No, the Orbera Balloon is not covered by Medicare or Private Health Insurance.

There are health conditions that may disqualify someone from having an Allurion Balloon. These may include, but are not limited to:

• Hiatus hernia
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Bleeding disorders
• Pregnacy
• Breast feeding
• Previous gastrointestinal surgeries Eg Fundoplication, LSG or Gastric bypass
• Allergies to Silicone
• BMI over 35 with co morbidities
• Severe reflux or heartburn
• Certain medical conditions that may complicate the use of Allurion balloon.

Book a free consultation with the NV Health team to see if the Allurion balloon is suitable for you.

At NV Health, the Orbera gastric balloon is placed during a day surgery by a Gastroenterologist. The procedure is performed endoscopically under sedation. The balloon, initially deflated, is positioned in the stomach using a gastroscope. Once correctly placed, it's inflated with saline solution mixed with blue dye, which helps identify any leaks. The process takes about 15 minutes. The inflated balloon, occupying the stomach's middle third, creates fullness and reduces hunger. The balloon remains inflated for up to 12 months.

The removal of the Orbera balloon is performed by a Gastroenterologist using an endoscope. The process involves puncturing and deflating the balloon to drain the saline solution, then extracting the deflated balloon through the patient's mouth. This procedure is done under sedation.

With NV Health's 12-month Orbera program, individuals typically lose between 12-40% of their body weight. Our multidisciplinary team provides a tailored 12-month support package, including a diet and lifestyle modification program, to help achieve these weight loss goals.

Yes, you can exercise with the Orbera balloon. Establishing a regular, low-impact exercise routine like walking, swimming, or cycling is beneficial for enhancing weight loss and overall health. Our team at NV Health suggests a 10-minute walk after meals to aid digestion and manage blood sugar levels. However, activities like skydiving, SCUBA diving, and bungee jumping are not recommended while the Orbera balloon is in place.

It is possible to drink alcohol, but it is recommended to avoid it, along with caffeine. Alcohol and caffeine can stimulate acid secretion, which may increase the risk of heartburn. From a weight-loss perspective, it’s important to be mindful of the calories in alcohol. To stay on track with your health and weight loss goals, it may be helpful to establish clear limits when it comes to alcohol consumption.

The Orbera Balloon involves certain risks, including:

1. Esophageal or Gastric Ulcers
2. Gastric Outlet Obstruction
3. Perforation
4. Balloon Leak: Notify NV Health immediately if you pass blue or green urine, indicating a leak that requires urgent balloon removal.
5. Intolerance: In 2-3% of cases, severe nausea and vomiting may occur, necessitating early removal via gastroscopy (cost covered in the program).
6. Dehydration: This may require IV hydration from our NV Health nurse or a hospital visit.

Common side effects include:

1. Tummy Discomfort and Abdominal Cramping
2. Nausea and Vomiting
3. Reflux
4. Diarrhea or Constipation

Our nurses and dietitians provide guidance before and after the treatment to help minimize these side effects.