Stomach-Pumping Machine Makes Calories Disappear

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A new weight loss method is being proposed to help morbidly obese patients lose weight without the invasive surgical procedures of gastric restriction or gastric bypass.  AspireAssist system is a self-operated device being proposed.  Patients undergo a 20-minute procedure where a small tube is placed into the stomach. A tiny valve is then attached to the end of the tube, which can be opened and closed to control the flow of food going into the stomach.  By connecting a handheld device to the tube, the patient can empty a portion of stomach contents into the toilet after each meal. This allows only about two-thirds of the calories from each meal to actually be absorbed.  AspireAssist contends that the pump is not dangerous and the weight loss results are as good as having gastric surgery but without the risks.


As a dietetic student, I am not in agreement with this weight loss method.  We wouldn’t encourage clients to binge and purge to lose weight but that is exactly what this device is doing.  The issue of obesity is not being addressed and it allows those who use the pump to eat at much as they like (binge) and empty the contents of their stomach afterwards (purge).  Although the person may lose weight, the way that the weight is loss shouldn’t be encouraged.



VS

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