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."
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.
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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