What is the Obalon Balloon System?
The Obalon Balloon System is the first and only ingestible, FDA-cleared balloon system for weight loss. Three balloons are placed gradually over three months to maximize patient tolerability and facilitate progressive weight loss. The nonsurgical treatment lasts six months and is coupled with a professionally supervised nutrition and exercise program.
The Obalon Balloon System is a safe and effective nonsurgical device for weight loss that:
- Is designed for convenient placement without the need for sedation.
- Achieves weight loss without serious side effects. The majority of adverse events in the clinical trial were reported and consisted of abdominal pain and nausea (serious side effects were less than 0.3%).
- Helps with progressive weight loss over the entire treatment period, combined with a moderate intensity weight loss and lifestyle modification program.
To learn more about the Obalon Balloon procedure, please contact a GI Alliance office in your community to connect with a skilled gastroenterologist.
Who can have the Obalon Balloon procedure?
You may be a candidate for the Obalon Balloon System if you:
- Have a body mass index (BMI) from 30 to 40 kg/m2
- Are 22 years or older
- Are willing to follow a 12-month program*
*This weight loss program begins with the placement of Obalon Balloons in the stomach, which are kept in place for up to six months. It also includes following a healthy diet and exercise program during the time you have the balloons and for six months after they are removed.
What weight loss results can be expected with the Obalon Balloon System?
In a large clinical study, the Obalon Balloon System was shown to help adults achieve clinically meaningful weight loss. When used with a diet and exercise program, people lost, on average, 15 pounds and up to 50 pounds. An average of 89.5% of the total weight loss was maintained at one year. During your consultation, your GI Alliance gastroenterologists can discuss what your personal expected weight loss outcomes might be.
How many balloons are used during the treatment period?
Typically, three lightweight, buoyant balloons are placed gradually over three months to maximize tolerability and help with progressive weight loss throughout the six-month treatment period. Optimal weight loss is achieved with three balloons. Those treated with three balloons lost more than four times as much weight as those treated with only balloons. All balloons must be removed six months after the first balloon is placed.
What is the recommended follow-up with the Obalon Balloon System?
Patients should be seen 1 – 2 times per month for support and supervised coaching from our GI specialists. During these visits, a registered dietician should perform weight measurements, review your food intake and exercise activity, and make adjustments as needed to support your weight loss.
At the end of your six-month treatment period, all three balloons are removed during a brief, approximately 15-minute outpatient endoscopic procedure, which is performed under light, conscious sedation.
Weight loss with the Obalon Balloon procedure
If you’re interested in a physician-assisted weight loss program, the Obalon Balloon System may be for you. This revolutionary weight-loss system is ideal for individuals who have a BMI of 30 – 40 kg/m2 and are ready to make the lifestyle changes needed to lose weight for good. If you are interested in learning more, we encourage you to contact GI Alliance to find a GI specialist near you.