SPRINGFIELD – The light at the end of the tunnel for millions of obese Americans may have just appeared.

This past July, the FDA approved two new devices for the treatment of obesity (Body Mass Index 30-40).

Known as intragastric balloons, they are placed into the stomach via the mouth during a 20- to 30-minute procedure under moderate sedation.

After six months in place, the balloons are removed. With the accompanying year-long program of nutritional and physician support, studies have shown the gastric balloon to be superior to diet and exercise alone.  The start of the new year should see selected providers ramp up their use of the novel therapy, and availability of the device extend throughout the country.

Since July 2015, the manufactures have been working with only select providers like Matthew R. Brackman, MD, FACS to begin rollout of the technology.  Brackman joined seven other specially selected surgeons from all over the U.S. in Fort Worth, TX, this past month to become the first group of physicians to undergo training with one of the devices known as the dual balloon. The landmark gathering of experts signals the start of a new era in obesity treatment in America.  

Now, for the first time since the early 1980s, there is a device to combat a disease that afflicts 1/3 of the U.S. population. For now, Brackman is the only certified physician from Massachusetts north to Canada.

“I am excited to finally be able to address a previously underserved group of patients. As a bariatric surgeon for the last 15 years, I have only been able to provide care for those with BMI above 40, which represents about 5 percent of the U.S. population. Those with BMI 30 to 40 make up over 33 percent of the population,” Brackman said.

As a member of the ASMBS, SAGES, the Medical Society of the State of New York, and the Massachusetts Medical Society, Dr. Brackman has dedicated his career to the study and treatment of obesity.  He has published his research in Obesity Surgery, American Surgeon, and The Journal of Advanced Laparoscopy and Surgical techniques.  He has also lectured on the topic both nationally and internationally. He has performed various surgical techniques including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and adjustable gastric banding on thousands of patients with great success.

Studies to determine effectiveness and safety, were conducted with the devices prior to their FDA approval.  In one FDA clinical trial of 326 patients, completed at eight sites in the U.S., patients experienced 2.3 times the excess weight loss at six months compared with those who had a diet and exercise program alone.  Patients lost up to 72 pounds at 12 months.  

Clinical obesity is linked to numerous health problems including heart disease, stroke, Type 2 Diabetes, and even certain types of cancer.

“If results are anything close to those with bariatric surgery, we will see a dramatic improvement in the health of Americans.  I have had many patients come off all medications for blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol within a month of gastric bypass. Weight loss with a balloon would be slower, but with time patients may see a similar resolution of associated illnesses,” he said.

Brackman’s local office is located at 1515 Allen St.