Losing weight isn’t easy. For many people, diet and exercise alone just don’t deliver the results they’re hoping for. The good news is that there are effective, nonsurgical weight loss options that can help you take control of your health. One of these trusted options is the ORBERA Intragastric Balloon System.
Unlike fad diets or quick fixes, ORBERA weight loss focuses on sustainable change. The program combines a proven medical procedure with personalized nutrition and lifestyle coaching to help you lose weight and keep it off.
It’s a tool designed to help you gain confidence, build better habits, and make lasting progress toward your goals.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know—from how the ORBERA balloon works to what it costs and what to expect during the process—so you can decide if this approach to weight loss feels right for you.
What Is ORBERA?
The ORBERA Intragastric Balloon System is a nonsurgical weight loss procedure that helps you feel full faster and eat smaller portions.
During the quick, outpatient procedure, a doctor places a soft silicone balloon—called the ORBERA balloon—into your stomach through your mouth using an endoscope. Once in place, the balloon is filled with a saline solution until it’s about the size of a grapefruit.
By taking up space in your stomach, the ORBERA gastric balloon helps limit how much you can eat at one time.
It stays in place for about six months, giving you time to adjust your eating habits, focus on nutrition, and develop a healthier lifestyle with the support of your care team. After that, the balloon is gently removed in a similar, nonsurgical procedure.
The result? A safe, effective, and medically supervised path to weight loss without bariatric surgery or long recovery times.
How the ORBERA Balloon Works
The idea behind the ORBERA gastric balloon is to help you feel full sooner so you naturally eat less. But there’s more to it than that—it’s a comprehensive, guided program that helps you build new habits and a healthier relationship with food.
Here’s what the process looks like:
- Placement: The ORBERA balloon is inserted into your stomach through your mouth using a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope. It’s done under mild sedation, takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and doesn’t require any incisions.
- Filling: Once in place, the balloon is filled with a sterile saline solution until it’s roughly the size of a grapefruit. This helps reduce your stomach’s capacity so you feel full with smaller meals.
- The 6-Month Journey: For the next six months, the balloon stays in your stomach as a tool to support portion control. During that time, you’ll work closely with your medical team on nutrition, exercise, and behavioral changes.
- Removal: After six months, the balloon is carefully removed in a quick, nonsurgical procedure similar to how it was placed.
The beauty of the ORBERA intragastric balloon system is that it’s temporary, but the skills and habits you learn during the program can last a lifetime.
Benefits of ORBERA Weight Loss
Choosing the ORBERA intragastric balloon system allows you to work on meeting your weight loss goals all while gaining control, confidence, and a healthier lifestyle. Because it’s a nonsurgical option, ORBERA weight loss offers several advantages that make it a popular choice for many people.
Here are some of the key benefits:
- No surgery required: The ORBERA balloon is placed and removed endoscopically, meaning no incisions, no scars, and minimal downtime. Most people return to normal activities within a few days.
- Clinically proven results: On average, patients lose more weight with ORBERA than with diet and exercise alone. The combination of the balloon and lifestyle coaching makes it a powerful jump-start toward lasting change.
- Personalized support: The program includes nutrition and behavioral coaching, so you’re never on your own. You’ll learn how to eat smarter, move more, and maintain your results long after the balloon is removed.
- Reversible and safe: The balloon is temporary and can be removed at any time if necessary, giving patients peace of mind.
In short, the ORBERA gastric balloon is part of a structured program designed to help you develop the tools you need for long-term weight management success.
Who Is a Good Candidate for ORBERA?
The ORBERA intragastric balloon system can be a great option for people who need help jump-starting their weight loss journey but don’t want—or don’t qualify—for surgery. It’s designed for adults who are ready to make lasting lifestyle changes with the guidance of a medical team.
You may be a good candidate for ORBERA weight loss if:
- Your BMI (body mass index) is generally between 30 and 40
- You’re at least 22 years old
- You’ve tried traditional weight loss methods like diet and exercise without lasting success
- You’re committed to making healthy changes and following a supervised program
It’s also important to note that the ORBERA balloon isn’t suitable for everyone. Individuals who have had prior stomach or esophageal surgery, certain gastrointestinal conditions, or are pregnant or planning to become pregnant may not be eligible.
