Welcome to the wonderful world of gastric balloons!
There is so much to learn about gastric balloon treatment and this page is here to help you do so. In addition to reading the information herein, it's important that you schedule a free confidential consultation so that our treatment team can answer your questions in more depth. We are excited to invite you on an adventure in weight loss that involves physical, emotional and mental recovery.
The similarities: Orbera vs Reshape
While the 2 types of gastric balloons differ slightly, they are both nonsurgical treatments sidestepping the invasiveness of incisions, general anesthesia and extended downtimes. The Reshape and Orbera stomach balloons are inserted endoscopically through the mouth and down the esophagus to the stomach. The endoscope, or tiny camera, serves to provide the physician within extra layer of safety as he or she can carefully monitor movements on a television set as the procedure unfolds. Once the balloon reaches its destination in the abdomen, it is filled with a customized amount of sterilized saline solution. The entire insertion process takes typically 30 minutes and is performed under mild sedation, as determined during consultation.
Both implants work by creating a sensation of fullness in the stomach that discourages excess eating and snacking, which leads to unwanted weight gain. Both implants also come with 12 months of lifestyle coaching, nutritional counseling and personal training, which helps to implement a holistic approach to weight loss, appropriate for long-term abstinence from destructive eating.
What is the difference between Orbera vs. Reshape?
Orbera vs Reshape: While Reshape is a slightly newer device, both gastric balloons were recently approved by the FDA in 2015. The Orbera single sphere is filled with 550 cc of saline, while the Reshape double balloon is filled with 900 cc. With Reshape, an obesity-related comorbidity is required. Examples of this include diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea or high cholesterol.
Thanks to Reshape’s innovative new engineering, it boasts several important safety protocols. For one thing, since it has 2 balloons instead of one, migration of the device is avoided should one of the balloons rupture. Secondly, the saline solution is tinted indigo, so that it can easily be identified in the patient's urine.
This chart creates an at-a-glance visual of the key differences between Orbera and Reshape:
Orbera Gastric Balloon
One sphere
550cc
Free-floating
6 months
30-40 BMI
Co-morbidities not required
Prior bariatric surgery not allowed
Reshape Gastric Balloon
Two spheres
900cc (2 spheres)
Snug, shapely fit placement
6 months
30-40 BMI
Co-morbidities required
Prior bariatric surgery not allowed
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