Need to lose some weight, but don’t want to exert the effort to do it the normal way?
We have a solution for you — and if you’re in the UK, this is even better news for you! A new gastric balloon has been launched over there, and it can be swallowed like a pill!
A giant pill, that is!
It’s a 10-minute procedure, and all you have to do is swallow a capsule the size of a large vitamin pill.
Attached to the pill is a micro-catheter that inflates the balloon (above) inside of the capsule to the size of an apple once it reaches the stomach. The catheter is then removed from the mouth!
The balloon then gives patients the sensation of being full so they eat less and lose weight. You can get a second and third balloon after 30 and 60 days respectively, and each one can stay in place for 12 weeks before being removed!
So you can have up to a 36-week treatment plan!
When they’re removed, the balloons are deflated and taken out through an outpatient endoscopy without general anesthetic. Simple simple!
The treatment, called Obalon, is even pretty reasonable! It costs from £2,995 for a two-balloon treatment. Private clinics offer it.
Here’s what Spire clinics consultant Sally Norton had to say:
“I’ve been monitoring Obalon’s progress over the last few years as I was very excited about the potential it could offer those patients who do not qualify for weight loss surgery but are struggling to lose weight and improve their health on their own.
“It has minimal side effects, is quick and easy to place and is really well tolerated.
“It gives patients an initial weight-loss boost but also helps to change their eating behaviour that is needed for long-term weight loss.”
Those behavioral changes are key! We think this is fab!
We just don’t want people to continually get these treatments and rely on them forever!
[Image via Obalon.]
