The Elipse™ balloon is a gastric balloon that is swallowed as a pill and that, after 4 months in the stomach, is eliminated from the body like any other food that we ingest. It is now available at HC Marbella.
This procedure without anesthesia or endoscopy is recommended for patients with a BMI between 27-40, with which they can lose up to 15 kilos.
One of the pilot clinical trials done with Elipse™ showed that those patients treated on average, lost 50.2% of their excess weight and 14.6% of their overall body weight, furthermore they reported improvements in their general health indicators.
Dr. Antequera explains it with further details:
The Elipse™ balloon comes in a capsule form (a bit larger than an antibiotic pill) and has a tube attached that allows the balloon to be filled, avoiding sedation and the endoscopy.
The process is carried out in the consultation, where the x-ray is done prior to the filling of the balloon to make sure that the pill has entered the stomach properly. It will remain there for 16 weeks, helping to decrease the caloric digestion throughout that period and allowing weight loss of 10-15kg. Once the 16 weeks are over, the balloon’s valve opens, this deflates the balloon and it is passed through the body with the faeces without the need for an endoscopy or a trip to the hospital to extract it.
It is especially recommended for those people who are incapable of starting or following a diet by themselves and for obese patients who are reluctant to invasive procedures or nervous about anesthesia.
No. There are only complications for 1 in every 1000 cases and this is usually caused by balloons that require an endoscopy. This type of ingestible balloons may produce intolerances to the balloon, gastritis, or digestive hemorrhages.
The main disadvantage is the time period. The endoscopic balloons are able to last up to one year, with which more obese patients would have more time to change their dietary habits. The ingestible balloons only last 4 months, however, it is possible to insert up to three consecutive balloons, achieving a similar duration with a better economic cost.
Obesity is a chronic disease that, in recent years, has become an epidemic in the majority of developed countries.
There are no secrets. Success consists of establishing an alliance with the patient, introducing them to the different alternatives that will help them choose the best options in their case and avoid blaming them for their disease.
It is fundamental. Obesity, just as other difficult diseases such as cancer, requires a multidisciplinary team that can assure an integral treatment and lower the rate of reoccurrence. The help of specialized psychologists and nutritionists, allows patients to understand their disease.
Specialist in General Surgery and Gastroenterology
August 16, 2018
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