• The Intragastric Balloon (IGB) is a weight loss assist device that can help you achieve your fitness goals.

• Non-surgical and completely reversible.

• Studies have consistently shown that individuals will loss up to 3X more weight than with diet & exercise alone.

• FDA approved.

• Endorsed by the American Gastroenterology Association, American Society for Bariatric & Metabolic Surgery and other national medical organizations.

• Over 400,000 balloons placed worldwide with excellent results and a well-documented safety record.

• Available at weight loss clinics at leading national & international medical centers: the Mayo Clinic, Harvard, Cleveland Clinics, Stanford, UCLA, Virginia Mason, University of Washington and many more.

The Intra-Gastric Balloon (IGB) System is provided as a component of a one-year lifestyle modification Program that will assist you in achieving your weight loss goals.

The deflated, soft, silicone IGB is passed through the mouth and into the stomach while you are sedated. The IGB is then expanded to about the size of a grapefruit.

During the following 12 months, you will work closely with a Lifestyle Coach who will guide you in developing an exercise routine and a new approach to eating. In most cases you can use your own coach, trainer, nutritionist, etc, but the emphasis has to be on real food and just supplements that offer short term gains.

The IGB slows the stomach’s emptying and makes you less hungry, thus increasing your weight loss and providing the positive experience that will help you continue your new lifestyle routine. The IGB is removed after 6 months the same way it was introduced.

You will continue to work with your Coach for at least 6 more months to re-enforce your new exercise and eating behavior. Your team will provide ongoing support to help you stay on track.

You are encouraged to continue to work with your Lifestyle Coach: continuing a healthy diet and exercise habits is critical to your continued success.

Over the 6 months the balloon remains in the stomach, patients typically experience weight loss between 20-35 pounds or more than 3 times the weight loss achieved by diet and exercise alone.

Diabetes and blood pressure control are improved.

Your liver becomes healthier. A 5% loss in body weight can stop inflammation in the liver caused by excess fat. A 10% decrease can reverse some types of liver damage that result from excess fat.

· You must have a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 30 and 40 kg/m2. You can calculate your BMI here:

 https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/lose_wt/BMI/bmicalc.htm

· You must be able to commit to a regular program following the guidance of your Lifestyle Coach for at least a year.

· The IGB is not suitable for anyone who has had prior stomach surgery including gastric bypass, gastric sleeve, gastric resection.

· You cannot have any significant disease of a major organ (brain, heart, lungs, kidney) or chronic opioid use.

· You must be able to avoid all aspirin and NSAID drugs for at least one month prior to IGB placement and while the IGB is in your stomach.

· You cannot be or planning to become pregnant or breast feeding.

· If you suffer from chronic gastrointestinal symptoms you may not qualify.

· You cannot take any other medicines that slow stomach emptying or specifically to promote weight loss while participating in the IGB Program.

· The IGB provider reserves the right to refuse treatment to any patient.

Common side effects include nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain during the first 1-2 weeks after IGB placement. Anti-nausea medicines or other appropriate remedies will be prescribed. Opioid drugs are not required and will not be prescribed. Rare complications may include a balloon rupture or balloon migration. A detailed discussion regarding your personal possible risks and potential benefits will occur with the team before the procedure.

Currently, the IGB procedure is not covered under most health insurance policies or Medicare. Alternative sources for coverage such as Health Savings Plans may be available to some patients. Private health care lenders can provide financing. Full payment for the program is the responsibility of the patient.

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