The Orbera balloon is constructed from a very smooth and soft silicone material to minimize the risk of irritating the stomach wall. You will also be prescribed medicines that will reduce the acidity in your stomach and help protect your stomach wall. Patients with prior stomach surgery are not eligible for the procedure because of a higher risk of the balloon causing a perforation in the stomach. Some patients without prior stomach surgery have also had stomach perforations but this is typically following extended periods of side effects. Patients should be advised to immediately contact their physician for any unusually severe, worsening, or recurrent symptoms lasting longer than two weeks.