Orbera: Keys to Success

[@caromelendez5755]

This hits me right on the spot, I’m on my day 2, and that’s exactly how I feel, in misery, desesperate for taking it out and I’m thinking about taking it out next week. But now I have a bit of relief, it looks like I’m on the normal process… I’ll wait

[@jaysplace8877]

@caromelendez5755 how do you feel now ?

[@caromelendez5755]

@@jaysplace8877i took it off, 5 days after getting it in. I couldn’t handle the pain, vomiting every 3 hours, not being able to even drink and hold water. The day I took it off I looked like a zombie, incredibly dehydrated. I believe this is only for people with XLarge stomachs, otherwise this is unbearable. I lost almost 4K USD, then I bought one Saxenda syringe and lost the extra weight in one month 😢😢 I guess I should have tried that first.

[@k13439]

im on day 3/4 and im still expereincing some stomach tension. literally been sleeping through all of it because i can handle it. constantly feel discomfort and nausea which apparantly can last up to 7 days.

[@k13439]

update: it took me 30 days to get used to it. anything i ate would comme back out even if i just stayed on liquids, i was vomiting, luckily i had booked few weeks off work, after the 30 days i was able to eat normal i waited about 2 months before i got back in gym as well. everyones body is different but all the videos i watched no one shared how instense it could be or feel, im supposed to have it in for 12 months

[@heathern4052]

How is it going now? I'm scheduled to get the Spatz3 balloon next month and only have 4 days off work.

[@k13439]

@@heathern4052 I'm 5 months in I can barley tell it's there now. but that first month was so intense I was really thinking of having it taken out but my body has adjusted to it. so I can barley tell it's there but I can full very quickly xx

[@malcolmx5633]

​@@k13439Finally true review its my second day no sleep intens pain ,like giving birth to 10 child i get 10 years older in these 2 days,my doctor said if i want he will remove day 3 and for sure ,i want it to be removed,now thanks to this i love my fattt more ,no problem i prefer my fat then this maniac crazy pain like cutts in my stomach

[@mak_motorsports6812]

Def the best video on youtube regarding this op. Thanks

[@pinkpolish4189]

Great Dr! Very informative. I feel more relieved having the procedure by watching this.

[@avidreader6097]

This was so informative, I am just waiting to get my EOB [explanation of benefits] from youtube with the bill for the consulting services. TY!!

[@CofyjunkyPNW]

This video was very helpful! I felt like I was getting a consultation. 👍

[@nikiking5559]

The BEST I have seen! Wish you were in my area...

[@lavjamsoflocamp]

Me too😢

[@SorinaObrocea]

Bcuz of The way you speak, you would have been my physician if you were in Qatar

[@DrMcGowanMD]

Creula7, thanks for the kind words!

[@leddik]

Thank you. That was concise and very informative.

[@bettyvolmar6605]

You gave information that no one has given

[@shivaun79]

awesome video Dr. Chris. What are your thoughts on the Allurion Ellispe Swallowable Capsule Balloon?

[@DrMcGowanMD]

it's intriguing! While promoted as "procedure-less," it would still need to be provided by a practice with endoscopy capability, as there will still be a rate of early removals and balloon intolerance. It's still undergoing study in the U.S. prior to FDA approval. The biggest concern is safety and the risk of bowel obstruction, though available data show a very good safety profile overall. The other consideration is swallowing the capsule. The Obalon gas-filled balloon was a real challenge to swallow and a proportion of patients were not able to. That is not a fun experience. Allurion looks to be even more difficult given the size of the capsule and the fill catheter.

[@bettyvolmar6605]

How much is it? Do you have to return back to your clinic to take it out. Or does it melts away. Do I have a specific BMI. I would like to come to your office to and have the procedure done. Please.

[@DrMcGowanMD]

Betty, pricing varies based on practice and location. Current pricing at my facility is here: trueyouweightloss.com/about/pricing/. Orbera is FDA approved for BMI 30-40, though it can be utilized outside of that range at times. The balloon requires 2 endoscopic procedures. 1 for placement, and 1 for removal (6 months later).

[@bettyvolmar6605]

Very informative information

[@Theelectroarcheologist]

What is the rate of people who had to have it removed due to an intolerance to the balloon? I plan on getting it here in Florida but I've heard of people just couldn't take it and had it removed early, one of them aspirated after having it removed too.

[@DrMcGowanMD]

Nationally, the early removal rate is approximately 10%. In our program, it is 2%. It's very difficult, if not impossible, to predict who will not tolerate it. But in general with close follow-up and support we can overcome the early intolerance for the majority of patients.

[@yuniqueglam]

If you had Lap Band surgery that wasn’t very effective can you have procedure?

