West Medical Among First to Use New Tool in the War Against Obesity -- Balloons

TARZANA, Calif. - May 25, 2016 - PRLog -- The FDA has approved a new tool in the fight against obesity and it takes the form of a balloon.  West Medical Director Hooman Shabatian, M.D., one of the country's most experienced bariatric surgeons, is among the first in the nation to use the gastric balloons and says that those seeking to lose 20-40 lbs are the best candidates.

The minimally-invasive procedure takes only minutes to perform and involves inserting either one or two empty balloons(depending upon the patient) through a scope snaked down the patient's throat and into the stomach.  The balloon(s) are then filled with saline and take enough space so that patients feel fuller faster.  They remain there for 6 months.

In a clinical trial, gastric balloons helped patients more than triple their weight loss compared to those trying to lose weight through diet and exercise.  To maximize long term results, Dr. Shabatian and his team of nutritionists guide patients through a yearlong diet and exercise program.

"We're delighted to be among the first in the nation to offer patients this simple, yet effective means of losing weight," said Shabatian.  "The balloon procedure is ideal for overweight people who have been unsuccessful in traditional dieting, have a body mass index between 30 and 40."

West Medical has emerged as Southern California's leading medical practice specializing in bariatric procedures and vein removal.  With a keen emphasis on weight loss, West Medical's team of physicians are adept at performing a range of procedures including gastric bypass, lap band and gastric sleeve.  For more information about West Medical and treatments offered, visit westmedical.com or call 855-690-0565.   For updates on weight loss and other health-related matters, "Like" West Medical on FaceBook - www.facebook.com/WestMedical/, Instagram - @west.medical and Twitter - @West_medical.