WEIGHT LOSS WITH ORBERA INTRA GASTRIC BALLOON

Dr Jatin A Bidani, MD

Worldwide epidemic of obesity is an enormous health and financial challenge. More than 1.9 billion are afflicted and classified as obese or overweight. Unfortunately numerous health issues, such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, low self esteem, and certain types of cancer, leading to reduced quality of life and higher mortality rates. Obesity is complex to treat and usual methods like dieting and exercise, are not always effective for individuals with severe obesity. Intragastric balloon placement is a good and effective weight loss tool. I have placed more than 225 intragastric balloons with excellent outcomes. In this article I will provide an overview of the history, benefits, and experience of the Orbera balloon worldwide. History of the Orbera Balloon

Dr. Natan Zundel and his team in Brazil developed the Orbera balloon in 1980s. The device consists of a soft, silicone balloon that is placed in the stomach through an endoscopic procedure. The balloon is then filled with saline solution, occupying space in the stomach and reducing the capacity for food intake. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015, approved the Orbera balloon after being used in Europe and Latin America for several years.

Benefits of the Orbera Balloon For individuals struggling with obesity intra gastric balloon is a great tool. Firstly, it is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure. Instead, the Orbera balloon is easily placed in the stomach through an endoscopic procedure, which typically takes between 20-30 minutes and requires only mild propofol sedation. This means that patients can usually go home the same day and return to normal activities within a few days. Secondly, the Orbera balloon has been shown to be efficacious tool in helping patients achieve significant weight loss. A meta- analysis of 12 studies & systematic review involving 1,036

patients revealed that the Orbera balloon after six months resulted in an average weight loss of 10.2 kg (22.5 pounds) (1). Sullivan et al in another study involving 255 patients found that the Orbera balloon resulted in an average weight loss of 13.6 kg (30 pounds) after six months (2). Furthermore, the Orbera balloon, when studies looking at long term weight loss, has been shown to be effective. Sullivan et al, in a study involving 255 patients found that individuals who were followed for 2 years after receiving the Orbera balloon, maintained an average weight loss of 10.5 kg (23 pounds)(2). Thirdly, the safety of Orbera balloon is undeniable. It is a safe procedure with a low risk of complications. The most common side effects are nausea and vomiting, which typically resolve within a few days. Less than 1% of cases have complications- for example such as balloon deflation, bowel obstruction, or perforation, are rare (3). Experience of the Orbera Balloon Worldwide Several studies have shown a positive outcome- these studies have been done in many countries with similar results with the Orbera balloon. In the United States, a study involving 34 patients found that the Orbera balloon resulted in an average weight loss of 13.3 kg (29.3 pounds) after six months (4). Similarly, a study involving 59 patients in Australia found that the Orbera balloon resulted in an average weight loss of 11.7 kg (25.8 pounds) after six months (5). In Europe, a study involving 133 patients found that the Orbera balloon resulted in an average weight loss of 12.7 kg (28 pounds) after six months (6). Lopes et al did a study involving 40 patients in Brazil found that the Orbera balloon resulted in an average weight loss of 12.6 kg (27.7 pounds) after six months (7). Another study involving 50 patients in Mexico found that the Orbera balloon resulted in an average weight loss of 12.2 kg (26.9 pounds) after six months (8). These results demonstrate the effectiveness of the Orbera balloon in different populations worldwide.

REDUCTION IN OTHER COMORBIDITIES In addition to weight loss, the Orbera balloon has been shown to improve several obesity-related comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and obstructive sleep apnea. ARuiz-Tovar in a study involving 74 patients in Spain found that the Orbera balloon resulted in a significant reduction in fasting glucose levels, HbA1c levels, and blood pressure (9). In the United States, in a study involving 30 patients, found that the Orbera balloon resulted in significant improvements in obstructive sleep apnea, with a reduction in the apnea-hypopnea index (10). The Orbera balloon has also been shown to improve quality of life in individuals with obesity. Rodriguez et al in a study involving 50 patients in Mexico found that the Orbera balloon resulted in a significant improvement in quality of life, as measured by the obesity-specific Quality of Life questionnaire (11). Similarly, Guedes et al in a study involving 133 patients in Europe found that the Orbera balloon resulted in a significant improvement in quality of life, as measured by the SF-36 questionnaire (6).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the Orbera balloon is a non-surgical, safe and effective weight loss tool that has been used worldwide to help individuals achieve significant weight loss and improve their quality of life. The Orbera balloon is a minimally invasive procedure that has a minimal risk of complications. It has been shown to be efficacious in helping individuals achieve significant weight loss, maintain weight loss in the long term, and improve obesity-related comorbidities. Furthermore, the Orbera balloon has been shown to improve quality of life in individuals with obesity. These findings highlight the potential of a valuable addition to the treatment options for individuals struggling with obesity- with Orbera.

Dr Bidani is a gastroenterologist with 28 years of experience and is located on

Address: 8787 Bryan Dairy Rd Suite 340, Seminole, FL 33777

Phone: (727) 393-1155