The AspireAssist, a New FDA-approved Weight Loss Solution

A new weightloss solution which allows the patient to remove about 30% of the food from the stomach before the calories are absorbed into the body, assisting weight loss.

A device developed by Aspire Bariatrics, helps weight loss in obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 35 to 55, who have been unsuccessful in losing weight with nonsurgical weight-loss therapies.

What does the Procedure Involves?

A thin tube is endoscopically placed through an incision in the skin into the stomach. The quick 15 minute procedure is performed under "twilight anesthesia" - general anesthesia is usually not required. The tube connects the inside of your stomach directly to a discreet button on the outside of your abdomen. After each meal, the device enables you to empty, or "aspirate", up to 30% of your meal into the toilet through this tube by connecting a small, handheld device to the button. The device is about the size of a smartphone, and stores away in a small case afterwards. The process takes 5 to 10 minutes.

Patients can usually return home within one to two hours, and many return to work very quickly compared to invasive bariatric surgeries.

FDA approval was based on data from a study in which 111 patients received treatment with AspireAssist in combination wi th proper lifestyle therapy, including nutrition and exercise counseling, and 60 patients who were treated only with lifestyle therapy. At 12 months follow-up, patients using the AspireAssist device lost a average 12.1 percent of body weight compared to 3.6 percent for the patients who were not treated with the device.

Both groups of patients had small improvements in obesity-related conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, and quality of life. These improvements may be associated to the lifestyle therapy.

This therapy is used in conjunction with lifestyle counseling. This program needs to be combined with one-on-one counseling and group support meetings to encourage healthier food choices, smaller portion sizes, and increased physical activity. The therapy also requires careful and comprehensive monitoring by a physician to ensure you are losing weight in a healthy manner.

Important Information

According to the FDA release, patients need to be closely monitored by a health professional during treatment with the AspireAssist to shorten the tube as they lose weight and abdominal width, to monitor the use of the device and weight loss, and to offer lifestyle therapy counseling.

The device should not be used by patients who are pregnant or lactation, who have eating disorders (diagnosed bulimia and binge eating disorder, night eating syndrome), uncontrolled hypertension, inflammatory bowel disease, stomach ulcers or certain previous abdominal surgeries, and those with a history of cardiovascular or pulmonary disease, chronic abdominal pain, coagulation disorders, or at an elevated risk of clinical complications from an endoscopic procedure.

Ref: http://obesitynewstoday.com/2016/06/21/fda-approves-aspireassist-obesity-device/