With a yearly growing demand for weight loss treatments, new technologies including non surgical weight loss advancements are available to the obese population in the UK. In England alone, according to the National Health Services Information Centre, the proportion of the population that are considered in the overweight category, including the obese, increased to 65% for men and to 58% in women in 2011. The long list of health risks associated with being overweight has prompted many patients to seek treatments, including surgical intervention such as the gastric band and bypass. Others who are a) at a higher risks for surgery or b) unwilling to undergo surgery altogether have the options to undergo scar free alternatives including the gastric balloon and endobarrier.
The latest non surgical bariatric treatment, the endobarrier, which was launched in 2010 on a trial basis through the NHS, is now available to private patients as well. It tackles both obesity and diabetes Type 2 without the need for surgery. The endobarrier is a thin plastic sleeve inserted through the mouth under sedation until positioned in the upper part of the small intestine. The device lines the intestine wall with the purpose of decreasing the absorption of calories and nutrients. By performing this specific task, the endobarrier has positioned itself at the alternative to a gastric bypass. Unlike the gastric bypass, the endobarrier is a non-permanent and reversible treatment. The device is placed for a maximum of 12 months during which time, the patient looses their excess weight and implement the necessary changes to their lifestyle and diet.
The gastric balloon which has been around for many years and first tested in the 80s, has a similar concept. The balloon is inserted through the mouth under sedation and placed in the stomach. It is then inflated with a saline, salt water, solution until it generally occupies a 1/3 of the stomach capacity. The device creates a feeling of fullness which ultimately decreases food intake and helps the patient loose their excess weight. The balloon is also a non-permanent and reversible treatment. The balloon is in place for a maximum of 9 month.
Non Surgical alternatives are a growing trend in medicine. Even though the risks are generally reduced with the lack of surgery, the potential outcomes and results may be diminished as well with the lack of a non-permanent weight loss solution. It is important that patients seek professional medical advice to decide which treatments suit them best and fully understand the commitment of changing their lifestyles and diet before undergoing such treatments.
Together with their weight loss doctors or surgeons, overweight patients today have the potential and opportunity of choosing their treatments from either surgical or non surgical weight loss options.
For more information of the Endobarrier or the Gastric Balloon, visit http://www.harleystreetbariatrics.com
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