There is good news for individuals who need help losing weight! Endoscopic procedures have now provided a way for obese patients to get medical assistance for weight loss without having to undergo surgery. One of these endoscopic procedures is called the Orbera weight-loss balloon.
You may be familiar with this medical device that is placed into a patient's stomach to help them lose weight, but if you are interested in having the procedure, do you know where you would find an Orbera balloon doctor?
Today's blog post will go over how the Orbera balloon works, what type of doctor you'll need to perform your Orbera balloon procedure, why it matters which one you choose, and other things you should consider when selecting the medical professional who will perform your Orbera balloon procedure.
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The New World Of Endoscopic Weight Loss
Many individuals struggle with maintaining a healthy weight, and according to the CDC, almost three-quarters of the U.S. adult population is either overweight or obese. Obesity leads to numerous health issues, some of which are life-threatening. In fact, obesity is considered the underlying factor behind America’s second-largest cause of premature, preventable deaths.
In almost all cases, an obese individual has less than a 1% chance of losing enough weight to significantly lower their BMI without some type of medical assistance. This type of assistance has historically come from some form of bariatric surgery, but statistics also show that only around 10% of obese individuals undergo bariatric surgery each year. Maybe they did not qualify, or they are in poor health, or maybe they just do not want to have surgery because they are afraid of the risks, possible complications, and recovery time.
Today, there are non-surgical procedures that can help patients lose weight without incisions, hospital stays, or long recoveries. They are done with the use of a special medical tool called an endoscope, which looks like a long, flexible hollow hose and has a camera attached at one end. The endoscope is lowered down a patient’s throat to access the stomach, and the procedure is completed from the inside.
How Is The Orbera Balloon Endoscopic Procedure Done?
The Orbera balloon is a medical device that resembles a balloon when inflated and is placed inside a patient's stomach to help them lose weight.
While the patient is lightly sedated, the endoscope is lowered through the mouth and down the throat until it reaches the stomach area. The deflated balloon is lowered down the endoscope, and then a small hose is attached to fill it with saline until it takes up about 34 of the stomach capacity. Next, the hose is detached, and the endoscope is removed.
Patients remain for an observation period after the procedure that usually only lasts a few hours, and then they are released to go home to recover. Many patients experience nausea and vomiting for a few days while their stomach adjusts to the balloon, but most of the time this discomfort can be managed with prescription medication provided by the doctor.
How Does The Orbera Weight Loss Program Help Patients Lose Weight?
The Orbera balloon is effective in helping patients lose weight because it takes up a substantial amount of room in the patient's stomach, so they can only eat very small portions during mealtimes and stay feeling full longer.
The Orbera balloon device is part of a 12-month program, and to successfully lose weight and keep it off, patients must follow the guidelines outlined in the program as well as make supportive lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle Coaching and On-going Support
Research shows that coaching support increases the success rates of weight loss programs. The manufacturer of the Orbera Gastric Balloon (Apollo Endosurgery) provides an optional aftercare service called Apollo Care in the form of a phone app that includes resources and services to assist you in losing weight and maintaining your weight loss.
There are hundreds of recipes as well as instructional resources that are made available to you. The program also allows for 12 one-on-one monthly sessions for you to meet with a trained dietitian and receive personalized assistance with your food choices, with a focus on portion control.
In addition, the doctor you choose to perform your Orbera balloon procedure may have their own "in-house" team of support professionals that will help you navigate your weight loss journey. Many times, this team will provide dietary and nutrition support, exercise guidance, lifestyle coaching, and emotional therapy and support if needed. Ask your doctor if they provide this type of support and how it works.
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What Kind Of Doctor Can Do An Endoscopic Procedure?
Once you decide you would like to lose weight with a gastric balloon, you need to find Orbera intragastric balloon doctors in your area. But what kind of doctor should you be looking for?
Deciding on a doctor to perform your Orbera procedure is different from choosing a cosmetic surgeon or a general practitioner. It is important that you find a qualified medical professional who is a trained endoscopist.
