New procedure offers a weight loss boost The Charlottesville Newsplex

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (NEWSPLEX) A weight loss procedure offered at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital is a new option for people looking to shed some extra pounds but either don’t qualify or don’t want to undergo invasive weight loss surgery. The Orbera Intragastric Balloon is a silicone balloon that can be inserted into a patient’s stomach through the mouth. It was approved by the FDA in August of 2015 and is now available at MJH to a much greater population than typical weight loss surgeries.

According to Dr. Jayme Stokes, a bariatric surgeon at MJH, candidates for traditional weight loss surgeries must have a body mass index of 40 or greater, or have suffer from serious illnesses like diabetes or high blood pressure. The Orbera balloon is available to adults with a BMI between 30-40.

“Patients who are looking for that little extra boost of weight loss who may have been struggling with diet and weight loss,” said Dr. Stokes. He said patients who need to lose weight before having other surgeries like hernia repairs or orthopedic procedures may also consider the procedure.

The saline-filled balloon is about the size of a grapefruit and is inserted into the patient’s stomach through the mouth, meaning doctors don’t have to make any incisions on the abdominal wall.

“It’s all done via an outpatient procedure,” Dr. Stokes said. “Patients can come in and have it done in 15 to 20 minutes and be able to go home the same day.”

After the balloon is placed, patients can expect to lose about 40 percent of excess body weight, according to Dr. Stokes.

“The balloon works by occupying a large part of the volume of the stomach,” he said. “It really impacts your ability to take in large quantities of food. But it also impacts your hunger. Patients don’t feel the urge to eat quite as much as they did without the balloon.”

After six months, the balloon is removed and the patient continues meeting with a nutritionist for an additional six months. The 12-month program including the balloon procedure, removal, and visits with a nutritionist, costs $8,900 and is not covered by insurance.

For information about the Orbera Intragastric Balloon call 434-654-5254. There will be a free seminar on the new procedure at the Martha Jefferson Outpatient Care Center (595 Martha Jefferson Drive) from 3:00-4:00 p.m. on April 27th.