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Obalon Non-Surgical Weight Loss System
Despite sincere attempts to eat healthily and exercise regularly, millions of men and women find these efforts to fall short in helping them lose the total amount of weight they desire. While some degree of progress may be seen through diet and exercise, these individuals often remain hovering above their ideal weight without being able to reach their ultimate goal. Fortunately, Orange County plastic surgeon Daniel C. Mills, MD now offers a possible solution for those who can relate to this problem—the Obalon Balloon System.
What Is the Obalon Balloon System?
The Obalon Balloon System is the first (and only) swallowable gastric balloon approved by the FDA for weight loss in patients at least 22 years of age. This revolutionary non-surgical bariatric treatment can be an excellent adjunct to proper diet and exercise for individuals seeking to lose about 15–100 pounds.
The Obalon Balloon System involves three lightweight balloons that are swallowed in the form of capsules over the period of several months. Once ingested, the capsules dissolve and the balloons expand to limit room in the stomach, helping to jumpstart weight loss by causing patients to feel fuller after eating less. The balloons are left inside for a total of six months, after which time they are removed endoscopically.
It is important to note that Obalon is designed to be a supplement to diet and exercise for people who have not been successful in losing weight through these means alone. This innovative bariatric technique has helped numerous women and men with an approximate BMI between 30–40 move past their weight loss challenges and improve their overall quality of life.
What Are the Benefits of Obalon?
The Obalon Balloon System is an excellent way to kickstart weight loss and achieve lasting success. Some chief benefits of Obalon include:
- Treatment is non-surgical and no sedation is necessary
- Placement of each balloon generally takes less than 10 minutes
- There is no recovery or downtime after balloons are placed/removed
- Clinical studies reveal that individuals who paired Obalon with a healthy diet and exercise regimen lost twice as much weight in a six month period than those who tried losing weight solely through diet and exercise
- Clinical trials show that for patients who continued to follow recommended diet and exercise plans after their Obalon treatment, an average of 89.5% of total weight lost was maintained at one year
Who Is a Good Candidate for Obalon?
Good candidates for the Obalon Balloon System must:
- Be 22 years of age or older
- Have a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 30–40
- Be currently trying to lose weight via diet and exercise
- Be devoted to making—and maintaining—healthy lifestyle changes both during and after treatment
- Not be pregnant
- Not have any swallowing abnormalities
- Not have had any GI surgeries
During a consultation at the Aesthetic Plastic Surgical Institute, Dr. Mills can thoroughly discuss this criteria and identify additional factors that might impact candidacy, including prior weight loss procedures, specific medical/health conditions, issues with swallowing, and more. Once all requirements have been discussed and a thorough examination is performed, Dr. Mills can determine whether or not you are a good candidate for Obalon.
How Is the Obalon Treatment Performed?
The Obalon treatment is performed in-office without the need for anesthesia or sedation. To begin the first stage, patients are directed to swallow a capsule connected to a microcatheter. Once in place in the stomach, the capsule naturally dissolves and the balloon contained inside unfolds. The balloon is then carefully inflated with gas via the microcatheter until the proper volume—approximately the size of a small orange—is achieved. Three weeks later, patients are instructed to return to Dr. Mills’ office to repeat the same process with a second balloon capsule. If necessary, the process is repeated a third time approximately six weeks after the second balloon is placed. In total, the Obalon treatment lasts six months from the placement of the first balloon, after which time each balloon is deflated and extracted endoscopically. The removal process is an outpatient procedure that is performed under conscious sedation.
Since the Obalon Balloon System is meant to facilitate weight loss as a complement to a healthy diet and exercise plan, it is critical that these efforts be maintained throughout treatment. To help with this, Dr. Mills and his team will provide personalized meal recommendations and exercise advice tailored to each individual’s specific needs and goals, as well as comprehensive support to ensure patients stay focused and motivated all along their journey. Dr. Mills’ aim is to not only help patients lose the weight they desire, but to make sure they are equipped with the tools needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle well into the future.
Schedule Your Obalon Consultation
If you have any more questions about Obalon, or if you are struggling to lose weight and wish to jumpstart your efforts, please do not hesitate to contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mills.