There are a few places you might find a doctor who could perform your Orbera balloon procedure.
1. A board-certified bariatric surgeon
A bariatric surgeon performs surgeries such as the vertical gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, and duodenal switch to assist obese individuals in losing weight. Some bariatric surgeons are also proficient in performing endoscopic weight loss procedures.
2. A board-certified general surgeon
A general surgeon can perform a wide range of surgical procedures and may have a specialty.
3. A board-certified gastroenterologist
A gastroenterologist is dedicated to treating issues related to the gastrointestinal tract and the liver. They receive specialized training in endoscopy that is detailed and intensive. They are trained to do advanced endoscopic procedures and in the proper use of sedating medications, as well as protocol for patient comfort and safety.
When you are looking for a qualified medical professional, it is important that you choose one that has experience with both the insertion and removal of the Orbera intragastric balloon.
A general surgeon is normally more accustomed to performing surgical procedures and may do a wide variety but may have no significant endoscopic experience. There may be exceptions in some cases, but in general, this is important to keep in mind.
You might think that because it is related to weight loss, the obvious choice is a bariatric surgeon, but that may be an incorrect assumption. A board-certified gastroenterologist is more likely to do hundreds of balloon placements and be significantly more qualified to do your Orbera balloon procedure than a bariatric surgeon who performs mostly gastric sleeve or gastric bypass surgery.
Do Your Research When Choosing Your Orbera Balloon Doctor
Invest the time to do research to find a highly qualified medical professional who has an elevated level of expertise and also makes you feel at ease. A doctor who has performed a significant number of balloon placements will have gained more precision and will be able to complete the installation and removal fast, efficiently, and without any complications.
In addition to having the expertise to place and remove the gastric balloon, it is important that you work with a doctor who is trained in obesity management. To get the best possible results during your weight loss journey, you will want a professional who understands the complexities of obesity, its associated complications, and the numerous underlying causes.
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Get Acquainted With The Weight Loss Center
Having the balloon inserted and removed is only a small part of the Orbera weight loss journey. For the rest of the year-long program, you will be interacting with the doctor and his team for ongoing support, so it is important to ensure you are going to get the help you need from the practice or weight loss center that you choose.
A consultation is a great time to get a feel for the doctor and their support team. You should ask questions and find out how many weight loss balloon patients they have treated. Check to see if they can share some patient testimonials with you or if they have a social media presence. Sometimes, you can get a good idea of how many procedures they have performed from their YouTube or Instagram posts. You may find reviews and see several Orbera balloons' before and after pictures.
Most importantly, you will be able to determine whether or not you are comfortable with the doctor's "bedside manner" so that you will be at ease during your procedure and will be comfortable working with this support team during the year-long program.
Do Not Choose Your Doctor Based On Cost Only
Last but not least, never pick a doctor only on the basis of cost; your safety and the results are more important. Doctors often offer financing options to assist patients in planning the cost of an Orbera balloon procedure. When comparing quotes, ensure you are making an apples-to-apples comparison as well. Some quotes may be the base price only, while others are all-inclusive. Make sure you know what the advertised price includes or omits. (Does it include balloon placement, removal, follow-up appointments, year-long coaching, etc.)
So, You Have Found A Doctor You Like But They Are Not Local
No worries; with all this technology at our fingertips, you can manage a long-distance relationship with your support team. Some doctors, like Dr. Steven Batash of the Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center, have such an outstanding reputation that people come from far and near to have him perform their endoscopic weight loss procedure. He, like many other doctors, can accommodate out-of-town patients through virtual access to consultations, ongoing support, and some follow-up visits.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
If you are interested in the Orbera balloon weight loss procedure, contact Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center. Dr. Batash specializes in endoscopic procedures and is one of the most experienced Orbera gastric balloon doctors in the nation. Set up your consultation today and find out if Orbera might be right for you.
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