Goal: Lose 20-30 lbs
Several exciting technologies can support weight loss in the 20 to 30 pound range — including the Obalon swallowable balloon, the Orbera™ gastric balloon and more.
At Stony Brook, these are backed by an individualized, comprehensive weight loss plan including the tools and support you need to achieve a healthy new way of living. Our credentialed, multidisciplinary team offers medical management, advanced nutrition and exercise plans, counseling, behavior modification and group support, in addition to today’s most advanced options in surgical and nonsurgical procedures. Each balloon device works by occupying space in your stomach, thereby helping you to feel fuller with less food, and helping you to decrease your portion sizes. The balloon(s) remain in your stomach for 6 months, during which time you participate in ongoing nutrition and behavioral support sessions. Once the balloon(s) are removed, these sessions continue for an additional 6 months.
To be eligible for a gastric balloon procedure you must be an adult, and have a BMI of 30- 40. You also must commit to participating in a full 12-month program designed to help you with long-term healthy lifestyle habits.
Obalon Swallowable Balloon Capsules
One of the most innovative options in obesity treatment today is a swallowable, gas-filled balloon that requires no anesthesia or surgery, and results in nearly twice the weight loss as diet, exercise, and lifestyle therapy alone. Approved by the FDA in September 2016, this exciting new development is the Obalon balloon system, and Stony Brook researchers, played a key role in establishing its safety and efficacy.
How It Works. The Obalon system involves a balloon contained within a capsule that, once it reaches the stomach, is inflated with gas via a microcatheter. The inflated balloon helps patients feel full and eat less. It typically can be placed in less than 10 minutes without the use of sedation or anesthesia. Up to three capsules can be used, all of which are removed after six months. A yearlong, moderate intensity diet and behavior modification program accompanies the balloon therapy. The goal is to form new, healthy habits that help keep the weight off.
Watch the ABC news video about the Obalon trial at Stony Brook (1:54 min).
Orbera™ Gastric Balloon
Orbera combines a gastric balloon that encourages portion control with a 12-month customized weight loss plan and expert support team.
FDA approved in mid 2015 after 20 years of successful use internationally, the Orbera deflated silicone balloon is placed in the stomach endoscopically — which means no incision, no downtime and minimal risk — and it’s then filled with saline solution. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis in just 20 to 30 minutes using mild sedation.
How It Works. The balloon helps patients eat less by taking up space in the stomach. Losing weight and keeping it off, however, demands lifestyle changes. So the Orbera program also requires a 12-month commitment to diet and exercise supported by our team of bariatric specialists, who are experts in medical management, nutrition and exercise. Six months after the balloon is placed, it is removed — but the lifestyle coaching continues. Your support team works with you for another half year to retrain your appetite, maintain new eating habits and continue your exercise routine. When the year-long program is over, you’ve established healthy lifestyle choices that help you keep the weight off.
Clinical Testing Results. After six months with the Orbera program, people lost more than three times the weight of those who followed diet and exercise alone.
Other Procedures
We are actively involved in clinical trials of other novel devices. Please schedule an appointment with our surgeons to learn more.