Balloon Assisted Weight Loss
ORBERA (BIB) WEIGHT LOSS BALLOON
The ORBERA Balloon is not currently available in the United States. It is undergoing FDA trials. Dr Woodman is the lead investigator in this study and has enrolled over 80 subjects. It is estimated that the balloon will be available in the US by 2012.
The ORBERA managed weight loss system is an effective, non-surgical program for weight loss. It is commonly used outside of the US and the ORBERA System has been a clinically accepted treatment for weight loss internationally for many years.
The journey begins with a medically placed device, the ORBERA System intragastric (inside the stomach) balloon. The balloon is inserted endoscopically into your stomach to encourage portion control. In conjunction with appropriate lifestyle changes, the ORBERA Sytem provides a kick-start to healthy, sustained weight loss.
How does the Orbera System work?
The ORBERA system consists of a soft, expandable balloon that is temporarily inserted into the stomach to create a feeling of early and prolonged fullness after and between meals. The device itself is a soft silicone balloon that is inserted endoscopically (without surgery) in a deflated state and then inflated with sterile saline. The balloon remains in place for a maximum of 6 months.
The intragastric balloon provides a 6 month kick-start to healthy weight loss and may be an ideal solution if you are looking to lose weight and are fearful of surgery. It is meant for patients who have tried and failed with standard diets, pills and other weight loss programs.
The ORBERA System helps you to achieve better portion control, and coupled with a low fat diet and real exercise, helps you to achieve and sustain your weight loss goals.
During those 6 months and prior to having the balloon placed we will work together with you to customize a diet plan and help teach you to eat more appropriately.
Who is not eligible for Orbera?
There are certain medical reasons why you may not be eligible for the ORBERA System. You may not be a candidate for the procedure if any of the following conditions are present:
- Previous upper GI surgery or large Hiatal hernia
- Requiring chronic long-term NSAID treatment
- Drug or alcohol addiction
- Pregnancy or plans for pregnancy during treatment
As with all medical procedures, there are potential risks, side effects, and adverse reactions that may occur. Please discuss your questions and expectations about the ORBERA System with an informed physician.
The ORBERA managed weight loss system is unlike anything you have ever experienced. It is not a diet. It is not surgery. It is not a pill. The ORBERA System has been a clinically accepted treatment for weight loss internationally for many years.
ORBERA SYSTEM ADVANTAGES
The ORBERA System has several advantages over other weight loss plans.
- It helps you to achieve a feeling of fullness sooner and longer after meals to encourage portion control
- It can be used in conjunction with diets to help you to adhere to them
- It helps a patient to learn basic eating principles for long term success
- Non-surgical and non-pharmacological approach
INTRAGASTRIC BALLOON TRIALS
FDA TRIALS
Dr George Woodman is the Lead Investigator in the Allergan BIB (intragastric balloon) trial. He was the first surgeon and active site in the US to place an intragastric balloon and has attained the largest US experience with this device. Dr Woodman has trained in Sao Paolo Brazil and in Rome Italy specifically on techniques related to the BIB. He has worked with BIB surgeons and authors Dr Alfredo Genco and Dr Sallet. Specific details and results of this ongoing trial will be made available by Allergan Medical.
The BIB is placed endoscopically without the use of incisions. It is done under sedation and generally does not require classic general anesthesia or overnight hospitalization. The BIB is removed in a similar fashion after six months. Another BIB can be placed but each one is designed to stay no longer that 6 months in its present form.
As mentioned above, the ORBERA (BIB) is not currently available in the US and is undergoing clinical trials – which are closed at this point. If the BIB is approved for usage in the US it will be widely used as a training tool to help patients lose weight by helping them to be satisfied with less food.
The target populations will most likely be:
- Patients who are 25-100 pounds overweight who need help with portion control
- Adolescents
- Senior patients not interested in a more long term weight loss option
- Patients undergoing orthopedic surgery or joint bearing surgery who need help losing weight to enhance their rehabilitation efforts and recovery.
There may be other applications but we do not expect the BIB to replace the Lap Band, Gastric Sleeve, or the Gastric Bypass as more permanent options for morbidly obese individuals.