At Winnett Specialist Group, we are dedicated to helping you achieve long-term weight loss and better health through personalised, evidence-based care. Led by Dr Jason Winnett, a specialist bariatric surgeon with over 20 years of experience, our Melbourne-based team offers a range of weight loss procedures, including ORBERA® Intragastric Balloon surgery. This procedure is only recommended to patients after a comprehensive medical assessment to ensure it is safe and suitable for each patient.
Considering ORBERA® Intragastric Balloon surgery?
If you’re considering your options or just want to understand what might be right for you, we’re here to help. We’ll start with a thorough medical assessment and talk you through whether ORBERA® Intragastric Balloon surgery is the right fit. Get in touch with us here to speak with our team in Melbourne.
WHAT IS A ORBERA INTRAGASTRIC BALLOON?
The ORBERA® Intragastric Balloon is a managed weight loss program. It is a medical procedure specifically designed for long-term, sustainable weight loss through a combination of a non-surgical procedure and forming healthy lifestyle habits. This comprehensive, two-part program begins with a soft, ORBERA® intragastric balloon placed in your stomach for six months. This encourages portion control, preventing over-eating.
Our team of experts are here to support & help guide you through the process.
The second part of the program is very important because it helps you to maintain the weight loss post-surgery. We will work with you to guide you through the process of developing a customised diet & exercise program and support you in making healthy lifestyle choices.
THE OBERA IS A NON-SURGICAL PROCEDURE
The ORBERA® intragastric balloon is a temporary device that is specifically tailored to help with weight loss. It is a temporary device and forms the first part of the 12-month program. The device is not permanent and is effectively a teaching aid to help you learn portion control. These habits, if consciously adopted, help you to change your eating habits that can last well beyond the 6-month balloon placement.
The procedure takes approximately 20 minutes to complete during which you are slightly sedated. It is inserted into the stomach whilst deflated through an endoscopic procedure. It is then filled with a saline solution. Once the balloon is inflated and you regain consciousness, the doctor will place you under observation within the clinic until they are satisfied you are in no danger, then you will be discharged. Removing the ORBERA® intragastric balloon is done in the exact same way under the exact same conditions.
WEIGHT LOSS WITH ORBERA
Clinical evidence has shown that an average of 10-15kg can be lost over the 6-month period when the ORBERA® intragastric balloon is in the patient’s stomach. This does depend on the patient’s starting weight and how well they adapt to lifestyle changes.
After 12 months within the ORBERA® two-part program, patients, on average, lost over 3 times the weight (average) of diet and exercise alone, without the use of the balloon.
HOW IS ORBERA PERFORMED?
The ORBERA® balloon is inserted into the stomach via an endoscopic procedure. During this procedure, which lasts for approximately 20 minutes, you will be slightly sedated. After 6 months, the intra-gastric balloon is removed under the same conditions and your support team will continue to guide you toward making healthy lifestyle choices.
IS ORBERA PROVEN?
Over 239 worldwide studies have been assessed over several years. An average weight loss of 10-15kg over a period of 6-months has been consistently shown. Over 220,000 procedures have been performed globally over the last two decades resulting in 70-80 percent of weight loss occurring within the first 3-months. It is important to also utilise the knowledge and expertise of a trusted team of experts to help guide you on your journey; to meet your long-term weight loss goals.
HOW DOES ORBERA COMPARE WITH DIET & EXERCISE, OR OTHER WEIGHT-LOSS PROGRAMS?
It is reasonable to expect to lose 3.1x the weight with an Orbera® intragastric balloon than you would with diet and exercise alone. This is the data that has been accumulated over 20 years and through over 200,000 procedures worldwide. Many diet programs are difficult to maintain and you struggle with feeling hungry. With Orbera® you feel “fuller” on less food, so you naturally eat less. By retraining your eating habits using the balloon as an aid, you are learning healthy habits that will serve you long after the balloon is removed.
ORBERA® is indicated for a BMI of 27 and above
SPECIALIST IN ORBERA INTRAGASTRIC BALLOON SURGERY
Dr Jason Winnett is widely regarded as a leading specialist in bariatric surgery in Melbourne. With over 20 years of experience, he has performed hundreds of successful weight loss procedures, including ORBERA® Intragastric Balloon surgery, and continues to provide ongoing care and support for his patients.
His expertise includes not only primary bariatric procedures such as the Orbera intragastric balloons, but also ongoing adjustments, band maintenance, and revision surgeries for patients experiencing complications or seeking improved results from previous procedures.
ORBERA INTRAGASTRIC BALLOON SURGERY IN MELBOURNE
Winnett Specialist Group offers ORBERA® Intragastric Balloon surgery at several locations across Melbourne, including East Melbourne, Sydenham, Williamstown and Werribee. Our team provides personalised care for every patient, starting with a full medical assessment to ensure the Lap Band is the most suitable option.
With a strong focus on long-term outcomes, we support you through every stage of the process. This includes access to experienced dietitians, psychologists and other health professionals who work closely with you before and after surgery. Our goal is to help you achieve sustainable weight loss in a safe, supportive environment.
If you’re ready to take the next step or want to learn more, get in touch with us today by completing the form or calling us on P: (03) 9417 1555.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What is the Orbera Intragastric Balloon?
The Orbera Balloon is a soft, silicone balloon that is placed in your stomach to help you feel full sooner and eat less. It’s a non-surgical procedure that takes about 20 minutes and is performed under light sedation. The balloon stays in place for six months, helping you establish better eating habits while supported by our team. - Who is a good candidate for the Orbera Balloon?
It’s best suited for people with a BMI between 27 and 40 who haven’t had success with diet and exercise alone. It’s ideal for those wanting a non-surgical option or who may not yet qualify for bariatric surgery. We’ll assess your medical history to make sure the Orbera Balloon is right for you. - What happens after the balloon is inserted?
You can usually go home the same day. Some people feel nausea or discomfort for a few days as their stomach adjusts, but this settles quickly. Over the six months the balloon is in place, you’ll work closely with our dietitians and clinicians to build healthy habits for long-term weight management. - How much weight can I expect to lose?
Most people lose between 10–15% of their body weight during the six months the balloon is in place, depending on their starting weight and commitment to lifestyle changes. The best results come from combining the Orbera program with long-term nutrition and exercise changes, which our team will help you maintain. - What happens after the balloon is removed?
The balloon is gently removed in a short, non-surgical procedure under sedation. After removal, our team continues to support you with a personalized plan to help you maintain your weight loss. The goal is not just short-term results, but helping you keep the weight off for good.