Whole Health Weight Loss Institute

Endoscopic Procedure

Gastric Balloon (Orbera)

A non-surgical, fully reversible, six-month weight-loss tool — no incisions, no permanent change to your anatomy.

10–15%
Total body weight loss
Typical 6-month outcome
Same day
Outpatient placement
0
Incisions

Overview

Non-surgical jump-start — six months of focused weight loss.

The Orbera intragastric balloon is a soft silicone balloon placed endoscopically and filled with saline. It occupies space in the stomach for six months, helping you eat less, learn portion control, and build sustainable habits.

How it works

A clear, step-by-step picture.

Step 01

Placement

An uninflated silicone balloon is advanced through the mouth via flexible camera and placed in the stomach.

Step 02

Inflation

The balloon is filled with sterile saline — about the size of a grapefruit.

Step 03

Removal at 6 months

The balloon is removed endoscopically. Aftercare and habit coaching continue for the full year.

Watch & learn

Watch Dr. Perryman explain Gastric Balloon.

Video coming soon

Dr. Perryman is recording a deep-dive for this procedure.

Benefits
  • No surgery, no scars
  • Fully reversible
  • Outpatient placement and removal
  • Includes nutrition and behavior coaching
Honest review

Risks & honest considerations

We’d rather you know the real picture before deciding.

  • Nausea is common for the first 1–2 weeks as the body adjusts
  • Rare risks include balloon perforation or migration
  • Total weight loss is less than with surgical options
  • Regain is common after removal without sustained lifestyle change
Dr. Scott Perryman speaking with a patient during a consultation.

Surgeon-led

Every step led by Dr. Perryman.

From your first consultation to long-term follow-up, you work directly with Dr. Scott Perryman — board-certified, fellowship-trained, with more than 1,500 bariatric procedures performed.

Recovery

What the timeline really looks like.

  1. Day of
    Outpatient
    Home a few hours after placement.
  2. Week 1–2
    Adjustment
    Anti-nausea medication and clear liquids.
  3. Months 1–6
    Active phase
    Structured nutrition coaching and habit work.
  4. Month 6
    Removal
    Endoscopic removal, continued aftercare.

Real results

Real patients. Documented outcomes.

Shared with patient permission. Individual results vary.

Gastric Balloon before-and-after result
Six-month outcome
Gastric Balloon before-and-after result
Six-month outcome

Individual results vary

See full results

FAQs

Common questions, answered honestly.

Can the balloon stay longer than 6 months?

No — it must be removed at 6 months. The follow-up program continues for a full year.

Is it covered by insurance?

Usually self-pay. We offer transparent pricing and financing.

What does it cost? Is it covered by insurance?

Cash pay $8,000–$10,000. Insurance does not cover gastric balloon — it's classified as a non-surgical weight-loss tool. Financing available through CareCredit and PatientFi.

What does removal feel like? Do I need anesthesia again?

Yes — removal is the same outpatient endoscopic procedure under light sedation. ~20 minutes start to finish.

Will the weight stay off after removal?

That depends entirely on the habits you build during the 6 months. Patients who use balloon time to retrain hunger cues and meal patterns hold their loss; patients who don't often regain. Our nutrition and mindfulness program is part of every balloon plan.

Who is a good candidate?

BMI 30–40, no prior bariatric surgery, no serious GI disease, and ready to commit to dietary changes during and after.

Next step

Talk with Dr. Perryman — no obligation.

A confidential consultation answers your questions, reviews your candidacy, and outlines a plan that fits your life.

Related procedures