The Gastric Ballon is a new, FDA approved, non-surgical approach to weight loss that is proven to help
people achieve and maintain significant weight loss. There are two different brands of balloon, ReShape
and Orbera, and we offer both. The gastric balloon is a unique tool for weight loss.  It is intended for
patients with a BMI between 30-40, but can be used in other BMI groups.   The balloon may be a good
option for patients who feel they need more than diet and exercise but are not candidates for surgery.
With ReShape, two connected balloons filled with saline (salt water) are placed temporarily inside your
stomach in an outpatient medical setting.  With Orbera, a single balloon is placed in the same way.  The
procedure lasts about 20 minutes while you are comfortably sedated under light anesthesia. An
endoscope is used to insert the balloons into the stomach, and saline is used to inflate the balloons
when they are properly positioned. Once the balloons are inflated, the endoscope is removed and the
insertion procedure is complete. The balloons remain in the stomach for 6 months.

When filled with saline, the balloons help you lose weight and encourage healthy eating habits by taking
up room in your stomach, so there is less space for food. You can still eat the healthful foods you enjoy,
but the balloons act as built-in portion control, helping you feel full and less hungry.

After six months, the balloons are deflated and removed during a similar endoscopic procedure.
As with all weight loss procedures, the balloon procedure is a tool, not a cure.  Our comprehensive
dietary instruction and close monitoring and support are critical to your success.  You will meet monthly
with our dietician who will coach you on your food choices, habits, and fitness.  We will also encourage
you to meet with our exercise team to help you maximize your efforts using exercise. This support needs
to continue after your balloon is removed.  Most patients who continue with coaching support will
maintain their weight loss or continue to lose weight.

The gastric balloon procedure is a non-surgical procedure. If you do not want or do not qualify for
surgery, the balloon may be a good option for you.

Reference:

1. Ponce J, Woodman G, Swain J, et al; for the REDUCE Pivotal Trial Investigators. The REDUCE pivotal trial: a prospective,

randomized controlled pivotal trial of a dual intragastric balloon for the treatment of obesity [published online ahead of print

December 16, 2014]. Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2014. doi: 10.1016/j.soard.2014. 12.006.

2. ReShape Procedure Web Copy