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The United States Food and Drug Administration has recently approved a temporary, implanted balloon device that helps people lose weight. Of course, the approval has now left many scratching their heads, wondering exactly how it works.
The device—called the ReShape Integrated Dual Balloon System—and it consists of two connected balloons that are filled with saline. The balloons basically just occupy space in the stomach to, hopefully, make the patient feel fuller sooner in their meals so they do not eat as much.
However, the device can only be used for six months at a time and is currently not advised as an alternative to lap-band procedure.
Well, Lenox Hill Hospital chief of obesity surgery, Dr. Mitchell Roslin, describes, “It’s going to be effective for short-term weight-loss but there is still an overwhelming question whether these devices provide any long-term benefit for obesity.” He goes on to say, “I don’t think it’s going to be part of the medical algorithm for treating obesity. I think it’s going to be for people who want to lose weight fairly rapidly.”
Roslin warns “The first few days are associated with a fair amount of nausea, and you will need some coaching to get through that.”
“For those with obesity, significant weight loss and maintenance of that weight loss often requires a combination of solutions including efforts to improve diet and exercise habits,” explained William Maisel, M.D., M.P.H., who is presently the acting director of the Office of Device Evaluation at the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health.
Finally, he adds, “This new balloon device provides doctors and patients with a new non-surgical option that can be quickly implanted, is non-permanent, and can be easily removed.”
By: Silvia Fernandez
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