Aspire Assist
What is the AspireAssist?
The AspireAssist is a new, FDA-approved weight loss solution to treat obesity. Unlike many other weight loss procedures, it’s non-surgical and reversible.
How does the AspireAssist help with Weight Loss?
The AspireAssist is designed to allow you to make gradual, healthy changes to your lifestyle. It helps with weight loss by reducing the calories absorbed by the body. After eating, food travels to the stomach where it is temporarily stored and the digestion process begins. Calories and nutrients from food are primarily absorbed by the body when the food passes through the intestines – not in the stomach. The AspireAssist is a device that allows patients to remove about 30% of the food from the stomach before the calories are absorbed into the body, improving chances for successful weight loss when combined with good food choices. Additionally, the AspireAssist requires that you eat mindfully and chew carefully, which allows more time for your brain to receive signals that your stomach is full. This healthy habit helps with weight loss and maintenance.
How the AspireAssist Works
To place the AspireAssist, a thin tube is put in the stomach, connecting the inside of the stomach directly to a small, discreet button on the outside of the abdomen. It is similar to placing a feeding tube and Dr. Shayani can perform the procedure in an outpatient setting. About 20-30 minutes after each meal, the device allows you to eliminate, or “aspirate”, about 30% of your food into the toilet through this tube. You start this process by connecting a small, handheld device to the button. The AspireAssist can be removed anytime through a simple 10 minute procedure. Along with aspirating some of your food, we will work with you to make lifestyle changes to optimize your weight loss and health.
Am I a Candidate for the AspireAssist?
You may be a candidate for the AspireAssist if you are an adult with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 to 55, and have been unsuccessful losing weight or maintaining weight loss through diet and exercise. Good candidates are those who are committed to making the lifestyle changes that will allow the AspireAssist to be a useful tool for you. These changes can include modifying food choices, activity levels, and chewing food more slowly and completely than most people are used to.
Considerations
The AspireAssist requires a commitment to making healthy changes to your lifestyle. Additionally, it will take at least 5-10 minutes to aspirate after each meal. While it will become a habit, like brushing your teeth, it is important to consider how it will fit into your schedule. Additionally, you will need to learn to chew thoroughly and completely. With proper support, the AspireAssist can be an effective weight loss tool. Dr. Shayani can educate you more about the AspireAssist, so you can make a decision about the best weight loss tool for you.