There are many types of weight loss surgeries on the market today, and this can lead to a great deal of confusion. Needless to say some procedures are safer and more effective that others. There’ s a lot of hype on the internet. It can be difficult to make choices, but the Western Bariatric Institute surgeons can help you make a sound decision. We are committed to helping you sift through the headline distractions, and make informed choices. Although the following device is not offered at Western Bariatric Institute, because of our commitment to ongoing patient education we are providing the following information.
The Food and Drug Administration recently approved a new weight loss device . The device is external pump that dumps part of the stomach contents into the toilet. The stomach pump is considered minimally invasive and includes a tube that goes from the inside of the stomach to a port on the outside of the abdomen.
The FDA initially approved this device in June 2016. The pump is known as the Aspire Assist and was first introduced by Aspire Bariatrics. With their first initial small trial of 111 people, the benefits of the procedure are many, but of course, as with any surgery, you must weigh the risks.
Watch the video below for a more in-depth view:
To qualify for this weight loss procedure, patients must be at least 22 years old and have a BMI of 35 – 55. Unfortunately, as with the gastric balloon, which is seemingly far more dangerous, many insurance companies do not cover the cost of this surgery.
Cost of weight loss pump is about $8,000 – $13,000 within the first year, but it does vary from patient to patient. The device consists of a surgically placed tube in the stomach, accompanied by an external pump that dumps part of the stomach contents out into the toilet, (approximately 1/3 of stomach volume) therefore decreased calories are being absorbed (A valve is on outside of body, flush to skin). Critics to the device are calling this ‘assisted bulimia’, but with a quick recovery time and having the option to reverse the procedure when the ideal weight has been achieved, has proven profitable for both patients and bariatric surgeons.
The weight loss stomach pump stops working after 5-6 weeks and does requires a return visit to a doctor. To insert the device, anesthesia isn’t involved, but it does require ‘conscious sedation.’ Food ingested by the patient needs to be liquid enough (or the particle of the food small enough) to empty through tube before the patient can utilize the device.
The device should be used in accompaniment with diet and exercise, respectively, as with any weight loss device or surgery, but it should be noted that it is not approved by ASMBS (American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery)
Known Risks of the Stomach Pump
- As mentioned above, it is not approved by ASMBS and critics are calling it ‘assisted bulimia.’
- Should not be used on patients that have known eating disorders
- Not intended for short term use
- Can lead to indigestion, nausea, vomiting, constipation, bloating, and diarrhea.
- Possible perforation of stomach or intestinal walls
- Pain or infection at insertion site
Western Bariatric Institute (WBI) is an established, highly experienced multidisciplinary weight loss surgery center based in Reno, Nevada. Our bariatric clinic began in 2000 as a division of Western Surgical Group, the largest surgical practice in Northern Nevada, and we’re here to help not only the western United States, but all those that are looking for affordable and safe weight loss surgery solutions.
Western Bariatric Institute is a leader in the field of bariatric surgery and has a long track record of professional care, compassionate service, and outstanding outcomes. WBI serves as one of the most comprehensive bariatric centers in the country. With strong collaboration with Reno’s major medical centers, our surgeons and programs offer the advantages of multidisciplinary care and a team approach.
If you have questions regarding one of our surgeries, the gastric balloon, or the stomach pump, contact our offices today. We are happy to walk you through each procedure to get you started in the right direction. Contact Western Bariatric Institute, today.