Before moving forward, your provider will perform a thorough evaluation to make sure the ORBERA gastric balloon is a safe and appropriate choice for you.
How Much Does the ORBERA Balloon Cost?
When considering the ORBERA intragastric balloon system, it’s natural to wonder about cost. While pricing can vary from one provider to another, understanding what typically goes into the overall cost can help you make an informed decision.
The ORBERA balloon cost usually depends on several factors, including the provider’s experience, the facility where the procedure is performed, and the level of follow-up care included.
Many practices offer comprehensive packages that include:
- The initial placement and removal of the ORBERA gastric balloon
- Ongoing nutritional and lifestyle coaching
- Follow-up visits and monitoring with your care team
Because the ORBERA intragastric balloon system is considered an elective, nonsurgical procedure, most insurance plans do not cover it. However, many clinics offer financing options or payment plans to make treatment more affordable.
If you’re considering ORBERA, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation to get a personalized quote and learn exactly what’s included in your package. Transparency is key, and your provider can walk you through all the details before you commit.
Risks, Side Effects, and What to Expect
Like any medical procedure, the ORBERA intragastric balloon system comes with a few side effects and considerations—but most are temporary and manageable with the help of your care team.
In the first few days after the ORBERA balloon is placed, it’s common to experience some nausea, vomiting, bloating, or stomach discomfort as your body adjusts to the balloon’s presence. These symptoms typically improve within a week and can often be managed with prescribed medications and dietary guidance.
Serious complications, such as balloon deflation or intolerance, are rare when the procedure is performed by an experienced specialist and when patients follow post-procedure instructions carefully.
You’ll also have regular check-ins with your care team to track your progress, discuss your nutrition plan, and make any necessary adjustments to keep you feeling your best.
While the ORBERA weight loss program is generally safe, it’s important to have an open conversation with your doctor about potential risks and what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. That way, you can feel confident that ORBERA is the right fit for your goals and health needs.
Tips for Success with ORBERA Weight Loss
The ORBERA intragastric balloon system is designed to help you lose weight, but long-term success depends on the habits you build. Here are a few tips to make the most of your ORBERA weight loss journey:
- Follow your nutrition plan closely: Your care team will guide you through what to eat and how to portion your meals. Focus on nutrient-rich foods, lean proteins, and plenty of hydration.
- Take it slow at first: It’s normal to feel full faster, so listen to your body. Smaller, more frequent meals tend to work best after the ORBERA gastric balloon is placed.
- Stay active: Incorporate gentle exercise early on and gradually build up to more regular movement. Physical activity not only boosts weight loss but also improves energy and confidence.
- Lean on your support system: Whether it’s your healthcare team, a nutrition coach, or family and friends, having support makes it easier to stay consistent and motivated.
- Think long-term: Remember that the ORBERA balloon is a tool to help you build better habits, not a quick fix. The lessons you learn during the program are what truly lead to lasting change.
By staying engaged and committed to the process, you can set yourself up for lasting success long after your ORBERA gastric balloon is removed.
Conclusion
The ORBERA intragastric balloon system offers a safe, nonsurgical way to jump-start your weight loss journey and build healthier habits for life.
Unlike fad diets or quick fixes, the ORBERA weight loss program combines a proven medical approach with professional guidance and long-term support to help you make real, sustainable progress.
Whether you’re looking to boost your confidence, improve your health, or simply feel better in your own body, the ORBERA balloon can be a powerful tool to help you get there.
The best way to find out if it’s right for you is to schedule a consultation with a qualified provider who can walk you through the process and answer your questions about candidacy, care, and cost.
Take the Next Step Toward a Healthier You
If you’re looking for extra help on your weight loss journey, our nonsurgical options can provide a safe, effective boost while you focus on building healthy habits and a positive mindset.
If you’re in the Tampa Bay area and think you might be a good candidate for the ORBERA intragastric balloon, Bariatric Endoscopy at Tampa Bay is here to help. Our expert team will guide you through the process and support you at every stage before, during, and after your procedure.
Call us at (727) 846-7031 today or fill out our online form to schedule your consultation.
For more weight loss tips, check out our blog.
