An inflatable ingestible device that lodges permanently inside the stomach of overweight people could be the solution to Australia’s growing obesity problem.
At a quarter of the cost of expensive gastric band surgery, the non invasive ‘IG balloon’ has potential to treat ‘millions’, according to father-son developers Dr Tony and Tom Kierath, A Current Affair reports.
Once swallowed, the revolutionary product expands against the warmth of the stomach, limiting its capacity for food and forcing food to be released slower.
Melbourne woman Carolyn Dimech (pictured left prior to weight loss, right after) underwent three surgeries in desperate attempts to lose weight, and almost lost her life
Father-son developers Dr Tony and Tom Kierath believe their IG balloon (pictured) could be the solution to Australia’s growing obesity problem
The ‘breakthrough’ gadget mimics similar weight loss balloons already on the market, but rather than being removed after six to 12 months, it last forever.
In a far less intrusive and time-consuming method compared to surgery, the small pouch can be administered by a GP within a matter of minutes.
Dr Tom Kierath believes the product’s positive health implications could be felt on an international scale.
‘It would definitely treat a million diabetics and probably remove them of their symptoms if we can put this device in 10 million (or) 20 million people worldwide,’ he said.
Dr Tom (left) and Tony Kierath (right) say their non invasive IG balloon has potential to treat millions around the world
His father, product engineer Dr Tony Kierath, was equally as optimistic about its potential widespread impact.
‘Now that we can see that we’re getting very close, the reality of it all is dawning, but the potential for this to do good is huge.’
While developers were confident in the safety and longevity of their design, others in the medical industry were concerned it could pose serious dangers to patients.
Dr Tony Kierath (pictured with balloon) said the widespread potential of his device was ‘huge’
‘For a stomach balloon to stay in your stomach long term, that really hasn’t been tested yet and I think the risk could be quite significant,’ President of The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Dr Bastien Seidel said.
Melbourne woman Carolyn Dimech has gone under the knife three times in desperate attempts to lose weight, and one time came dangerously close to death.
Having endured the deep-seated mental and physical challenges commonly faced by people with weight issues, Ms Dimech now advocates for a complete lifestyle overhaul as opposed to a ‘quick fix’.
Dr Bastien Seidel (pictured) said more testing was required before the device was used on patients
Ms Dimech (pictured before weight loss) advocates for a complete lifestyle overhaul as opposed to a ‘quick fix’ after struggling through three weight loss surgeries
She boasts a 40 kilogram post surgery weight loss which she credits to a change in her mindset towards food gained from Cambridge Weight Plan.
‘You actually have to change your lifestyle, changing what you eat and what you put in your mouth,’ Ms Dimech said.
The IG balloon could become available to the public as soon as the end of 2018, and is expected to retail for somewhere between $3000 and $5000.
After changing her attitude towards food and overhauling her lifestyle, Ms Dimech finally experienced positive, long-lasting results
The IG balloon could become available to the public as soon as the end of 2018, and is expected to retail for somewhere between $3000 and $5000