MONTCLAIR, NJ--(Marketwired - Sep 23, 2015) - Dr. Sohail Shaikh of the Center for Bariatric Endoscopy is the first gastroenterologist in the Northeast to perform the new Intragastric Balloon procedure after FDA approval. The procedure was performed last week on Thursday, September 17th, 2015 in Northern New Jersey.
Dr. Shaikh is an advanced bariatric endoscopist who performs multiple endoscopic procedures for patients seeking minimally-invasive or non-invasive procedures for weight loss. The intragastric balloon procedure, now available in the United States, is a non-invasive procedure for weight loss and offers an alternative for those who do not wish to go under the knife.
"The intragastric balloon is a non-invasive, non-surgical approach to weight loss and offers a new and safer option for patients seeking a weight loss procedure," said Dr. Shaikh. "The balloon has helped over 220,000 patients worldwide over the last 20 years and was recently approved by the FDA for patients in the United States."
During the procedure, a silicone balloon is placed into the stomach with tubes and tools that go through the mouth and down the throat. Once inside the stomach, the balloon is filled with saline until it is about the size of a grapefruit. The balloon stays in the stomach for six months and takes up space, causing feelings of fullness with small amounts of food. This allows patients to eat less and feel fuller, which promotes weight loss.
The procedure typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and the patient can usually go home the same day. At six months, another non-surgical procedure is done under a mild sedative and the balloon is drained and removed.
About Dr. Sohail Shaikh
Sohail Shaikh, MD is an innovator and pioneer in endoscopic bariatric procedures and is one of a handful of physicians in the world who perform endoscopic gastric sleeves and advanced endoscopic bariatric suturing procedures. These include endoscopic gastric sleeve (gastroplasty), gastric bypass revision, pouch and outlet repair, gastric sleeve revision, surgery-related leak repairs, and endoscopic lap band removal. He has dedicated his career to endoscopic bariatric procedures with training at multiple prestigious institutions, including Harvard University.
About The Center for Bariatric Endoscopy
The Center for Bariatric Endoscopy is an innovative treatment center specializing in endoscopic bariatric procedures for cases traditionally treated with major or laparoscopic surgery. These state-of-the-art procedures are carried out by Dr. Sohail Shaikh. The Center for Bariatric Endoscopy, located in Northern New Jersey, offers a multidisciplinary approach to weight loss with on-site nutrition counseling and a staff dedicated to your success. Call today for a consultation- (973) 638-1740 or visit our website, NoCutBariatrics.com.