New ?Pill? Provides Alternative to Weight Loss Surgery

Posted by Dr. Nick Nicholson on May 26th, 2017

With obesity estimated to affect about a third of the American population, this serious medical concern has hit epidemic proportions. When diet and exercise alone don’t produce the results necessary to lower weight along with risks for heart disease, diabetes, cancer and more, some people turn to bariatric surgery. While procedures like the gastric bypass are known to produce tremendous results, there’s a less invasive alternative that is helping some people bring their weight in check while potentially improving their health in the process. This alternative isn’t a magic pill, but it might seem like one to some.

Called the Obalon Balloon System, the FDA-approved procedure functions in a similar manner to bariatric surgery in that it effectively shrinks the stomach’s holding capacity. It does so, however, without the need for surgery or permanent alterations to the body. Obalon instead calls for patients to swallow three special pills over a three-month period. Once in the stomach, the “pill” transforms into a balloon that expands to limit stomach holding capacity. This, in turn, enables people to eat less since they already feel full.

Obalon is available to people who might not be candidates for more invasive procedures, such as the sleeve gastrectomy. It is recommended for people with Body Mass Indexes between 30 and 40. It involves a trip to a providing doctor to obtain the pill and have the doctor inflate it to the appropriate size. A second balloon is put into place a month later with the third added a month after that. The three balloons stay in place for three months after the final one is inflated, which adds up to a six-month commitment overall. After the six months have passed, all three balloons are removed.

Obalon doesn’t provide the permanent assistance that bariatric surgery might, but it can help people shed pounds while giving them the opportunity to develop healthier habits to support continued weight loss down the road. Obalon’s results may vary, but range up to about 50 pounds with a fairly high maintenance rate after a year. To find out more about this weight loss option and others, consult with a licensed bariatric surgeon.

About Author
One of the most experienced weight loss surgeons in the country – Dr. Nick Nicholson  – along with a full staff of surgeons, nurses and other experienced clinicians, help patients reverse obesity with LAP-BAND, Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Gastric Balloon and Revisions.