FDA OKs Nonsurgical Device for Treating Obesity

"WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal health regulators say they have approved an inflatable medical balloon that helps patients lose weight by filling up space in the stomach.

Unlike invasive weight-loss surgery, which can involve risks like malnutrition following a duodenal switch, involving removal of most of the stomach, the Dual Balloon is inserted through the mouth via an endoscope in a minimally invasive manner. The procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes and is done while a patient is under mild sedation."