Dr. Matthew Brengman Successfully Implants First FDA-Approved Intragastric Balloon Weight Loss Device in Mid-Atlantic Region

RICHMOND, Va., Sept. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Matthew Brengman, bariatric surgeon with Advanced Surgical Partners of Virginia and medical director for the Weight Loss Program at Parham Doctors' Hospital, successfully completed the first FDA-approved ORBERA™ Intragastric Balloon weight-loss procedure in the mid-Atlantic region.

"I don't want to get diabetes or go down the road with heart problems," said Melinda, Brengman's first patient to undergo the procedure and a 60-year old wife, grandmother from Richmond. "My mother is 89 and she can walk us into the ground. I want to be able to play with my husband and experience the fullest parts of the back half of our life together. I want to be able to take care of my granddaughter and tie my shoes."

According to Brengman, the ORBERA™ Intragastric Balloon device is a space-occupying balloon in the stomach that helps patients feel full and eat less. During an endoscopic procedure using a mild sedative, the deflated balloon is placed into the stomach through the mouth, and then filled with saline until reaching approximately the size of a grapefruit. It remains in place for six months, aiding patients with portion control and achieving sustainable weight loss at a rate of 3.1 times those who engaged in diet and exercise alone.

The ORBERA™ Intragastric Balloon is ideal for patients with a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40, who are between 30-100 pounds overweight. 60 million people in the United States currently fall into this category.

"Patients on average lose about 35 pounds," said Brengman. "Our comprehensive program supports patients through all stages of the procedure – from initial consultation, placement, and therapy, through a six-month follow-up period after device removal, during which our team helps patients sustain their weight loss through healthy nutritional and lifestyle habits."

Because Melinda has a BMI in the mid-30s, she isn't a candidate for traditional bariatric surgery, but she is still at risk for health conditions affecting those who are moderately obese. She selected the non-surgical and non-incisional procedure because it fills the treatment gap that previously existed for patients who aren't considering invasive surgery, but for whom diet and exercise, or pharmaceutical interventions, have not worked.

Obesity affects more than 78.6 million U.S. adults and is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in the United States. Obesity increases the risk of health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain types of cancers. In 2008, it was estimated that more than $147 billion is spent annually in medical costs related to obesity, and this figure is expected to grow by $43 to $66 billion each year in the U.S. by 2030.

Brengman is one of an elite group of bariatric surgeons nationwide trained to perform ORBERA™ placements, and combined with his partners, Dr. Michael Barker and Dr. Gregory Schroder, Advanced Surgical Partners of Virginia is one of only a few practices in the mid-Atlantic currently offering the groundbreaking procedure.

About HCA Virginia
As the commonwealth's most comprehensive provider network, HCA Virginia Health System operates 13 hospitals and 30 outpatient centers and is affiliated with 3,000 physicians. It is one of Virginia's largest employers, provides $365 million in uncompensated care and pays $72 million in state and local taxes each year. HCA Virginia includes 6 imaging centers, 6 outpatient surgery centers, two freestanding emergency rooms, and 7 hospitals – Chippenham, Henrico Doctors', John Randolph, Johnston-Willis, Parham Doctors', Retreat Doctors' and Spotsylvania Regional. 

CONTACT:
Margo Catalano
HCA Virginia
804-363-9333
[email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150917/267793

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150917/267794

SOURCE HCA Virginia