New obesity treatment pioneered at Laniado
Laniado Hospital's Gastroenterology Institute has introduced a new method to treat obesity and its complications - the insertion of a balloon into the stomach. The balloon is inserted endoscopically without surgery. The treatment has proven effective in helping patients lose an average of 15 kg.
Laniado Hospital's Gastroenterology Institute offers patients in the Sharon area a new treatment for obesity. Obesity is known to cause clinically significant complications such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and other metabolic diseases. The new treatment offers a solution and combines it with a dietary expert to influence a change in dietary habits.
"It is important to understand that this procedure does not address aesthetics but rather, significant metabolic problems," explains Dr. Mati Schnell, a senior doctor at the Gastro Institute. "The gastric balloon offers an excellent interim solution; there are various diets on the one hand, and on the other, surgical solutions such as sleeve surgery and gastric bypass. A balloon filled with about half a litre air or fluid is inserted into the stomach with a gastroscope. The balloon gives the patients the feeling of satisfaction after eating only a small amount of food. The insertion of the balloon is accompanied by personal counselling by a dietician to change eating habits. This is critical because after six months the balloon must be removed.
"This treatment is now accepted worldwide and it has proven its effectiveness in helping patients lose an average of about 15 pounds. Inasmuch as the goal of the treatment is to change eating habits, patients receive comprehensive explanations before beginning the treatment to ensure that they understand the need for their personal work. While the balloon is in the stomach, they are closely monitored by a gastroenterologist and a dietician."