The Gastroenterology Clinic Orbera Gastric Balloon Program
at Family Medicine Center
We know that obesity is a chronic, clinical condition that can be difficult to treat with diet and exercise alone. This is why we provide a customized medical, minimally-invasive approach designed to provide effective, lasting results that you can see.
The gastric balloon is a proven way to achieve greater weight loss compared to traditional methods of dieting and exercise. It is ideal for patients who do not qualify for, or wish to have, bariatric surgery.
How Orbera Works
An inflatable balloon is inserted non-surgically into your stomach. It is inflated to the size of a grapefruit – taking up space in your stomach and making you feel full. It also restricts how much you can eat, helping you eat smaller meals, and reinforcing proper portion control.
Advantages of Orbera
After six months on the ORBERA intragastric balloon program, patients lost an average of 3.1 times more weight than with diet and exercise alone.
- The procedure is safe and only takes 20-30 minutes
- Minimally invasive – no incisions and no scars
- Patients typically go home the same day
- Intended for adults with a minimum BMI of 25-30
Meet the Team
Dr. Flloyd Carter
Gastroenterologist and Team Lead
Dr. Carter is highly respected in the field of gastroenterology and has been internationally certified at the Orbera Center of Excellence in gastric balloon placement.
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Dr. Kristine Parker-Curling
Endocrinologist, Diabetes & Obesity Specialist
Dr. Parker-Curling plans and oversees your weight loss program to help you lose weight in the safest and most effective manner possible.
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Rebecca Strachan
Nutrition Specialist
Rebecca Strachan has extensive experience coaching clients, designing personalized nutrition plans, and advising on herbal and nutritional products.
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Am I a Candidate?
To be considered for The Gastroenterology Clinic Orbera Gastric Balloon Program we require a 6-month commitment and adherence to the advice of our team specialists.
Our team meets with each patient regularly during the program to ensure the best results in your health and weight loss goals. Throughout the program we encourage the development of healthy habits that can be sustained for long-term weight loss success.
The program is recommended for:
- Overweight or mild obesity: BMI 25-30 and 30-35 (ideal for gastric balloon)
- Moderate and severe obesity: BMI more than 35 (who cannot have, or do not want bariatric surgery)
- Super obese: BMI more than 50
- Patients who need to lose weight to improve the result of other interventions such as orthopedics, gynecology, etc
It is not recommended for anyone with the following conditions:
- Previous gastric or esophageal surgery
- Hiatal hernia greater than 5 cm
- Esophageal or gastric varices
- Active peptic ulcers
- Severe erosive esophagitis or gastritis
- Alcoholism, drug addiction or psychiatric unbalanced patient
- Anticoagulated or coagulation disorder
- Complex medical co-morbidities (examples: cirrhosis, chronic kidney disease or multi-medicated)
Balloon Placement & Removal
The balloon is placed non-surgically through endoscopy. This is an outpatient procedure, taking about 30-minutes. We recommend 2-3 days at home to allow the body to adjust to the balloon. The balloon is removed through endoscopy after 6 months.
Please contact our office for pricing details and to schedule your initial consultation to determine if you are a candidate for this program.