I am constantly amazed at the things we as human beings will go through to try to lose weight. Being overweight drains us emotionally and physically, it drags down our self-esteem, it keeps us from doing everything we’d like to, and it’s just so hard to overcome. It’s really no wonder that the weight loss industry is raking in the big bucks, but this one really make me shake my head.
There is now a removable liner being developed that you can have inserted into your intestines that mimics some of the positive aspects of gastric bypass surgery. However, the developers say insertion does not require surgery of its own. It’s implanted down through the mouth and throat and through the stomach (sure hope the patient is at least numbed for this—and how is this not surgery?) This liner is made of a material similar to Teflon, and it works by keeping food from touching the intestinal walls.
It’s supposed to help combat the most common form of diabetes and lowers blood sugar levels. It also influences the hormones that relate to hunger and feeling full. And, as an added bonus, it can delay gastric emptying, which helps you feel fuller, longer.
A study was conducted in the Netherlands on forty participants who weighed over three hundred pounds apiece. Twenty-six had the device and eleven did not, and they all ate the same way. After three months, those with the device lost around thirty pounds while those who did not, lost around nine pounds. Those with diabetes did notice a significant drop in their blood sugar levels.
This new device is also cheaper than the gastric bypass surgery. Whereas the surgery runs around $26,000, the device will be less than $10,000.
I have to admit to some skepticism here. The intestines are supposed to absorb food—that’s part of what brings us our nutrition. If you’ve got something implanted in there to keep your intestines from absorbing the food, you’re not going to be getting the nutrition you need. I would not be at all surprised to see some of the patients who opt for this procedure develop malnutrition and other health problems related to it as a result. I also have to say, the thought of anything being inserted down my throat and into my stomach really upsets my gag reflex. Swallowing . . .
I’ll be interested to see this play out. I do think, though, that we’re never going to see anything with the long-term benefits of good nutrition, exercise, and moderate portions. Those are the keys to weight loss and healthy living.
Related Blogs:
Weight Loss Surgery and Mind Games
Morbid Obesity and Weight Loss Surgery
Is Gastric Bypass Surgery for You?
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