Consumer Information for Medical Devices Update: FDA approves AspireAssist obesity device

The AspireAssist obesity device helps obese patients lose weight by draining a portion of the stomach contents after meals. The device consists of a tube that connects the inside of the stomach to a port (Skin-Port) outside of the abdomen. After eating, the patient attaches an external connector and tubing to the Skin-Port, opens the port valve, and drains the food -- before it has fully broken down and been absorbed by the body. Using this system, patients remove approximately 30% of the calories they consumed.