Los Angeles Endoscopy Center Gastroenterologist Dr. Paul M. Choi Now Performing Orbera Procedure

LOS ANGELES - Oct. 25, 2016 - PRLog -- Dr. Paul M. Choi, a board-certified gastroenterologist with the Los Angeles Endoscopy Center in the Los Angeles area, is now one of a handful of physicians in the U.S. trained to perform a newly FDA-approved intragastric balloon procedure. Approved in early August 2015, the ORBERA balloon was developed by Apollo Endosurgery, Inc., as part of a two-part program consisting of a non-surgical procedure and dietary counseling, designed for adults suffering with obesity, specifically with a body mass index of 30 to 40.

Dr. Choi has extensive experience with advanced endoscopic and highly specialized procedures for the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments. Now, he is among the first gastroenterologists in America to offer the safe, effective and innovative weight-loss program to patients.

The first portion of the program consists of a thin and deflated balloon placed into the patient's stomach endoscopically and then filled with saline until it is approximately the size of a grapefruit. The outpatient procedure typically takes 20 to 30 minutes. Approximately six months later, another non-surgical procedure deflates and removes the balloon.

During the six months the balloon is in place, the patient receives an individually tailored support program with a team of experts, including a dietician and exercise physiologist, to help keep the patient motivated, coordinate their care and help them work through weight loss barriers to meet their long-term weight loss goals. Coaching takes place over 12 months, even though the balloon is removed after six months. The program is designed to help the patient develop sustainable, healthy habits that will help maintain and keep weight off over time.

The Los Angeles Endoscopy Center is located in the heart of Los Angeles and has been serving theneeds of over 40,000 patients since 1996. To learn more about the new weight-loss program offered by the L.A. Endoscopy Center, or to set up a free consultation with Dr. Choi, patients can call 213-387-9000, email balloon@laendo.net. For more info, please visit http://www.laendo.net/stomachballoon.