[@DrMcGowanMD]

Unfortunately, no. Any prior stomach surgery is a contraindication to gastric balloons (meaning, you aren't eligible). This would include prior LapBand, hiatal hernia repair, ulcer repair, or bariatric surgery (such as a sleeve or bypass). If you wanted to consider a different non-surgical weight loss procedure, you WOULD be a candidate for an endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG). Here's more information: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKamlKCXmKqtipI

[@lorimarshall5166]

Will our regular medication stay down or will we throw them up?

[@trueyouweightloss]

You can continue to take all of your normal medications, aside from ibuprofen or similar NSAID medications.

[@biajaviermusic]

I am really considering doing this but are there any reports of deaths? I know that sounds intense but I was reading about the procedure on the site and it said could lead to death so of course I’m like whattt?! Because to my knowledge that’s never happened

[@shivaun79]

Which weight loss medication would you recommend along with a Balloon ? Contrave (I’ve heard effective but many uncomfortable side effects ) , qysmia and (expensive) as the top 3 . What would determine which of these I took ( other than budget ).

[@DrMcGowanMD]

It really depends on the patient's situation and medical history. Overall, contrave is the least effective weight loss medication and not one that I typically recommend. Qsymia can be used quite affordably by prescribing the 2 generic components, and it works pretty well. However, it tends to have side effects (anxiety, insomnia, dry mouth, brain fog). In my practice we are generally moving toward the newer GLP-1 agents (like Wegovy) if we can obtain insurance coverage. But the good news is that there are now plenty of options to use in combination with a balloon, or any other weight loss procedure. Combination therapy is the future.

[@Garorduno]

Can I continue taking mounjaro if I get the balloon placed ?? Please respond back as soon as you can

[@DrMcGowanMD]

There’s an increased risk that you won’t be able to tolerate the balloon, so I usually recommend stopping it. Balloons are just a little too unpredictable. It could always be added back later. In contrast, with procedures like the ESG, which is overall easier to tolerate, I recommend staying in the medication for the combined benefit. But please discuss with your doctor!

[@tanyascerri240]

Well done🤗

[@kellieroberts9094]

Are there the same kind of weightloss medications to combine with the balloon, in Ireland?

[@khushidubai18]

green coffee beans capsules you can take one after each meal , start after 2 weeks of gastric balloon

[@marinajuarez4707]

Can someone who has gastric bypass have this done.

[@trueyouweightloss]

Marina, unfortunately you cannot have an intragastric balloon if you have had surgery to your stomach, including gastric bypass. However, you would be a candidate for an endoscopic revision of your bypass. You can learn more here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKTZg5Z7et51Z9E . Thanks for the question. -Dr. McGowan

[@lucykamau2727]

@@trueyouweightloss aww

[@pattyoo4706]

Very detailed insx

[@Sweetsandthings]

I would like to loose about 30 pounds will it work for me? Where are you located

[@DrMcGowanMD]

The average weight loss is around 20-40lbs (of course, depending on your starting weight), so it could certainly be an option for you. We are located in Cary, NC and Atlanta, GA. trueyouweightloss.com/locations/

[@sharahquinonez5216]

Is there a a payment plan for this?

[@DrMcGowanMD]

Hi Sharah, most programs offer financing for this procedure, if it is needed. Here is a link to financing options at our center: trueyouweightloss.com/about/pricing/

[@subulai4293]

Any chances that the balloon might burst?

[@DrMcGowanMD]

There's a possibility of a balloon leak, but it's a rare event. Less than 1 in 1000. I've placed close to 1000 balloons at this point and have never seen it. But we add methylene blue dye to the balloon so that if a leak occurred, we would see a change in urine color and then remove the balloon.

[@samia086]

Can we take Tylenol first few days

[@DrMcGowanMD]

Yes, absolutely. Tylenol is safe to take.

[@samia086]

@@DrMcGowanMD Thank you for your response how unbearable are the first few days can we anxiety meds and is there a team to help us cope with the first few miserable days as I am nervous about that?

[@DrMcGowanMD]

@@samia086 It's very unpredictable. Some people have minimal to no side effects (maybe 10% of patients), some people have severe side effects, including vomiting (maybe another 10%), and the remainder have mild nausea/cramping. No matter what you experience, it usually only last 24-36 hours. In my program, we offer next-day hydration to help accelerate your recovery, and we provide multiple medications to help with any symptoms.

[@samia086]

@@DrMcGowanMD thank you again for your response !! 🙂🙏🏼

[@n250957]

Want to do it

[@annasophie8109]

why so many medication with heavy side effects,. Balloon , itself is stress.I need to be slim and HEALTHY!

[@carlmarshall4703]

Does insurance cover it

[@DrMcGowanMD]

No, insurance does not currently cover the cost of intragastric balloons.