Gastric Balloon
in Washington, DC

Q: What is covered in the total cost of Orbera with Gut Theory?

Balloon insertion and removal, anesthesia fees, facility fees, and one year membership for ongoing weight management support follow up.

Non-surgical weight loss with the Orbera intragastric balloon.

Procedure time: Just under 15 minutes

Average weight loss: Patients lose an average of 10% of body weight

Balloon remains for: 6 months to build habits that last a lifetime

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How Does The Orbera Gastric Balloon Work?

The Orbera intragastric balloon is a non-invasive procedure that uses an FDA-approved temporary stomach balloon to help the patient accelerate weight loss. The procedure is completed endoscopically with the help of an endoscope that is inserted into the stomach through the mouth. The deflated balloon is placed in the stomach and then filled with sterile saline. It takes about 10 to 20 minutes for placement, and the balloon is kept in the stomach for about six months.

The Orbera balloon takes up a significant amount of space in the stomach and thereby, reduces the amount of food patients are able to eat at a time. The balloon also slows gastric emptying, which means food remains in the stomach longer than normal. This reduces frequent snacking and overeating that patients often struggle with. While the gastric balloon serves as a catalyst for rapid weight loss, you will be working with our team to create sustainable dietary modifications along with lifestyle changes so that you are able to manage your weight long-term.

Gastric Balloon Vs. Bariatric Surgery

Gastric Balloon

No hospital admission: the same-day procedures
No surgical incisions: the procedures are completed through the mouth
No scars
Fast recovery & fewer complications
No permanent anatomy changes
No lifelong supplementations needed

Bariatric Surgery

Patient must be admitted to a hospital
Undergoes surgery including incisions that take time to heal
Increased risk of complications
1-5 days of hospitalization
Permanent surgical anatomy change
Lifelong supplementations needed

Before and After: Orbera Gastric Balloon Patients

Gastric Balloon

A fluid-filled silicone balloon placed inside your stomach for 6 months to help you lose weight.

$7,495/total

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Balloon placement
Balloon removal
Smart scale
Pre-procedure blood work
Post-procedure IV fluid therapy
Dietitian consultations
12-month follow-up with your care team
Unlimited messaging with your care team
Medications not included

Financing Options

We offer financing through CareCredit and Cherry to help make non-surgical weight loss procedures more accessible. Explore the available options and choose what works best for you.

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Meet Dr. Janese Laster-Butler

Dr. Janese Laster-Butler is a highly qualified specialist, certified in internal medicine, gastroenterology, obesity medicine, and nutrition. As a leading weight loss expert based in Washington, DC—and one of only two providers within 25 miles offering endoscopic weight loss procedures—she offers gastric balloon treatments and develops personalized plans tailored to each patient. She is dedicated to helping patients achieve their weight loss goals and improve their quality of life.

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Testimonials

I am incredibly grateful for the care and expertise of Dr. Janese Laster at Gut Theory Health. Through her intentional, thoughtful approach and deep knowledge, she has helped me lose weight, get off blood pressure medication, and feel healthier and more confident than I have in a long time.

Dr. Laster is not only highly skilled, but also incredibly personable and truly invested in her patients and their outcomes. You can feel that she genuinely cares, listens, and tailors her guidance to support lasting, real-life change. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to improve their health with a physician who combines expertise with compassion.

N.K.

Honestly, could not ask for better care. Dr. Laster and her team are knowledgeable, warm, caring, and genuinely invested helping their patients become healthier versions of themselves. I came in with lots of questions and preconceived notions about weight loss, weight-loss medication and weight loss procedures. Dr. Laster answered every one of my questions and then some, but also empowered me throughout the process. This isn’t a quick fix, it’s not the easy way out, but truly a lifestyle change, as I have been equipped with the tools to become the healthiest version of myself.

R.H.

Gut Theory has changed my life!

I cannot recommend Dr. Laster and her team enough, especially Ms. Lucretia! Before my first consultation, I didn’t even know weight loss specialist doctor’s existed, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. From the moment my appointment began, I felt completely at ease. Dr. Laster took the time to really listen to me—my goals, struggles, likes, dislikes, and even my concerns. It was clear from the start that her approach is truly individualized, designed to meet each patient’s unique needs…

E.T.

