New Option for Fighting Obesity in CNY

Syracuse, NY (June 15, 2017) – St. Joseph’s Health now offers a new bariatric procedure for people who suffer from overweight or obesity, including those who are not eligible for bariatric surgery.

“Our new ReShape® bariatric balloon procedure is for patients with a BMI of 30 to 40, who need to lose weight to establish a healthier life and decrease risks and complications from weight related illness such as diabetes and high blood pressure,” said William A. Graber, MD, FACS, weight loss surgeon and Bariatric Surgery Director at St. Joseph’s Health. “Traditional bariatric surgery is typically not available as an option for individuals with a BMI of 30 to 35. This new procedure fills a significant gap that previously existed in effective treatment options for people who may not be eligible to have bariatric surgery, or may want to avoid the more invasive procedures such as a Gastric Sleeve or Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.”

Recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the ReShape procedure is a first-of-its-kind, non-surgical weight loss procedure that uses advanced integrated dual-balloon technology to help people with mild to moderate obesity lose weight. Two balloons are placed in the stomach during an outpatient procedure that is less invasive than traditional bariatric surgery and typically takes 20 minutes using conscious sedation (light anesthesia). After six months, the balloons are removed during a second outpatient procedure that also typically takes 20 minutes.

The ReShape balloons are made of acid-resistant silicone and are filled with saline once in the stomach. The balloons take up space in the stomach, helping a patient to feel more satisfied with less food. The key to the procedure’s success, however, is working with the patient to help establish good habits for weight loss while the balloons are in place, as well as after the balloons are removed. The monthly nutritional counseling each patient receives – starting before the first procedure, and lasting for 12 months after the procedure – is part of the overall ReShape program, which helps sustain new habits and lasting results.

Image of dual-balloon technology courtesy of ReShape® (www.reshapeready.com)

And the new procedure will help patients with more than just weight loss. “This procedure also targets that population of patients who may suffer from obesity-related comorbidities, such as diabetes and heart disease, but are not eligible for bariatric surgery,” Graber added. “We are happy to offer the ReShape program because obesity is a complex health issue that deserves effective treatment options no matter the degree of obesity. This is a disease, not a cosmetic issue caused by a lack of self-control or will power, it is time we have broader options for everyone.”

For more information, visit www.sjhsyr.org/bariatric.

About St. Joseph’s Health

St. Joseph’s Health is a non-profit regional health care system based in Syracuse, N.Y., providing services to patients throughout Central New York and northern Pennsylvania. From primary to specialty to home care, to our Magnet-recognized hospital, and in collaboration with our community partners, St. Joseph's Health is advancing the health of the communities we serve through an expanding range of healthcare services to ensure our patients achieve optimum long-term health. Ranked by Consumer Reports among the top 15 heart surgery centers in the country, U.S. News “Best Regional Hospital” and a 15-time winner of the National Research Corporation Consumer Choice award, St. Joseph’s is widely recognized for quality, value and delivering the highest patient satisfaction. St. Joseph’s Health is affiliated with Franciscan Companies and St. Joseph’s Physicians and is a part of Trinity Health.

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