Is the Gastric Balloon Right for Me?

The ORBERA™ Managed Weight Loss System is designed to assist adult obesity patients in losing and maintaining their weight. The Orbera system combines the balloon with nutritional coaching and exercise programs and is indicated for adult patients suffering from obesity with a BMI of 30 to 40. There are more than 78.6 million obese adults in the United States, and this newly approved treatment now offers a path that does not require more invasive traditional surgery.

Patients may be candidates for the Orbera Gastric Balloon System if they:

• Are Adults at least 22 years of age.
• Have a Body Mass Index, or BMI, of 30 to 40.
• Are willing to participate in a medically-supervised program.
• Have attempted more conservative weight reduction alternatives.

Body Mass Index (BMI)

"Overweight" and "obese" are terms that are used to describe weights that are greater than what is generally considered to be healthy. The most widely used measurement for obesity is Body Mass Index (BMI). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• A BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 is considered healthy for an adult.
• A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight for an adult.
• A BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese for an adult.
• A BMI between 30 and 40 is considered lower BMI.

It is important to note that BMI measurements in body builders and athletes may not be accurate in determining obesity because the BMI does not distinguish between muscle and fat.

While on the low end of the obesity spectrum, a person with a "lower BMI" of 30 to 40 still falls within the range of obesity and is therefore at increased risk for health problems. To date, individuals with lower BMI have had limited weight loss options outside of diet and exercise as most surgical weight loss interventions, like bariatric surgery, require a BMI of at least 40.

Gastric Balloon Costs

The cost of placement and removal of the Orbera Gastric Balloon at Hedden & Gunn Plastic Surgery is $6,500. Incidentals related to the gastric balloon procedure may be billed to insurance.

If you are interested in losing weight with the Gastric Balloon System, please contact our Birmingham, AL practice today to speak to a helpful Patient Consultant who can can assist you in understanding the costs and financing options.