Could Stomach Balloons Offer Safer Weight Loss?
July 30, 2010 Filed under Weight Loss
The last 2 decades have presented a variety of different scientific methods for preventing obesity - gastric bypasses included. However despite the the medical directive a couple of years ago which enforced the ruling that all Cosmetic Centers must have expert surgeons and equipment, these types of weight loss procedures are still life threatening.
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% (a 0.08% drop) - these enhancements are not enough when you add to the equation the percentage of people who are willing to undergo these surgeries every single year.
However, this could soon all be changing if the ReShape’s dual balloon design is approved by the FDA.
Structured to help obese patients who have a BMI above or below the required settings for gastric bypass and band placement surgeries, or who are too young for such intense surgeries - the dual action balloon system could easily support this overlooked group.
How does it work?
Currently, the dual balloon system is inserted down a slimmer’s throat using thin tubing before being pumped with saline. As these 2 oval sections are inflated, slimmer’s will start to feel full and decrease their food cravings
More importantly, once a patient reach their weight loss goal, this cosmetic device can easily be deflated and removed from the stomach without being cosmetically removed.
Currently, this double balloon is planned to perform its first medical trial at the start of March where 30 volunteers across 3 medical centers will be implanted with this balloon mechanism. Should it be found to be safe, this study will be extended to three hundred and fifty patients across ten medical centers and eventually will be shown to the FDA for approval.
Does it work?
It is undeniable that this double balloon mechanism could potentially help hundreds of thousands of obese patients who are either under 18 or suffer from diabetes, coronary heart disease and muscle problems to lose those excess lbs, but this double balloon system has got a long way to go before it is approved.
In 1984, a similar single balloon device was created by Garren-Edwards . However, with no backup membrane to prevent leakages, this mechanism was prone to rupturing and entering into the small intestine where it produced dangerous blockages. Consequently, this device was quickly removed from the market.
Looking for proven ways to lose weight? Read our Proactol Reviews, and also be sure to read our review on Unique Hoodia and see what options you have.




Comments
Tell us what you're thinking...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!