Ingested Dual Balloon Encourages Weight Loss

A novel non-surgical weight loss procedure aids people who either do not want or do not qualify for bariatric surgery.

The ReShape Integrated Dual Balloon System consists of two connected balloons that occupy space in the stomach, so that patients feel satiety with smaller portions of food. The system is inserted via an endoscopic procedure; once in place, the two balloons are inflated using saline, and remain in the stomach for six months to help reduce hunger. During these first six months, and for the six months after the balloons are removed, patients receive comprehensive counseling and support services that include frequent in-office coaching sessions.

The ReShape provides a personalized pathway broken down into three phases over the 12 months. The first phase involves a personalized evaluation and education session. The two balloons are then inserted in the stomach in a 20 minute procedure. This is followed by personalized coaching, with a focus on healthy eating, exercise, and lifestyle habits, to maximize treatment success. The balloons are removed at six months, with six monthly sessions continuing onwards thereafter to set goals and track progress.

To help patients monitor their progress, a ReShape Patient Portal provides weight logging, food logging, activity tracking, goal setting, articles and recipes, community forums, and other important reminders. The portal can be accessed from a smartphone or tablet, and the Fitbit (San Francisco, CA, USA) wireless scale and activity tracker can be integrated as well to integrate all weight loss data in one place.

The ReShape Integrated Dual Balloon System is a product of ReShape Medical (San Clemente, CA, USA), and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is indicated for weight reduction when used in conjunction with diet and exercise, in obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30–40 kg/m², one or more obesity-related comorbidity conditions, and who have failed weight reduction with diet and exercise alone.

“Many Americans have struggled with a lack of effective weight loss options when their BMI is in the 30–40 range,” said John Morton, MD, MPH, president of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery (Gainesville, FL, USA). “Options like ReShape address a significant gap that exists between diet and exercise, weight loss medications and surgery, offering a minimally invasive, reversible option which we hope will promote long-term healthy habits.”

Related Links:
ReShape Medical
Fitbit
American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery