Obalon Swallowable Balloon Capsules

One of the most innovative options in obesity treatment today is a swallowable, gas-filled balloon that requires no anesthesia or surgery, and results in nearly twice the weight loss as diet, exercise, and lifestyle therapy alone. Approved by the FDA in September 2016, this exciting new development is the Obalon balloon system, and Stony Brook researchers lead by Aurora Pryor, MD, played a key role in establishing its safety and efficacy.

How It Works. The Obalon system involves a balloon contained within a capsule that, once it reaches the stomach, is inflated with gas via a microcatheter. The inflated balloon helps patients feel full and eat less. It typically can be placed in less than 10 minutes without the use of sedation or anesthesia. Up to three capsules can be used, all of which are removed after six months. A yearlong, moderate intensity diet and behavior modification program accompanies the balloon therapy. The goal is to form new, healthy habits that help keep the weight off.

Clinical Testing Results. “We found not only that significant weight loss was achieved with the Obalon balloon system but also that this weight loss was maintained at 12 months," said Aurora Pryor, MD, director of the Bariatric and Metabolic Weight Loss Center and co-principal investigator for the nationwide multi-center study. "The system’s combination of lifestyle modification and balloon therapy provides a new, low-risk option for patients struggling with obesity." Dr. Pryor, lead author of the study’s findings, presented the study and results at the national conference, Obestity Week 2016.