The Gastric Balloon (Orbera), Explained

Not everyone who wants to lose weight is ready for — or needs — surgery. If that's where you are, the gastric balloon might be the option you haven't heard enough about. It's non-surgical, temporary, and designed to give you a real jumpstart along with the tools to keep going. Here's how it works and who it's a good fit for.

What the gastric balloon is

The Orbera gastric balloon is a soft silicone balloon that's placed in your stomach and filled with saline, taking up space so you feel full sooner and eat less. The key difference from surgery: there are no incisions and nothing is permanently altered. The balloon stays in place for about six months, then is removed.

How it's placed and removed

Placement is done endoscopically — through your mouth, with no cutting — during a short outpatient visit, usually under mild sedation. You go home the same day. Six months later, it's removed the same gentle way. It's about as minimally invasive as a weight-loss intervention gets.

What to expect for results

The balloon typically helps patients lose around 10–15% of their total body weightover the six-month program — a meaningful, motivating start. But the real value is what happens during those six months: with the balloon helping control hunger, it's the ideal window to build the eating and activity habits that keep the weight off after it's removed. That's why we pair it with coaching and support, not just the device.

Who it's a good fit for

The gastric balloon tends to suit people who:

• Have a lower BMI than typical surgery candidates, or aren't ready for surgery
• Want a non-permanent, non-surgical option
• Are looking for a structured jumpstart with professional support
• Are committed to using the six-month window to build lasting habits

What it costs

The Orbera gastric balloon program at Whole Health is $9,800. Because it's typically an elective, non-surgical option, it's usually a self-pay procedure rather than one billed to insurance — and we're happy to talk through financing options so cost isn't a barrier to getting started.

A real option, not a compromise

The balloon isn't "surgery lite" — it's a legitimate, proven tool for the right person. For many, it's the encouraging first step that proves real change is possible.

Wondering if the balloon is right for you? Learn more about the Orbera gastric balloon, or request a consultation to talk it through. Call us at (707) 721-3500.