The Gastric Balloon for Weight Loss

In the past, we have written about endoluminal approaches to weight loss surgery. These approaches are being studied because it is hoped that endoluminal surgery can eventually result in weight loss approximating the weight loss that conventional forms of bariatric surgery provide while reducing the complications associated with bariatric surgery.  In endoluminal surgery the "operations [are] performed within the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract through an endoscope." In many of the endoluminal bariatric surgeries, some device is inserted in the mouth down into the GI tract.

One of the devices is the gastric balloon. The balloon is first inserted into the stomach through the mouth. The balloon is then filled with a liquid or air.  Once the balloon is filled, a person’s stomach feels full with less food.

One company that has done work on the gastric balloon is ReShape Medical, based in  San Clemente, California. Another company making the gastric balloon is BioEnterics, based in Irvine, California. This company manufactures the Intragastric Balloon or BIB system.

While the BIB system has been viewed as an effective endoluminal method for losing weight, studies indicate that the BIB system is only useful for temporary, short term weight loss. However, a recent report suggests that the BIB is "effective for significant weight loss and maintenance for a long period thereafter, under the absolute prerequisite of patient compliance and behavior change from the very early stages of treatment."

 

In general, endoluminal bariatric methods hold great promise for bariatric surgery. Endoluminal surgery is less invasive, likely reducing the complications associated with the surgery. If endoluminal bariatric surgery, such as the BIB system, eventually prove effective, this will be good for the weight loss industry.

Further, endoluminal surgery would probably be less costly, which would entice more persons who need the surgery to have the surgery. This increased number of persons getting bariatric surgery would be good for both medical and surgical weight loss providers.

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Tags: environmental scanning, balanced scorecard, business planning, strategic management