There have been innumerable methods for weight loss over the years from simple pills to invasive bariatric surgery. All have been associated with varying degrees of success and durability. There is no one single method that works for or is for everyone. Surgical approaches are usually associated with the most rapid forms of weight loss although their relapse rates can be high.
Surgical weight loss approaches are typically done when patients are either extremely obese (and needs large amounts of weight loss) or have not found success with diet and exercise efforts for a variety of reasons. One newer surgical weight loss method is that of the tongue patch. A small postage-size piece of thin synthetic mesh is sewn onto the surface of the tongue. This undoubtably limits the comfort of eating solid foods. Affecting the intake portion of the alimentary canal has always been a primary emphasis of all weight loss methods. This is just a mechanical method of doing so.
In the May issue of the American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery, a study was published entitled ‘Weight Loss Tongue Patch: An Alternative Nonsurgical Method To Aid in Weight Loss in Obese Patients’. In this paper, the developer of this oral device for weight loss reviewed eighty-one (81) patients who had the procedure performed over a four year period. The end point of the analysis was the amount of weight loss that had occurred at one month after its application. The average amount of weight loss achieved was just over 7 kgs. (about 15 lbs) with no significant complications encountered.
The tongue patch has shown that it can result in significant weight loss in the short term…or as long as it is in place. It was removed at one month after placement as it becomes harder to remove after that due to tissue ingrowth. The source of the weight loss is undoubtably being restricted to a liquid diet due to discomfort eating more solid foods. Part of its success is also keeping on a low calorie diet and doing regular exercise.
The tongue patch is very similar to a much older but equally effective minimal surgical weight loss approach…wiring your jaws together. Decades ago wiring your jaws together was a very effective method of short-term weight loss that also employed a liquid diet approach. The average amounts of weight loss sustained was also in the range of 10 to 15 lbs (and often more) in studies in which patients were clamped together for up to six weeks.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana