obalon
Obalon Gastric Balloon: A Swallowable Weight Loss Balloon
The Obalon gastric balloon is a unique non-surgical weight loss treatment that helps patients reduce food intake and lose weight without traditional bariatric surgery. Unlike other balloon systems, the Obalon balloon is designed to be swallowed as a capsule, making placement simpler and less invasive.
At our Los Angeles practice, Dr. David Davtyan, MD, FACS, FICS, offers advanced weight loss treatments including gastric balloon therapy as part of a comprehensive obesity management program. Dr. Davtyan is board certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Obesity Medicine and has extensive experience helping patients achieve sustainable weight loss.
Dr. Davtyan received his medical education at the UCLA School of Medicine and completed advanced surgical training at world-renowned institutions including M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and the John Wayne Cancer Institute. His experience in minimally invasive procedures and obesity medicine allows patients to pursue safe and effective weight loss treatments tailored to their health goals.
Patients exploring balloon therapy may also want to learn more about the overall gastric balloon procedure and other bariatric weight loss options.
What Is the Obalon Gastric Balloon?
The Obalon system is a gas-filled gastric balloon designed to help patients lose weight by occupying space in the stomach and promoting earlier feelings of fullness.
Unlike traditional balloons that require endoscopic placement, the Obalon balloon begins as a small capsule attached to a thin catheter that the patient swallows.
Once the capsule reaches the stomach:
- The balloon is inflated with gas
• The catheter is removed
• The balloon remains inside the stomach to assist with portion control
Up to three balloons may be placed gradually over several months to increase effectiveness.
Patients can learn more about how the gastric balloon works.
How the Obalon Balloon Helps With Weight Loss
The Obalon balloon system helps patients lose weight through several mechanisms.
Reduced Food Intake
The balloon takes up space in the stomach, which reduces how much food patients can comfortably eat.
Earlier Fullness
Patients feel satisfied sooner during meals, helping them consume fewer calories.
Lifestyle Support
The treatment program often includes nutritional counseling and lifestyle guidance to help patients build sustainable habits.
Patients can review the recommended gastric balloon diet during treatment.
Who Is a Candidate for the Obalon Balloon?
The Obalon gastric balloon may be recommended for patients who:
- Have a BMI between 30 and 40
• Have struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise
• Prefer a non-surgical weight loss solution
Some patients may also use balloon therapy as preparation before undergoing more advanced procedures such as gastric sleeve surgery.
Patients can review bariatric surgery candidate guidelines to better understand eligibility.
Obalon Placement Process
One of the unique features of the Obalon balloon system is its capsule-based placement method.
The process typically includes:
- The patient swallows a small capsule attached to a thin catheter.
- X-ray imaging confirms the capsule has reached the stomach.
- The balloon is inflated with gas.
- The catheter is removed.
Additional balloons may be placed over time to support weight loss.
The procedure is quick and typically performed in a clinical setting.
Patients can learn more about gastric balloon recovery after balloon placement.
Obalon Weight Loss Results
Patients treated with the Obalon system often experience meaningful weight loss during the treatment period.
Average outcomes may include:
- 10–15% total body weight loss
• Improved portion control
• Reduced appetite
• Development of healthier eating habits
Patients can explore gastric balloon weight loss results and view bariatric surgery before and after results.
You can also read inspiring bariatric surgery success stories.
Safety and Side Effects
The Obalon balloon is considered a safe and minimally invasive treatment when performed by experienced physicians.
Common temporary side effects may include:
- Nausea
• Bloating
• Mild abdominal discomfort
• Temporary digestive changes
These symptoms typically improve within several days as the stomach adapts.
Patients can learn more about gastric balloon safety and potential risks before treatment.
Obalon Balloon Removal
The Obalon balloons are typically removed after six months using a simple endoscopic procedure.
During removal:
- The balloons are deflated
• They are removed through the mouth using an endoscope
After removal, maintaining weight loss depends on continuing healthy habits developed during treatment.
Start Your Weight Loss Journey
For individuals seeking a non-surgical weight loss treatment, the Obalon gastric balloon may provide an effective way to reduce excess weight and improve overall health.
A consultation with Dr. David Davtyan allows patients to review their medical history, explore balloon options, and determine whether the Obalon balloon or another gastric balloon treatment is the best solution for their weight loss goals.
