Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital Offers New Non-Surgical Weight Loss Procedure

ZEELAND, Mich., August 9, 2016 – Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital is now offering ReShape, a non-surgical weight loss procedure. Jon Schram, MD, FACS, medical director of the Bariatric Surgical program, Spectrum Health Medical Group, is the only physician certified to perform this procedure in West Michigan and one of four certified in the state of Michigan. Zeeland Community Hospital is the only location within the Spectrum Health System to offer the procedure.

“The ideal candidates have a body mass index of 30 to 40, in combination with other serious medical conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol or joint pain,” said Schram. “This is truly for the patients that are willing to make the change to support a healthy lifestyle but are struggling to lose weight with diet and exercise alone.”

ReShape uses a new dual balloon technology combined with one year of comprehensive coaching to result in sustainable weight loss for patients.

During the procedure, the deflated balloons are inserted through the mouth into the stomach. They are then filled with salt water saline. Six months after the procedure, the deflated balloons are then removed endoscopically through the mouth.

“I was drawn to the dual balloon option because of the quality and safety component,” added Schram. “Two balloons provide more comfort because they conform to the natural shape of the stomach and they are safer because they minimize the risk of shifting out of place.”

ReShape is clinically proven to be successful because it combines the portion-controlling benefits of the balloons with comprehensive coaching to change patient’s eating habits and helps them adapt to and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The approach is broken into three stages over a 12-month period. The first phase involves a personalized evaluation to determine if the procedure is a good fit for the patient. During phase two, the balloons are inserted and the patient receives six months of nutrition coaching from a registered dietitian. After six months the balloons are removed and the final phase continues with ongoing coaching and maintenance to ensure patients maintain or continue their weight loss.

“It is exciting to add this procedure to the weight loss services at Zeeland Community Hospital,” said Lori Wolters, clinical program specialist, bariatrics, Zeeland Community Hospital. “Ninety-four percent of patients that have tried ReShape maintained their weight loss during their year-long process and forty-four percent continued to lose weight after their balloons were removed.”

For more information regarding this procedure or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jon Schram, call 616.994.6677.

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