Lose the Weight – and Keep it Off – with Revolutionary Orbera Procedure In March 2017, Frann Katz-McCombs’ life changed for the better. And she is still enjoying that change today – four years later and 80 pounds lighter. Tired of wearing a size 2XL, Katz-McCombs heard about a revolutionary procedure that promised long-term weight loss: the Orbera intragastric balloon. She researched the procedure thoroughly before finally deciding she was ready to make a serious commitment to weight loss. “Orbera is a minimally invasive procedure and not a permanent solution, like the surgical gastric bypass,” explained Katz-McCombs, adding that the procedure did not involve any kind of incision or overnight hospital stay. “The side-effects were minimal,” she said. The Orbera balloon works to prevent overeating by taking up space in the stomach. Only a small amount of food is needed to feel full, so patients will skip those larger portions. The balloon is kept in place for six months while the patient learns how to eat smaller, healthy portions and exercise. Before the procedure, Katz-McCombs was required to follow a liquid diet for a few days. On the procedure date, she was mildly sedated, then an endoscope was inserted through her mouth to which a silicone balloon was attached. Her gastroenterologist, Mazen Albeldawi, MD, guided the balloon into her stomach and then carefully inflated it. Once inserted, there was no sensation of anything in her stomach. “My follow-up consisted of educational visits with the NCH staff nutritionist, learning how to eat,” said Katz-McCombs. “At first, I experienced nausea, but then it was easy for me. In the six-month period, I lost 67 pounds and 13 more pounds afterward for a total of 80 pounds. Now, I am a size 6-8, and I have kept the weight off; it’s still hard for me to believe. Some people don’t recognize me,” she says. The biggest thing, Katz-McCoombs says, was that she had to retrain herself about the reasons she was eating – because it was all in her head and had nothing to do with food. “Food is not pleasure or a reward; it is nutrition,” she said. For Katz-McCombs, portion control was a big issue. “I don’t buy anything in large portions. Dining out, I eat one-fifth of my meal, so I order an appetizer; you have to get used to leaving food on the plate.” She said her diet now is one of simplicity – consisting mainly of protein and fiber. “The trick to maintaining your weight,” she said, “is changing your attitude toward food.” Although she initially used a fitness app to track calories, she discovered she simply needed to focus on portion control. For exercise, she says she walks a lot and recommends going to a gym and weight training. At work, she uses a stand-up desk, a balance board and exercise with five-pound weights during conference calls. Katz-McCombs now enjoys a protein drink for breakfast, tuna or salmon for lunch, a piece of fruit, and a salad for dinner. “I don’t eat meat, chicken, or beef or drink alcohol,” she said. “I don’t eat carbs, bread, or pasta – but I don’t miss anything and am happy with the way I eat. For treats, I have a fat-free, sugar-free pudding or a few sprouted grain pretzels. It’s not like I just walk past the gorgeous desserts – I look – but I keep on walking.”
For more information about the Orbera procedure or to schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Albeldawi at (239) 624-8070.
Benefits of Orbera intragastric balloon procedure: • Non-invasive, incision-free weight loss option • Candidates are those with a BMI of 30-40 who want to lose 20 to 30 pounds • Performed under mild anesthesia on an outpatient basis • Quick recovery • The patient’s anatomy is not changed • The comprehensive 12-month program includes monthly clinical follow-up from dieticians, medical staff trainers, and other professionals • Eliminates persistent feelings of hunger
SEPTEMBER 2021
3 NCH HEALTHCARE SYSTEM | Helping everyone live a longer, happier, and healthier life.
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