Federal regulators approve new gastric balloon for weight loss

An inflatable medical balloon that by filling up space in the stomach helps people who want to lose weight was approved by the FDA

The Reshape Medical balloon could help millions of people suffering from obesity, in their struggle with life threatening extra pounds. The balloon is inserted into the stomach by endoscopy and then filled with saline solution. The procedure takes less than 30 minutes and could be a real opportunity for patients who failed losing weight by traditional methods or do not qualify for weight loss surgery.

As trials show, patients treated with the balloon lost about 7 percent of their total body weight over six months. Even the effect this device has is smaller than gastric banding effect or other techniques, it is considered to be safer. Also, weight regaining after procedure is at smaller rate.

The company did not disclose the cost of the balloon or the procedure, saying it would vary by region. At start, the balloon system will only be available with providers who are trained in performing the procedure.

Source: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2015/07/29/fda-approves-stomach-filling-balloon-for-weight-loss/