The last 30 years have presented a variety of different clinical solutions for combating obesity - gastric bypass and laparoscopic gastric band placements included. However despite the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services directive in 2006 which required all Cosmetic Centers to have expert surgeons and equipment, these types of weight loss procedures are still prone to promoting health risks.

Even taking into consideration the fact that complication rates have fallen from 12.2% of patients to 10%, and the 30 day mortality rate has shrunk from 0.28% to 0.20% (a 0.08% drop) - these enhancements are not enough when you factor in the thousands of slimmers who are still willing to undergo these procedures every year.

However, hope could be around the corner for slimmers if the ReShape Medical of San Clemente’s dual action balloon system is approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

Structured to help slimmers who have a BMI above or below eligibility guidelines for gastric bypass and band procedures, or who are considered to be too young (under 18 years old) - the dual action balloon system could easily cater for this overlooked group.

How does it work?

Currently, the dual action balloon mechanism is inserted into a patient’s throat using a tube before being inflated with saline. As these 2 balloons are filled, patients will soon feel full and will naturally be able to reduce their meal portions and lose weight.

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.

As we speak, this dual action balloon is meant to perform its first medical trial at the beginning of April where 30 volunteers across three surgeries will be inserted with this balloon mechanism. Should it work, this study will be applied to 350 volunteers across ten surgeries and eventually will be presented to the FDA for approval.

Is it dangerous?

It is undisputable that this device could potentially help hundreds of slimmers who are either too young for gastric bypasses or suffer from diabetes, heart disease and severe joint problems to lose weight, yet this balloon device has got far to travel before it is approved.

26 years ago, a similar single balloon system was produced by Garren-Edwards and was implanted into patients. 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.

Tags: Obesity

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