Orbera Intragastric Balloon

The balloon sits in the stomach decreasing the capacity of the stomach.There is a new option in weight loss surgery - the Orbera® intragastric balloon.

What is the Orbera® intragastric balloon?

The intragastric balloon is designed to be inserted into the stomach and inflated to a volume which will restrict the amount you can eat and reduce hunger. It is easily and simply inserted through the mouth under a light anesthetic. It is performed as a day case procedure in hospital.

What sort of weight problems is the Orbera® balloon designed to help?

The main aim of the Orbera® balloon is to help people with a BMI between 30 and 40.There is good evidence that people with this sort of weight problem can, after losing the excess weight, retrain themselves and change their lifestyles to enable the weight loss to be maintained.

What other reasons are there for using an Orbera® intragastric balloon?

The Orbera® intragastric balloon can help patients to shed 20 to 30 lbs of weight relatively quickly. It may be used in patients with BMI between 30-40 as a short term measure when rapid weight loss is critical. An example may be someone requiring urgent hip or knee surgery where the orthopedic surgeon requires weight loss before going ahead with the procedure.

How long can the Orbera® intragastric balloon be left in the stomach?

It is important that the balloon be removed after six months. Eventually, the balloon, which is made of silicone, degrades and may rupture, causing serious injury. We will not perform insertion of an Orbera® intragastric balloon without your written agreement that you will have it removed in six months.

Can a second Orbera® balloon be used after removal of the first one?

Yes, but we recommend at least four weeks between removal of the first balloon and insertion of the second. Costs of a second balloon will be a little less depending on the degree of ongoing support required. Similar side effects to the first balloon will probably be experienced.

Can I go back to work straight after having the balloon inserted?

Definitely not! For 3 to 5 days you will be VERY uncomfortable and may experience nausea, vomiting and cramping-type abdominal pain. You will be helped through this phase by your provider team with appropriate medication prescribed. In some instances you will need to be admitted to hospital for a few hours or even overnight to be re-hydrated with an intravenous drip. The vast majority of patients will be able to return to work within a week.

Will I feel the balloon and will I be restricted in any way whilst the balloon is in place?

In most cases, after the first few days, the only sensation you will have is one of fullness and lack of appetite. Normal activity and exercise is unrestricted. In rare cases, the balloon may move from its position in the upper part of the stomach to the lower part and may be felt as an "alien" in the abdomen and this may be associated with some vomiting. By lying on your left side and gently massaging the "alien" it will easily go back to its proper position.

Where can I get more information?

We would love to hear from you. Call our office at 860.246.2071 and dial option 2. You can also visit www.orbera.com.


Surgical Weight Loss Procedures Performed

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

This procedure, often called gastric bypass, was developed in 1967. The operation creates a small upper-stomach pouch (less than one ounce) that limits food eaten and makes you feel full and satisfied with only a small amount. Also, not all food is digested because part of the small intestine is bypassed. This decreases the amount of calories that are absorbed. 

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive bariatric surgery. During this procedure, the surgeon creates a small, sleeve-shaped stomach. This limits the amount of food that can be eaten, yet makes you feel full and satisfied. The intestines are not bypassed in this procedure.

Adjustable Gastric Band

The adjustable gastric band (LAP-BAND®) is a device surgically applied to the upper part of the stomach to restrict the amount of food entering the stomach. A small port, placed under the skin in the abdomen, allows adjustment of the band's size. Frequent follow-up in the office is needed initially after this procedure. Follow-up care for a patient with an adjustable gastric band can be provided at all Surgical Weight Loss programs.

Orbera® Intragastric Balloon

A new option in weight-loss surgery, the Orbera® intragastric balloon, is inserted into the stomach and inflated so that it will restrict the amount you can eat and reduce hunger. The balloon is placed for six months, then removed. Our team works with you for a year after the balloon is placed to support your weight loss, diet, and exercise.

Revisional Surgery

You may be a candidate for a revision of your original bariatric surgery if you're having physical problems. Revisions are performed on a case-by-case basis after a thorough work-up. Failure to lose weight or weight regain does not always require a revision. Our teams are committed to working with patients to lose weight and improve their quality of life. We offer a comprehensive approach to long-term weight management. All our programs accept transfer patients, too. If you are from another program or new to the area, just call one of our offices to discuss a possible transfer in care. 

Endoscopic ultrasound-Directed transgastric ERCP (EDGE)

EDGE is a minimally invasive procedure for gastric bypass patients with biliary, pancreatic, and gall bladder issues. Gall stones are a common problem for bypass patients and this procedure enables access to the stomach without open surgery, using ultrasound to help guide the placement of a stent. It provides a safe and proven alternative to traditional surgery and significantly reduces in-patient stays. Patients can continue toward their fitness goals without additional recovery time.


Meet our Orbera Intragastric Balloon Specialists:

Name Specialties Location
Tishler, Darren Scott, MD, FACS, FASMBS Tishler, Darren Scott, MD, FACS, FASMBS
4.9 /5
202 surveys
860.246.2071
  • Bariatric Surgery
  • General Surgery
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  • Glastonbury
  • Manchester
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Hannoush, Edward J., MD Hannoush, Edward J., MD
4.6 /5
160 surveys
860.246.2071
  • Bariatric Surgery
  • General Surgery
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  • Hartford
  • Bloomfield
  • Farmington
  • Glastonbury
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Papasavas, Pavlos K., MD, FACS, FASMBS Papasavas, Pavlos K., MD, FACS, FASMBS
4.9 /5
142 surveys
860.246.2071
  • Bariatric Surgery
  • General Surgery
Show Less
  • Glastonbury
  • Bloomfield
  • Farmington
  • Hartford
Show Less

Medical & Surgical Weight Loss

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