I have written about several approaches to weight loss. First and always is lifestyle changes involving food choices, and eating habits. Along with that, one needs to start or increase physical activity. There are many different ways to achieve these, from books, videos, group activities, online programs, counselling and many combinations of these. For those folks who still can’t reach goal, the next options are weight loss medications, which I have discussed previously, and surgery.

Now there is another option which does not involve drugs or invasive surgery. The ReShape Integrated Dual Balloon System was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in July 2015. . Candidates for the device are

• Adults
• BMI 30-40
• At least one obesity-related condition- hypertension, diabetes, elevated cholesterol

It is a device placed into the stomach by going through the mouth and down through the esophagus through a tube called an endoscope. It takes about 30 minutes and requires on a mild sedative, not general anesthesia. Once in the stomach the “balloon” is inflated; by taking up space in the stomach it can trigger a feeling of fullness.

Patients still continue to follow their eating and exercise plan and the device is removed in 6 months.

Like any medical procedure, there are potential adverse effects including headache, muscle pain, and nausea from the sedation and procedure; in rare cases, severe allergic reaction, heart attack, esophageal tear, infection, and breathing difficulties can occur. Once the device is placed in the stomach, patients may experience vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, gastric (stomach) ulcers, and feelings of indigestion.

Follow this link for more info.

After gaining weight with pregnancies, one woman successfully lost weight with gastric bypass surgery. Read about the lifestyle changes she made at this article from American Family Physician journal. 

You can review my previous posts which address weight management issues at these links.

Obesity and BMI defined

How we should view excess weight 

How effective are weight management programs? 

A success story; how a doctor helped her patient lose weight

When diet alone doesn’t work

How my friend lost weight and inspired others with her example

And again, please share your experiences with weight management, good or bad. We’re here to encourage you in your efforts and celebrate with you in your success.

• weight problems and management