ORBERA® is a temporary weight loss balloon made out of soft silicone that is designed to help with portion control and ultimately improve weight loss.
First, a diagnostic endoscopy is done to ensure that there are no contraindications and that it is safe to perform the procedure. Once you are mildly sedated and comfortable, the procedure can begin.
The deflated gastric balloon is inserted through the esophagus and into your stomach. A syringe is then used to fill the balloon with a sterile saline solution. Once the weight loss balloon has been filled with saline it is about the size of a grapefruit. The entire procedure takes about 20-30 minutes. After roughly two hours of recovery, most patients head home to begin the rest of their new life.
While it is temporarily in your stomach for six months it encourages your body to adapt to healthier portion sizes. The shape and volume of the stomach balloon takes up enough space in your stomach to help you adapt to healthier portion sizes. The technology and design of the balloon helps patients lose up to 3x the weight of diet and exercise alone.
After the first six months of the weight loss program the stomach balloon is carefully removed and the aftercare program continues. Since the weight loss balloon is inserted through your throat and into your stomach there is no need for any incisions, stitches or scars.
Once the stomach balloon has been in place for six months the balloon is removed. The simple and non-surgical procedure is very similar to the placement process. Once the ORBERA® gastric balloon has been removed it is very important to continue working closely with your support team and coaches to follow the personal diet and exercise plan given to you. This will help to keep you in a positive and healthy mindset while achieving your weight loss goals.
In the first few days after placement, you may experience nausea or vomiting. In some patients it may last up to one to two weeks. Your Specialist will work with you to prescribe medication that will proactively manage these symptoms and help you adjust to the balloon.
While the ORBERA® balloon stays in for six months, you'll lose the majority of the extra weight you've struggled to shed in the first few months. The adjustments to your eating habits and your continued efforts to stay active will greatly influence your results.
Link to website www.orbera.com
Dr Jacques Badenhorst is a specialist gastroenterologist who practises from Suite 1409 at the Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital on Cape Town's Foreshore, on the corner of DF Malan Street and Rua Bartholemeu Dias Plain.
Address: 1409, Netcare Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital, Cnr D.F. Malan Street and Rua Bartholemeu Dias Plain, Foreshore, Cape Town, 8001
Tel: +27 (0)21 023 0723
Fax: +27 021 556 0220
Email: gicapetown@gmail.com