Delving into the gastric balloon system
If you feel slightly overwhelmed by all the information on this website, you are not alone. Many clients struggle to understand the exact differences between the single sphere and double sphere gastric balloons. This page is here to help you gain a clearer understanding of which category you fall under and how to proceed. You are also invited to schedule a free confidential consultation during which our team of medical advisors will answer questions in depth. We are also more than willing to work with your primary care physician as needed.
Orbera vs. Reshape: the similarities
Both the Orbera and the Reshape stomach balloons are inserted non-surgically, meaning no anesthesia or incisions are required. Both are inserted through the esophagus with the help of an endoscope, a tiny camera which helps to guide the balloon to its resting place in the abdomen. Once the balloon is situated, the doctor will fill it with a customized amount of sterile saline solution. The entire insertion process typically takes just under a half hour and is performed under mild sedation.
The stomach balloon creates a feeling of fullness and satisfaction so that clients are not tempted to eat larger portions or to eat outside their meals. Patients adopt slow and steady lifestyle alterations that help them to achieve long-term weight loss and greater self-confidence.
Orbera vs. Reshape: What are the major differences between them?
Reshape is slightly newer than Orbera, but both were approved by the FDA in 2015 for weight loss purposes in the United States. The Orbera design provides a single balloon filled with 550 cc of saline, while Reshape is engineered with 2 balloons boasting a saline capacity of 900 cc. Note that with Reshape, and obesity related comorbidity is required, such as diabetes, hypertension, sleep apnea or high cholesterol. Those who do not suffer from any of these ailments are better suited to try the Orbera balloon.
From a results perspective, Orbera delivers as much as 3 times the weight loss as dieting and working out alone, with Reshape supplying twice as much the weight loss.
If you're concerned about safety, Reshape engineering has several important features that you may find reassuring. For one thing, its dual balloon design ensures that the device will not migrate if one of the balloons ruptures. Secondly, the saline inside the balloons is dyed blue so that rupture can be detected right away through urination, letting the client know to immediately call the doctor.
This chart creates an at-a-glance visual of the key differences between Orbera and Reshape:
Orbera Gastric Balloon
One sphere
550cc
Free-floating
6 months
30-40 BMI
Co-morbidities not required
Prior bariatric surgery not allowed
Reshape Gastric Balloon
Two spheres
900cc (2 spheres)
Snug, shapely fit placement
6 months
30-40 BMI
Co-morbidities required
Prior bariatric surgery not allowed
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