STURDY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL NOW OFFERS ORBERATM INTRAGASTRIC BALLOON

Sturdy Memorial Hospital is one of the first hospitals in Massachusetts to offer the ORBERATM Intragastric Balloon, a minimally invasive bariatric procedure aimed to help patients lose weight. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved the balloon, developed by Apollo Endosurgery, Inc., as a weight loss solution. Dr. Amandeep Singh, Director of Bariatric Endoscopy and gastroenterologist at Attleboro Gastroenterology Associates is one of five doctors in Massachusetts currently trained in the procedure.

The ORBERATM balloon is part of the ORBERATM Management Weight Loss System, consisting of a non-surgical procedure in addition to nutrition and exercise coaching through Sturdy’s Wellness Program. The procedure is designed for adults with a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40, who have been unsuccessful with other weight loss alternatives. Data collected in the U.S. clinical trial has shown that the average person lost 3.1 times the weight with ORBERATM as compared with diet and exercise alone within six months.

The device is a fluid filled balloon that is placed in a patient’s stomach through the mouth by a specially trained gastroenterologist. The balloon is then filled with saline until it is the size of a grapefruit and remains in the stomach for six months. The balloon provides patients with the sensation of feeling full as the balloon occupies space in the stomach. This helps with portion control and leads to effective weight loss.

In addition to the balloon procedure, patients receive tailored support and education through Sturdy’s Wellness Program including nutrition counseling and exercise therapy. The comprehensive program helps patients break through weight loss barriers and allows them to meet their long-term weight loss goals. Although the balloon is only in place for six months, the coaching lasts for a year.

“This non-surgical solution may fill the gap for those who are not appropriate for, or not considering weight loss surgery, and for whom diet and exercise alone have not worked,” explained Dr. Singh. “This offers a temporary and much less invasive option while helping people learn healthy habits to keep the weight off over time.”

For additional information, please visit the Wellness and Bariatric Services at www.sturdymemorial.org. To schedule an appointment, please contact 508-222-2021.