Could Stomach Balloons Offer Safer Weight Loss?
The last three decades have offered the slimming market numerous different scientific methods for beating obesity – gastric bypasses included. However despite the the surgical directive a couple of years ago which required all Surgeries to have expert cosmetic surgeons and equipment, these types of cosmetic surgeries are still very risky.
Even considering the fact that complication rates have dropped by 2.2% from 12.2% of patients to 10%, and mortality rates have reduced from 0.28% to 0.20% – these enhancements are not enough when you factor in the percentage of slimmers who undertake these surgeries every single year…
Yet, this could soon all be changing if the ReShape’s dual action balloon system is approved by the FDA.
Structured to help slimmer’s who fall either side of eligibility guidelines for gastric bypass and laparoscopic gastric band placements procedures, or who are too young for such intense surgeries; the double-balloon device could easily cater for this overlooked group.
In its current condition, the dual balloon system is inserted into a patient’s throat using a tube before being filled with saline. As these two oval balloons are filled, patients will start to feel full and will immediately be able to reduce their meal sizes.
More excitingly, once dieters reach their target weight loss, this balloon device can easily by deflated and removed from the stomach without risk.
Currently, this dual action balloon is planned to complete its first clinical study at the start of spring where 30 consumers across three surgeries will be implanted with this device. Should it be found to be safe, this research will be extended to 350 patients across 10 medical centers and eventually will be presented to the FDA for permission to be used.
Is the balloon safe?
It is undeniable that this device could potentially help thousands of slimmers who are either under 18 or suffer from diabetes, heart disease and muscle problems to lose weight, yet this dual action balloon has got a long way to go before it is approved.
26 years ago a similar single balloon device was established by Garren-Edwards and was implanted into patients. However, with no backup membrane to protect it, this device was prone to rupturing and entering into the small intestine where it caused serious blockages. Consequently, this device was quickly removed from the market.