As of 2010, according to the National Institutes for Health, more than 1 in 3 U.S. adults are obese. Obesity affects more than 78.6 million U.S. adults and is one of the leading causes of preventable death in this country—a staggering number and a number that’s growing steadily. That’s the bad news.
The good news is that help is on the way. On August 5, 2015, the FDA announced approval of a revolutionary weight loss approach, the ORBERA™ Intra-gastric Balloon—a non-surgical weight loss aid for adults who suffer from mild to morbid obesity. The other good news? The ORBERA™ procedure will be available right here in Oklahoma City. In line with the FDA approval, Vitality Wellness and Aesthetics is now the Vitality Center for Non-Surgical Weight Loss and will be featuring the ORBERA™ Managed Weight Loss System for its patients.
So why did Vitality change its name and focus? And what makes ORBERA™ so different from other procedures and approaches? We sat down with Vitality’s team to get all the details on their exciting transformation and this revolutionary procedure.
SPLURGE!: First of all, describe Vitality’s transformation from Wellness and Aesthetics to a Center for Non-Surgical Weight Loss.
“From the very beginning, Vitality’s focus has been providing sought-after age-management therapies with a personal, affordable approach,” says Vitality CEO and Founder, Ron Nerad. “ORBERA™ incorporates into our vision seamlessly, giving patients a cutting-edge procedure and program to enhance their self-image and overall health. We feel honored and couldn’t be more excited to be the first to offer this revolutionary technology to OKC—it’s going to forever change the way America views weight loss!”
SPLURGE!: Can you describe the ORBERA™ procedure? Why is it so exciting?
The ORBERA™ procedure is performed by a certified ORBERA™ Specialist—a licensed surgeon who specializes in all procedures related to the digestive system, as well as endoscopic insertion and extraction of the intra-gastric silicone balloon. In a non-surgical procedure typically done under a mild sedative, the thin and deflated ORBERA™ balloon is placed into the stomach. It is then filled with saline until it’s about the size of a grapefruit. The procedure normally takes about 20-30 minutes, with a short recovery period—patients go home the same day. Once the balloon is in place, the 12-month coaching program begins. At six months, the balloon is removed in the same way it was placed. Through a non-surgical procedure with no incision.
For many, the weight loss journey leaves patients with little support or options in the gap between diet & exercise and surgery. The most exciting part of the ORBERA™ Managed Weight Loss System is its ability to fill this much-needed treatment gap, offering thousands of Americans a new alternative.
ORBERA™ is intended for adult patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 to 40 who have attempted more conservative weight reduction alternatives. Data on ORBERA™ collected in the U.S. clinical trial has shown the average person lost 3.1 times the weight as compared with diet and exercise alone within six months.
SPLURGE!: What makes the ORBERA™ procedure different from the gastric sleeve or gastric bypass?
For starters, ORBERA™ is about one-half the cost of traditional surgical weight loss alternatives and requires no incision. Unlike surgical methods, ORBERA™ provides a temporary, minimally invasive option to help patients manage food portion sizes, while “re-training” their brain to develop more healthy eating habits for long term weight maintenance. This, along with an extensive, 12-month behavior modification and exercise regimen is the key to the programs’ overwhelming success.
SPLURGE!: Can you describe the program? What kind of follow up is involved?
Worldwide, ORBERA™ has provided safe, effective weight loss for over 20 years to more than 220,000 patients. However, the balloon is only the beginning of this comprehensive, two-part program. Once the balloon is implanted, the patient will begin a 12-month journey toward his or her weight loss goal. The Vitality Center for Non-Surgical Weight Loss will have a full support system in place to help patients achieve optimal results. Vitality’s patient
support team will consist of a physician, three behavioral therapists, a nutritionist and exercise physiologist. Each of these team members will work closely with patients for one year, with monthly support meetings to help them stay on track and achieve their desired weight. “The commitment of the patient to work with our support team is a critical part of the program’s success,” says Stephani Nerad, Vitality VP of Operations & Development. “Giving patients the tools they need to succeed, with access to licensed professionals along the way is what makes the ORBERA™ program truly different.”
SPLURGE!: Will Vitality continue to offer other services?
Yes. Under the supervision of Dr. Bryan Treacy, Vitality will continue to provide an array of age-management services, such as a variety of aesthetic procedures, bio-identical hormone therapy, DNA testing and male/female sexual rejuvenation. In addition, Dr. Treacy will work closely with all aspects of the ORBERA™ program. “I believe feeling your best is all about balance,” says Dr. Treacy. “I believe in spending time with my patients, hearing their story and helping them find age-management strategies that work best for their specific needs. Whether it’s weight loss with ORBERA™, hormones or other regenerative therapies, our goal is to restore balance and satisfaction in all areas of our patients’ lives.”
BY CHRISTINA REYES | PHOTOS BY EMILY BRASHIER