BioEnterics® Intragastric Balloon (BIB®) Program

THE BIB PROGRAM Experts agree that successful weight-loss programs should not only help you lose weight, but keep the pounds off over time. The BIB program combines a clinically tested way to reduce hunger with your own personal team of experts.

The program is made up of three important parts:

Team of Experts: Experienced weight-loss professionals such as physicians, nutritionists, psychologists and exercise therapists will consult with you and design a program to help you successfully reach and maintain your weight-loss goals. Your team will be there every step of the way with encouragement and support.

Intragastric Balloon: The BIB is a soft, silicone balloon that is inserted into the stomach and filled with sterile saline. With the balloon you will have a feeling of satiety, or lack of hunger. The balloon will be removed after six months. With the help of the BIB, you can more easily adopt the lifestyle changes needed to lose weight.

Education and Training: During the regularly scheduled meetings with your team, you will learn the principles needed to manage your weight and promote long-term health. Some of these include nutrition, exercise, eating behaviors, and psychological issues related to food. While learning, you will be motivated by your success and turn these principles into habits that will serve you the rest of your life.

THE BIB ADVANTAGE

The BIB program has several advantages over other weight loss plans.

With the BIB you can:

• Have a feeling of satiety
• Lose more weight than with other diet programs
• Be supported by a team of medical experts
• Learn principles for long-term success
• Have the benefits of a non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical approach

THE BIB PROCESS

As an eligible BIB candidate, you will begin your program by meeting with a physician to discuss the program in detail. Once you have scheduled a date for your procedure, you will begin meeting with your support team and learning the principles that will become the basis of your long-term success. The outpatient procedure generally takes 20-30 minutes, after which you will be monitored by a physician before returning home. The first week you will be on a liquid diet with instructions to drink plenty of fluids. After the first week, you can begin a solid diet with recommendations from your nutritionist. During the six month period the BIB is in place, there will be regularly scheduled meetings with your team to monitor your progress. In addition, you will receive education and training on the nutrition and the lifestyle changes you must make to have long-term success. After the BIB is removed, you will continue to meet with your team for additional support and guidance as needed.

WHAT RESULTS CAN YOU EXPECT?

Individuals participating in the BIB Program can expect to have significant weight loss in the first six months. The amount of weight you lose and how long you maintain that weight loss will depend on how well you adopt longterm lifestyle changes related to eating and exercise. The following tables shows results achieved in published clinical studies using the BIB Program.

IS THE PROGRAM RIGHT FOR YOU?

To be eligible for the program you must be:

• At least 18 years old
• Overweight (at least 10-15 kilos over your ideal weight)
• Ready to comply with a serious, medically supervised program In addition, there are certain medical reasons that may make you ineligible for the BIB Program.

You may not be a candidate for the procedure if any of the following conditions are present:

• Previous history of GI surgery, obstruction, adhesive peritonitis or large hiatal hernia
• Severe renal, hepatic or pulmonary disease diagnosis
• Chronic, long-term steroid treatment
• Unwillingness to adopt the dietary habits critical to the success of the therapy
• Drug or alcohol addiction in the last 12 months
• Pregnancy As with all medical procedures, there are potential risks of unforeseen, unknown or adverse reactions to medications and the procedure itself.
  
  Please discuss your questions and expectations about the BIB Program with your physician and evaluate the benefits versus the possible risks.

A START TO A HEALTHIER LIFE

The BIB Program is a simple, yet innovative approach to help you lose excess weight. With the guidance of your medical team, you will have the education, support, and motivation needed to make real lifestyle changes. Find out how you can start on the pathway to a healthier and happier life today!