The Obalon® Balloon System: Can It Help Me Lose Weight?

From the team at OasisMD Lifestyle Healthcare in Southern California, Happy New Year! The start of a new year is a great time to turn your resolutions into reality, and if you’ve promised yourself that this year will be the one where you shed those extra pounds, the Obalon® Balloon System could be your secret weapon.

Led by James J. Chao, MD, FACS, our weight-loss specialists help patients at our San Diego, Encinitas, and Temecula, California, locations achieve their goals with this nonsurgical treatment.

If you’re interested in dropping excess weight and finally reaching your weight-loss goals, keep reading to learn how this FDA-approved weight-loss system helps you do just that.

Can the Obalon Balloon System help me lose weight?

Absolutely! And what’s more? Studies show that almost 90% of Obalon patients keep the weight off at the one-year mark. It works using medical-grade balloons that take up space in your stomach, so you fill up faster.

This serves to retrain your mind and body to eat less food at meals and snacks, even after the balloons are removed. You’ll start noticing changes in the first few weeks, with most patients experiencing significant weight loss by three to four months.

By the time you’re ready to have your balloons removed (around six months), you can expect to see 10-15% less of your body weight reflected on the scale. And since you’ll continue to eat less even after their removal, you can expect to hit optimal weight loss (30-50%) at the one-year mark.

Combining this treatment with healthy eating habits and regular exercise not only enhances your weight loss, but it also helps you maintain it when the time comes. And good nutrition and physical activity also offer protection against disease, so it’s a win-win all around!

What’s involved in using the Obalon System?

With Obalon, you don’t have to worry about incisions or lengthy recovery times because it isn’t a surgical procedure. You simply come into the office and swallow three gastric balloons.

Your OasisMD Lifestyle Healthcare provider makes sure they’re in the right position using an imaging device, like an X-ray, and the entire appointment takes only minutes.

Everyone’s weight-loss plan is different, but most patients benefit from three separate appointments for a total of nine balloons. Depending on your goals and current weight, however, fewer balloons may be recommended.

How long do the Obalon balloons stay in place?

It depends on your goals and how you feel during treatment. Most people using the system keep the balloons in place for six months.

However, if you and your OasisMD Lifestyle Healthcare provider decide it isn’t right for you, or if you change your mind about Obalon, it isn’t a problem to remove them early. You can have the balloons taken out in less than 20 minutes at any time.

All that’s involved is a quick endoscopic procedure. During this procedure, you receive light sedation to keep you comfortable, and the entire process only takes 15 minutes on average.

Am I an Obalon System candidate?

The Obalon Balloon System excels at helping adults achieve their weight-loss goals, but it’s important to understand this treatment is not right for everyone. The best way to find out if you’re an Obalon candidate is by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Chao.

As a weight-loss expert, Dr. Chao reviews your medical history, weight history, including previous treatments and diets, overall health, and any current complaints. He then creates a personalized weight-loss treatment plan designed to meet your needs.

For those interested in Obalon, it’s helpful to know that this treatment is generally only recommended for adults who have a BMI (body mass index) of 30-40, or patients with at least 30-100 pounds to lose. Other considerations for candidacy include the following:

Being in good overall health
Not pregnant or planning to become pregnant during treatment
Having a history of struggling to lose weight
Being dedicated to making lifestyle and behavioral changes to support weight loss
Not having a move or travel planned that will take you 4,000 feet above or 2,500 feet below the altitude at which the balloons are placed

Some people may meet these requirements and still not be candidates for the Obalon Balloon System because of certain contraindications, such as:

Having a history of bariatric surgery
Having a history of any GI surgery that affects the size or function of your digestive system
Having either a history of or a current eating disorder
Currently taking medication that irritates the GI system
Having an active case of certain GI infections

Ready to learn more about how the Obalon Balloon System can help you reach your weight loss goals this year? Schedule a consultation with a weight-loss provider at the Southern California OasisMD Lifestyle Healthcare location nearest you.