Christina Cantu is one of those people. She has always hated her weight, but says she isn't overweight enough to qualify for weight loss surgery like Gastric Bypass, until now. It's called the Gastric Tube and unlike other procedures there are no incisions and no scars on the belly.
UT Health's Doctor Erik Wilson has been testing the procedure in Panama and has now brought it to the states. He says they get to the stomach by going through the mouth and sew the stomach into a tube with a sewing machine.
With this procedure Dr. Wilson can reduce the stomach from the size of a football to a tube the size of a quarter by folding it over on itself. So far the results have proven to be significant, patients have lost anywhere between 30 and 50 pounds.
Cantu has lost 24 pounds in just 6 weeks and hopes to lose another 15 to 20 in the next few weeks. She says the hardest part was getting use to eating smaller portions several times a day.
The study is complete and folks can start getting the procedure in the next few months.
Dr. Wilson is conducting a 'PROMISE' study at Health Memorial Hermann. He says he will offer the surgery soon. If you are interested in learning more about the procedure you can call 713-892-5500 or CLICK HERE.
Find Christi on Facebook at ABC13-Christi Myers or on Twitter at @ChristiMyers13
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