Lutheran Weight Management Center offers new option for substantial weight loss without surgery
12/19/2016
New procedure available for first time in northern Indiana
Fort Wayne, Ind. (Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016) - The Lutheran Weight Management Center now offers a simpler, nonsurgical way to help achieve and maintain significant weight loss using a dual intragastric balloon. The procedure involves inserting two connected balloons into the patient's stomach using an endoscope and filling the balloons with saline to reduce the capacity of the stomach.
"This outpatient procedure marks the beginning of a lifestyle change for the patient," said David Lippie, M.D., Lutheran Medical Group. "The dual intragastric balloon enables patients to better-manage portions, which helps them establish a healthier new normal. Our team of dietitians and associates support patients for an entire year to ensure success."
The procedure itself takes 20 to 30 minutes under sedation to complete; then patients are typically discharged an hour or two later. After six months, the balloons are deflated and gently removed. The dual intragastric balloon helps patients feel fuller with less food and it naturally reduces the amount of food consumed.
For 12 months, patients receive personalized coaching primarily from a registered dietitian to help maintain a healthy lifestyle through monthly appointments. Included in the follow-up is education on healthy eating and fitness, as well as establishing and maintaining positive habits for optimal results. Patients receive an activity tracker, a scale, a food portion plate and 24/7 access to an online portal to track progress.
Patient criteria to receive the procedure include body mass index between 30 and 40 with a co-morbidity and no previous weight loss surgery. Equally as important is having patients who are willing to make changes to support a healthier lifestyle.
The dual balloon approach contours to the shape of the stomach better than a single balloon and it holds more saline than the single approach. In addition, having more than one balloon increases the safety of the device. In the rare event that one balloon deflates, the second balloon will prevent the device from passing into the intestines.
The dual intragastric balloon provides an option for overweight people who may experience difficulty with maintaining weight loss, but they do not qualify for surgery or they want an alternative to surgical options.
At this time, the dual intragastric balloon procedure is considered an elective procedure, therefore, it is not covered by insurance.
ReShape Medical Inc. developed the first and only gastric balloon of this kind which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The dual intragastric balloon was approved by the FDA in July 2015. It has been available in Europe since 2011.
For the past 30 years, the Lutheran Weight Management Center has helped patients with weight loss and weight maintenance. It is located at the northeast corner of the Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Wayne, 7970 W. Jefferson Blvd., on the Lutheran Hospital campus. Call (260) 435-7844 for additional information, or visit LutheranHospital.com/Dual to learn more about this option for weight loss.
The Lutheran Bariatric Center, part of the Lutheran Weight Management Center, is accredited by the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery through the Metabolic Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program. The Lutheran Bariatric Center was first recognized as an accredited center of excellence in 2008. The Lutheran Bariatric Center has performed nearly 1,400 surgeries since the program was implemented in 2005.
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