I enjoyed an informative, educational and “gastric balloon filled” seminar of professional development last week at the ASMBS 2015 Obesity Week held in California.
Obesity Week is a high-profile, international event focused on the scientific, clinical, surgical intervention and prevention of obesity worldwide.
The ASMBS (American Society of Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery) is the largest national society focused on surgical obesity treatment. Their annual meeting includes a plethora of cutting-edge surgical seminars and educational presentations designed specifically for bariatric medical professionals.
Weight Loss Surgery as a Safe and Common Surgical Obesity Treatment
Here in the U.S., weight loss surgery has entered the mainstream as a preferred treatment for obesity due to the prevalence of many very overweight people who have been unsuccessful with other weight loss methods.
Patients who follow the pre- and post-op treatment protocol experience significant weight loss in addition to:
- Lessening or alleviating symptoms from obesity-related chronic medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, infertility, chronic pain and sleep apnea
- Improvement in quality of life
- Life-extending benefits after extensive weight loss
A New Bariatric Surgery Option: the Gastric Balloon
Since the recent FDA approval of the intragastric balloon a few months ago, I was particularly interested in learning more about this new bariatric device and non-surgical weight loss option.
I participated in a seminar addressing the balloon’s risks, benefits, expected outcomes, patient selection, placement procedure, removal, pre-and post-operative patient care and complication prevention/treatment.
The two intragastric balloons options were discussed and followed by procedural demonstrations performed by some of the world’s leading bariatric surgeon specialists.
The final segment of the training included a hands-on clinical lab where we surgeons had the opportunity to work with the balloon and develop a comfort level using this device to help patients well suited to this new weight loss option.
How Does the Gastric Balloon Work?
A balloon, inserted into the stomach down the throat, is inflated with a saline solution. The inflated balloon partially fills the stomach, reducing its size. The patient will experience less hunger, and as a result, consume smaller portions. Since the stomach’s size is markedly smaller, small portion meals will leave the patient feeling as full and satisfied as a much larger meal would have prior to the procedure.
The gastric balloon is designed to remain in place for a six-month period. Just as it was endoscopically inserted through the mouth, the balloon is removed the same way.
Back to New Jersey Armed with New Tools and Techniques
At this point, I’m still reviewing the wealth of classroom and clinical information I received and weighing the benefits and risks of the gastric balloon weight loss option.
My intensive week also included learning and practicing the latest techniques and tools to perform the gastric sleeve, gastric bypass, lap-band and revision bariatric operations.
Needless to say, I’m excited to share, and put into practice, what I’ve learned to ensure that Prime Surgicare is the preeminent resource for state-of-the-art obesity care here in New Jersey.
To learn more about the benefits of a surgical weight loss solution, call 732.982.2002 or meet me in person at my upcoming free seminar.
About Dr. Seun Sowemimo, MD, FACS
Dr. Seun is a top NJ bariatric surgeon and the medical director at Prime Surgicare, with offices in Freehold serving Monmouth and Ocean counties. He is board-certified, Columbia and Yale University fellowship-trained in advanced laparoscopic, bariatric and general surgery.
To learn more, visit his YouTube channel or call Prime Surgicare at (732)-982-2002.