New Gastric Balloon Makes It Possible for People to Lose 14 Pounds a Month

A new gastric balloon that can be swallowed as a pill may help users lose 14 pounds a month, according to a recent report.

Obalon does not require invasive surgery unlike other weight loss procedures but it may also be effective in helping users lose as much as 14 pounds of weight per month. All the patient needs to do is to swallow a capsule size of a large vitamin pill which contains a deflated balloon. The capsule is attached to a hollow tube and the minute it reaches the stomach, the balloon is inflated to the size of an apple. The capsule then dissolves and the tube is removed through the mouth.

Patients involved in the experiment receive a second balloon 30 days after the first procedure, with the option of a third balloon after around 60 days, based on their weight loss goals and feelings of fullness. Later on, the balloons are deflated and removed during an outpatient procedure. One patient, Helene Fleckney, 43, said: "History of heart disease and diabetes runs in my family, so I knew I had to take action with my weight gain to lower my risk of susceptibility, as well as improving my confidence."

"Obalon has proved an easy and quick treatment to help me lose weight. I'm not even fully through the treatment process and yet I've already lost a stone. I'm looking forward to eating more healthily, doing more exercise and ensuring my weight loss struggles are a thing of the past." Sally Norton, a specialist keyhole surgeon for weight loss at the Spire Hospital, said: "It has minimal side effects, is quick and easy to place and is really well-tolerated."