3 Questions to Ask Before You Consider Orbera®

Has your BMI been 30 or higher for a long time? If you feel like you’ve tried every diet under the sun but none has worked, you’re likely looking for a different solution. You don’t want to undergo the pain and recovery process involved in weight loss surgery. Is there another answer? 

Experienced board-certified plastic surgeons with Lowcountry Plastic Surgery Center by H/K/B have selected the medically supervised but nonsurgical Orbera® 12-month weight loss plan as an effective way for patients to lose the unwanted pounds. 

How does Orbera help me to lose weight? 

Although no surgery is involved, the Orbera program uses an intragastric balloon that is placed inside your stomach with the use of an endoscope. The balloon functions to make you feel full before you overeat. 

Using the endoscope, your doctor sends the deflated balloon to your stomach. It’s then inflated to about 5 inches in diameter. The procedure only takes about 20 minutes. Don’t worry; you’re sedated during the procedure so there’s no discomfort. 

You’ll go home after you wake up and rest. The balloon remains in your stomach for six months, at which time it’s removed. 

The Orbera program doesn’t just rely on the balloon to help you lose weight. You follow a diet and exercise plan as well during the 12-month program. The balloon is an aid that helps you recalibrate how much you eat during the day so that you become used to eating smaller portions of food. Once the balloon is removed, monitoring continues for the next six months to help you to continue healthy eating habits.  

How much weight will I lose using the Obera program?

Studies show that patients who follow the program fully lose just over three times as much as those who undertake a traditional diet and exercise program. 

Following are key questions to ask before considering the Orbera program. 

Am I eligible for Orbera? 

Orbera is for adults with a BMI between 30 and 40. You may need to have tests done to ensure you don’t have stomach ulcers or inflammation that could cause complications from the procedure. Orbera is contraindicated if you’re planning to get pregnant within six months, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding. 

Am I comfortable having a medical balloon in my stomach for six months? 

Although it’s not surgery, Orbera does require you to have a medical balloon placed in your stomach. Are you psychologically comfortable with having the balloon inside your body? 

Am I available to commit to a 12-month program? 

Orbera requires a yearlong commitment. Ask yourself if you’re ready psychologically and logistically to stick with this program. Orbera requires you to eat a healthy diet and exercise for a lengthy extended period in order to be successful in losing weight. Are you really ready to change your eating habits? 

Contact Lowcountry Plastic Surgery in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, today for a private consultation to review your options for weight loss and for all of your aesthetic needs.