Balloons May Help With Weight Loss

Losing weight may soon become as simple as swallowing a little pill. At least that’s the hope for a new procedure under testing known as the Elipse gastric balloon. Functioning in a similar manner to two recently FDA-approved weight loss alternatives, this temporary measure enables people to lose weight by helping them feel fuller faster.

Like the recently approved Orbera and ReShape gastric balloon systems, Elipse is a temporary measure that works by taking up some of the space in the stomach itself. When inflated, the balloons promote lighter eating because the stomach’s holding capacity has been effectively reduced. Unlike Orbera or ReShape, the Elipse doesn’t involve a limited surgical procedure for insertion.

The Elipse balloon is contained within a capsule. This capsule is attached to a catheter and is then swallowed. Once swallowed, the capsule dissolves and the balloon is filled with about 19 ounces of liquid and the catheter is removed. The balloon stays in place for about four months and then passes out of the body naturally. The other two procedures call for surgical removal through the mouth about six months after insertion.

While still about two to three years away from approval, Elipse is delivering strong results. In a recent study, patients were shown to lose an average of 22 pounds after four months, which added up to about 37 percent of their excess weight. The hope is that this procedure will provide assistance for those who are overweight, but do not qualify for other weight loss procedures that typically call for a Body Mass Index of 35 to 40 or higher.

People who are overweight should speak with their healthcare provider for guidance on how to shed pounds safely. Obesity has been connected to a number of life-limiting conditions, making weight loss a key in maintaining or improving health. The best option for weight loss will depend on a person’s unique case.
Location: Plano, TX, USA

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Exploring Lifestyle Changes to Support Weight Loss

Image
Weight loss surgery is an effective way to help people achieve their weight loss goals. While the surgery itself can be a powerful tool in helping people to lose weight, it is important to remember that it is only one part of a successful weight loss plan. To maximize the benefits of weight loss surgery, lifestyle changes are essential for long-term success. After having weight loss surgery, making lifestyle changes can help ensure that you reach and maintain your desired results.   The first step in making lifestyle changes after having weight loss surgery is to follow the post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon. Your doctor may provide specific instructions for your recovery period, such as phased dietary restrictions and activity level guidelines. Depending on the type of procedure you had, there may also be additional guidelines that you need to follow. It is important to follow these instructions closely to ensure a healthy recovery and successful long-term resu...
Read more

Gastric Bypass or Gastric Sleeve - Which One is Better?

Image
Bariatric surgery offers options for many people who may have otherwise continued to struggle with obesity. Each option offers something specific depending on your lifestyle, your health, and your weight loss goals. Two choices are “gastric bypass” and “gastric sleeve”. These procedures are similar but have their own set of benefits and risks. Regardless of which operation you choose to go with, following your pre-op and post diet is important for safe and successful results.  Both procedures are effective in helping to prevent these obesity-related conditions: High blood pressure   Diabetes   Sleep apnea   High cholesterol When selecting the operation that’s right for you, it can be helpful to go over the similarities and variations between the two types of bariatric surgeries.  How Gastric Bypass and Gastric Sleeve Surgery Compare Patients who undergo gastric bypass will typically stay one night in the hospital . Sleeve gastrectomy is usually an outp...
Read more

Study Proves Bariatric Surgery Can be Safe and Effective for Teens

Historically, pediatricians have been reluctant to utilize bariatric surgery for teens in Texas due to concerns over its safety and effectiveness for this age group. A study led by Rutgers has concluded that for adolescents with persistent, severe obesity bariatric surgery is justifiable, provided the patient can maintain a healthy lifestyle after surgery. Lead author Ahmed Khattab, a physician at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School's Division of Pediatric Endocrinology reports: "If we look at obesity as a disease with the real possibility of eventual organ system failure and special health concerns for adolescents, we need to ask whether health care practitioners are doing enough to manage it. The objective evidence shows that, under the right circumstances and with the right patients, bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for adolescents with obesity ." Bariatric surgery in teens is shown through studies to be associated with the remission of...
Read more