I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Laster during a challenging time with chronic illness (Crohn’s) and weight management. Upon meeting with Dr. Laster, I shared my concerns and how I had been committed to tracking weight challenges and my diet. It was then that I knew that she was skilled at not only understanding her patient’s needs, but developing a plan of action that was comprehensive and individually based. She evaluated my medical history and connected with my current GI (who actually recommended Dr. Laster as she agreed with my weight concerns) to insure that we were all on the same page with how to proceed…

M.N.

I cannot express enough how amazing the ladies at GT are! When I first met them a few years ago, I was at my wit’s end, looking for one last attempt to lose weight. I walked into my appointment filled with negative thoughts and doubts. However, the team was incredibly patient and reassuring, emphasizing that my goals were achievable as long as I was willing to put in the effort. They promised to support me every step of the way, which was exactly what I needed to hear.

N.K.

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure takes about 15 minutes. Then, within a few hours, patients are discharged home.

How Much Weight Loss Can I Expect with Orbera Gastric Balloon

Up to 3 times more weight loss than those who relied on diet and exercise alone.
Most patients lose about 10% of their total body weight, which is around 30–40 lbs.
In combination with lifestyle and dietary modification, some patients achieve even greater results!

What Is the Recovery Time After the Orbera Balloon Is Placed?

During the first 3 to 5 days, it is expected that patients will have nausea and/or vomiting. However, we provide medications and follow up to relieve the symptoms. Patients are normally able to go back to work within 1 to 2 days following the procedure.

Am I a Candidate for The Orbera Balloon Weight Loss Procedure?

The Orbera gastric balloon is approved for weight loss in patients with BMI of 30–40 kg/m2 who are not candidates or do not wish to undergo surgery.

What Is Covered in The Total Cost of Orbera with Gut Theory?

Balloon insertion and removal
Anesthesia fees
Facility fees
One year membership for ongoing weight management support follow up.

How easy is it to get to Gut Theory Total Digestive Care office?

Gut Theory Total Digestive Care office is located in Friendship Heights, right next to Friendship Heights Metro Station on the Red Line, making it easy to reach from many parts of Washington, DC, including Chevy Chase, Tenleytown, the American University area, and other Northwest DC neighborhoods.

Which Weight Loss Option Should I Choose?

A balanced comparison to guide your conversation with your care team. All four options require lifelong commitment to diet, lifestyle changes, and regular fitness.

Category	Gut Essentials – Overhaul	Gastric Balloon	ESG (Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty)	Gastric Sleeve Revision
Cost	$350 – $475/mo (6-month commitment)	$7,495 total	$12,995 total	$11,995 total
Invasiveness	Non-invasive	Minimally invasive (endoscopic)	Minimally invasive (endoscopic, no incisions)	Minimally invasive (endoscopic, no incisions)
Avg. Weight Loss	5 – 25% of body weight (varies widely)	10 – 15% of body weight	15 – 20% of body weight	Additional 10 – 20% on top of prior loss
Recovery Time	None	2 – 3 days (mild discomfort)	2 – 3 days off work	2 – 3 days off work
Reversible?	Yes — stop anytime	Yes — balloon removed at 6 months	Technically yes; not routinely done	Sutures, yes — not the initial surgery
Procedure Type	Ongoing membership program	Temporary (6-month balloon)	Long-term durable results	Long-term durable results
Key Pros	+ No procedure needed + Lowest entry cost + Flexible & reversible + Medication option avail. + Virtual wellness incl.	+ No surgery required + Reversible option + Jumpstarts habits + 12-mo follow-up incl.	+ No incisions + Greater weight loss + Durable long-term results + No hospital stay + Full care team incl.	+ Addresses sleeve failure + Significant add’l loss + Treats complications + Established approach + Full care team incl.
Key Cons	– Depends on adherence – Slower weight loss	– Balloon removed @ 6 mo – Nausea common early – Weight regain possible – Medications not incl.	– Highest upfront cost – General anesthesia req. – Post-op diet restrictions – Medications not incl.	– General anesthesia req. – Post-op diet restrictions – Medications not incl.

This comparison is for educational purposes only. Individual outcomes vary. Results depend on adherence to the full treatment plan. Please consult your care team for personalized guidance.

Our Location

Gastric balloon consultations are available at our Friendship Heights office near Friendship Heights Metro on the Red Line, near Chevy Chase, Tenleytown, Wakefield, the American University area, Bethesda, Westgate, and Northwest DC areas.