The First and Only Swallowable Weight Loss Device Available in the U.S.

Now available in our practice
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What is Obalon?
The Obalon Balloon System is the first swallowable intragastric balloon system indicated for temporary use to facilitate weight loss in adults with obesity (BMI of 30 – 40 kg/m2) who have failed to lose weight through diet and exercise.

This novel, nonsurgical, fully-reversible device for weight loss consists of a balloon folded inside a capsule that is swallowed by the patient, with no sedation or anesthesia required. Once the balloon reaches the stomach, it is remotely inflated with gas via a micro-catheter that is then removed, leaving a lightweight, buoyant balloon in the stomach. Each administration is less than 10 minutes on average. The
balloon is roughly the size of a small orange, or 250 cubic centimeters. 

Three Balloons

  • 4.4x the weight loss vs. two balloons
  • Facilitates progressive weight loss
  • Designed to increase patient comfort and tolerability 

FDA-Approved, Non-Surgical

First and only swallowable, lightweight balloon system for weight loss

Jump-Starts Long-Term Results

Average of 89% of weight loss was kept off six months after balloons were removed, when combined with a moderate intensity diet and exercise program

How it Works


Three (3) lightweight, buoyant balloons are placed gradually over 3 months to maximize patient tolerability and facilitate progressive weight loss throughout the 6-month treatment period. At the end of the six-month treatment period, all three balloons are removed via an outpatient endoscopy under light conscious sedation. 

In a large clinical study, the Obalon Balloon System was shown to help adults experience clinically meaningful weight loss. Patients lost twice as much weight as diet and exercise alone. Six months after the balloons were removed, 89% of the weight lost was kept off, when combined with diet and exercise.

Placement of the Obalon Balloon System typically takes less than 10 minutes and does not require sedation. In our office, patients swallow a capsule containing a small balloon and then the balloon is inflated. In the clinical study after placement, most patients returned to normal activities with no downtime. Three (3) lightweight, buoyant balloons are placed gradually over 3 months to maximize patient tolerability and facilitate progressive weight loss throughout the 6-month treatment period. At the end of the 6-month treatment period, all three balloons are removed by a brief, approximately 15 minute, outpatient endoscopic procedure which is performed under light, conscious sedation.
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