2022 update: The ReShape balloon is no longer on the market!
ReShape Gastric Balloon
As many of you are aware, a couple of months ago the FDA approved two gastric balloons for the treatment of obesity: the Orbera gastric balloon, and the ReShape Duo gastric balloon.
We have been placing Orbera balloons already, and are happy to announce that we are now starting to see consultations for the ReShape gastric balloon procedure as well.
As you can see from the picture, the ReShape gastric balloon looks like a dumbbell, and the company states its advantages are primarily two-fold:
- a larger total fill volume can be placed since there are two small balloons
- if one of the balloons were to rupture, the other one would keep the balloon from migrating out of the stomach, potentially causing a bowel blockage
The ReShape Medical is taking an interesting and unique approach to aftercare for ReShape patients. Every patient who gets a ReShape balloon will receive a free FitBit and wireless FitBit scale, which will communicate directly with a high-tech patient portal that will allow your doctor’s team to closely track your progress. Also, they are incentivizing patients with competitions including potential cash prizes for “top losers.” These top losers will be given the opportunity to be featured in various media outlets to show off their success.
It remains to be seen in the US whether there will be any difference in clinical outcomes between the two devices, but it is exciting to see new modalities available to patients to help them lose the weight!
