Health – Page 61 – watercress words by Dr Aletha

Today I am answering a medical question about my recent post on a new option for weight loss without using drugs or invasive surgery.

The ReShape Integrated Dual Balloon System was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in July 2015. The device can be offered to adults with

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

The device is placed into the stomach by going through the mouth and down the esophagus with a tube called an endoscope. It takes about 30 minutes and requires only 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.

ReShape Dual Balloon — The balloon sitting in the stomach. The esophagus is at the top entering the stomach.

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

My reader asked if people with heartburn, reflux or a hiatal hernia can use the device safely and effectively. So first let’s understand what these mean.

Heartburn should probably be called “esophagus burn”. It’s that painful sensation in the chest due to acid from the stomach flowing backwards into the esophagus- that’s called reflux, or gastro-esophageal reflux, aka GERD (the D is added to call it a Disease if it’s frequent, persistent, or severe).

A hiatal hernia is related to GERD but not the same thing. To enter the stomach, the esophagus passes through a hole or hiatus in the diaphragm – the large flat muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen. Sometimes this hole becomes stretched so much that part of the stomach gets pulled up into the chest (where it should not be). This enlargement is called a hernia, in this case a hiatal hernia.

In many cases a hernia is associated with reflux of stomach contents but the person may not experience heartburn. Or,a person can have reflux and heartburn without the hernia.

Here is an overview of heartburn from FamilyDoctor.org.

Thanks to Pixabay for this nice illustration of the digestive tract.

digestive organs — the human digestive system

Now to answer the question.

ReShape Medical writes on the web site that the device should not be used if the hiatal hernia is larger than 5 cm, about 2 inches. Even with a smaller hernia, it should not be used if reflux symptoms are severe and persistent.

Persons with any condition affecting the esophagus, stomach or intestines, or previous surgery in these organs probably should not consider this weight loss method. Unfortunately, since so many people experience gastrointestinal disease, this method’s use will be limited.

But there are other weight loss options so just because this one won’t work, don’t give up trying. Here are some other ideas to consider if you want to lose weight.

breaking up with junk food

using weight loss medication

how motivation helps manage weight

Thanks for asking and please, ask another medical question soon.

It seems every month, week, and day there is an event for awareness of some condition, disease, disability or other designated group. I can’t keep track of all of them, much less observe them all, but September is designated for awareness of two conditions that I want to mention.

Childhood cancer is ,fortunately, an uncommon disease compared to other conditions but still ranks within the top 5 causes of death in children and adolescents. Because so relatively few cases occur, there has not been as much research done and therefore not as many drugs or treatments available as other diseases.

One of the first patients I cared for when I started practicing over 30 years ago was a 5 year old boy who developed a brain tumor. With treatment he lived about a year following diagnosis, leaving his parents and siblings devastated. I am sad to realize that he would now be a young man, probably with children of his own.

About 6 weeks ago, my friend’s 13 year old son was diagnosed with a form of leukemia. Both she and her husband are physicians so they are familiar with the seriousness of his illness, as well as the potential risks of the treatment. But they are fighting the disease with the best medical care available, as well as many people’s prayers,and are hopeful for a full recovery.

Even When I’m Gone is a song written and recorded about Kendall, a 17 year old girl who died from leukemia. She dreamed of sharing the story of her struggle and helping others also afflicted. ( this is an affiliate link from which this blog can earn a commission from purchases)

September is also recognized as Suicide Prevention Month.

Leading causes of death in the United States by age, most recent statistics

As the chart illustrates, suicide ranks within the top ten causes of death for everyone except the youngest and the oldest of us. And like other forms of violence, suicide should be preventable.

The Veteran’s Administration has made the prevention of veteran suicide a priority. It is a tragedy that any person would cause their own death. And it is hard to understand how someone who has survived the rigors of military training and service would later want to take their own life.

My husband, a VietNam veteran, recently reached out to a young veteran whose family is concerned. While serving in Afghanistan, this soldier’s team was ambushed; one soldier was blown apart by an IED (improvised explosive device). The veteran finds it hard to talk about what happened, and has become withdrawn. My husband shared his traumatic experience in VietNam and encouraged the ex-soldier to find someone to talk to and process the feelings about what happened. And we are praying for peace and healing also.

If you know a veteran, follow this link to learn how you can recognize behavior that might lead to suicide and how you can help.

If you are a veteran, I thank you for serving our country and urge you to receive the help that you gave us; call the crisis line at 1-800-272-8255, press 1 .

Contact the veterans' crisis line for help. — Contact the veterans’ crisis line for help.

This is a short post so I encourage you to visit the links which have information worth your time. And please share what you learn on your blogs, social media and email. Let’s all be “aware”- you may save a life.