Researchers have invented a weight loss balloon that can be swallowed in a capsule to create sensation of being full.
Unlike other gastric balloon treatments, Obalon, which inflates inside the stomach to give the sensation of fullness, does not require invasive surgery, the Mirror reported.
Patients are required to swallow Obalon as a capsule the size of a large vitamin pill which contains the deflated balloon.
The capsule is attached to a micro-catheter and once it reaches the stomach the balloon is inflated to the size of an apple. Later, the capsule dissolves and the catheter is removed via the mouth.
The balloon sits in the stomach making patients feel full so they eat less and lose weight.
30 days after the first procedure, patients receive a second balloon with the option of a third balloon after around 60 days, based on their weight loss and feelings of fullness.
At the end of the treatment plan, which can be over several months, the balloons are deflated and removed during an outpatient endoscopy.
The balloon treatment, which is more short-term than other gastric procedures, comes at a cost of 3,000 pounds.
