SPRINGFIELD, N.J., Jan. 30, 2017 - New Jersey Bariatric Center became the first practice in New Jersey to perform the new Obalon swallowable gastric balloon procedure for weight loss on January 27, when they placed the gastric balloon in a 39-year-old Essex County woman. New Jersey Bariatric Center was among the first of a select group of practices in the country to offer the device to its patients.

The Obalon Balloon System, the first and only swallowable gastric balloon for weight loss, was approved by the FDA in September 2016. It offers a much-needed weight loss option for patients who do not qualify for surgery but cannot achieve meaningful weight loss with diet and exercise alone, said Dr. Ajay Goyal, founder and director of New Jersey Bariatric Center.

"Our patients are very excited about the Obalon because it is so convenient," said Dr. Goyal. "The placement only takes about 10-15 minutes, and there is no need for anesthesia, so patients can go right back to their day after the procedure."

Patients may be candidates for Obalon balloon if they have a body mass index of 30-40. Patients follow a 12-month program under the supervision of New Jersey Bariatric Center's doctors and registered dietitians and have access to the center's free support groups.

Obalon patients swallow three balloon capsules over a three-month period. After placement, each balloon is inflated with gas, helping patients feel fuller on less food. The balloons stay in the stomach for six months from the time of the first placement and are removed in an endoscopic procedure while under light sedation. Nutritional counseling and behavior modification continue over the next six months. The weight loss achieved with the Obalon Balloon System is typically maintained at 12 months.

For more information, contact 908-481-1270 or visit https://www.njbariatriccenter.com/contact/