downtime and Recovery?
The ORBERAâ„¢ intragastric balloon requires commitment to lifestyle modifications, including regular exercise and dietary changes, to achieve lasting results. While the procedure itself involves a relatively short period of adjustment, patients may experience mild discomfort or nausea initially. Overall, the recovery requires minimal downtime, allowing individuals to quickly return to their daily activities while focusing on building healthier habits.
Once this procedure is performed, the gastric balloon is left inside the stomach for six months, and during this time, patients can lose between 20 and 60 pounds. The ORBERA™ gastric balloon takes up enough space to allow patients to feel fuller more quickly and encourage the consumption of healthier portion sizes. This dramatic decrease in the amount of food each patient takes in allows them to quickly lose weight, most significantly within the first three months of receiving the gastric balloon. Over the remaining three months, patients have enough time to make lasting changes to their diet and exercise habits that help them maintain a healthy, steady weight once the balloon has been removed. This transition is made easier through individualized coaching and guidance provided by our practice’s medical weight loss experts.
Ongoing Support to Help Lose Weight
Miami VIP Surgery has two primary objectives: to help patients lose weight and keep it off. Dr. Keshavarzi has developed a comprehensive program that includes psychological and nutritional support, with additional appetite control and hormonal optimization therapies.
To qualify for an ORBERAâ„¢ gastric balloon, interested patients must be adults, have a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40, and be willing to participate in the medically supervised portions of the program. This procedure is particularly useful for individuals who are unable to undergo other types of medically-assisted weight loss. At Miami VIP Surgery, Dr. Keshavarzi has a passion for providing patients with personalized bariatric care. If you think an ORBERAâ„¢ gastric balloon could help you reach your weight loss goals, contact us today to schedule a consultation appointment. We offer gastric balloon treatments for patients in the Miami, South Miami, Coral Gables, Pinecrest, and Palmetto Bay areas.
Choosing the right approach for weight management can have a significant impact on overall health and well-being. The ORBERAâ„¢ intragastric balloon procedure offers numerous advantages that support patients in their journey beyond traditional weight loss surgery. Here are the main benefits of ORBERAâ„¢:
The cost of gastric balloons in Miami and South Florida ranges from $6,000 to $9,000 based on individual treatment plans and care requirements. Flexible payment plans are available to accommodate different financial situations, making the procedure more accessible. Our doctor recommends losing weight through a combination of medical support and lifestyle changes to maximize the benefits of the gastric balloon and promote lasting results.
Miami VIP Surgery approaches weight loss with the understanding that it is far more than just surgical weight loss procedures; it’s a life-altering commitment that requires trust, transparency, and genuine support. Unlike practices focusing primarily on anatomy-changing bariatric surgery, we emphasize surgical excellence alongside compassionate care that feels like family. Dr. Keshavarzi’s expertise ensures that every patient’s journey includes not only precision in the procedure itself but also ongoing guidance for lifestyle changes, creating a foundation for lasting success rather than a quick fix.
The weight loss balloon offers a minimally invasive option that can enhance results compared to traditional obesity medicine programs. By physically reducing food intake, the balloon supports patients in making permanent healthy changes to their eating habits. While medical weight management relies heavily on lifestyle adjustments and medication, the weight loss balloon provides a tangible tool to jumpstart the process and improve outcomes. Our center combines both of these modalities to create comprehensive weight loss programs.
The saline-filled silicone balloon is typically removed after about six months or once the patient reaches their desired weight. This timeframe ensures the stomach adapts gradually while providing enough support to help establish new, healthier habits before removal.
No, the intragastric balloon is a non-surgical weight loss option. The treatment involves placing a deflated balloon into the stomach and then inflating it. It is a simple procedure that does not require incisions or anatomical changes like traditional bariatric surgery.
Gastric balloon placement is generally regarded as a safe intervention. The insertion procedure offers a less invasive alternative for patients who may not yet qualify for or are preparing for more extensive surgery. It is sometimes recommended before planned surgery to reduce surgical risks.
Coverage for the gastric balloon varies by provider and region. While some major health insurance plans may offer partial coverage, many individuals receive treatment through weight loss clinics as self-pay patients. It is advisable to confirm eligibility and benefits with the regional Medicare office or your private insurance provider.
The ORBERA™ Intragastric Balloon System is a weight loss aid for adults suffering from obesity, with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 and ≤40 kg/m2, who have tried other weight loss programs, such as following a supervised diet, exercise, and behavior modification programs, but who were unable to lose weight and keep it off.
To receive ORBERAâ„¢, you must be willing to also follow a 7-month program, beginning with the placement of ORBERAâ„¢ and continuing for 1 month after, which includes a healthy diet and exercise plan. If the diet and exercise program is not followed, you will not experience significant weight loss results; in fact, you may not experience any weight loss. Losing weight and keeping it off is not easy, so you will be supervised throughout this program by a team of physicians, physiologists, and nutritionists (if you decide to opt for the ORBERAâ„¢ coach). This team will help you make and maintain major changes in your eating and exercise habits.
ORBERAâ„¢ is placed for no more than six months. Any time that the balloon is in the stomach for longer than six months puts you at risk for complications, such as bowel obstruction, which can be fatal.
Some patients are ineligible to receive ORBERA™. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history and will also perform a physical examination to determine your eligibility for the device. Additionally, at the time of placement, the doctor may identify internal factors, such as stomach irritation or ulcers, which may prevent you from receiving ORBERA™. You must not receive ORBERA™ if you are pregnant, a woman planning to become pregnant within six months’ time, or breastfeeding.
Complications that may result from the use of ORBERAâ„¢ include the risks associated with any endoscopic procedure and those associated with the medications and methods used in this procedure, as well as your ability to tolerate a foreign object placed in your stomach. Possible complications include: partial or complete blockage of the bowel by the balloon, insufficient or no weight loss, adverse health consequences resulting from weight loss, stomach discomfort, continuing nausea and vomiting, abdominal or back pain, acid reflux, influence on digestion of food, blockage of food entering the stomach, bacterial growth in the fluid filling the balloon which can lead to infection, injury to the lining of the digestive tract, stomach or esophagus, and balloon deflation. Important: For full safety information, please visit orbera.com/dfu, talk with your doctor, or call Apollo Customer Support at 855-700-0780.
Caution: Rx only. 1. Evaluated using data collected outside the U.S. * Results are from individual customer testimonials, and your results may vary.
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