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Thursday, Mar 28, 2024
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SDBJ INSIDER: The Wait May Soon Be Over

Obalon Therapeutics Inc. announced Dr. Helmuth Billy as medical director for its first company-owned weight-loss treatment center, which will be located in San Diego. The company recently set a fall target for opening. Obalon has said it plans to build a network of treatment centers across the U.S.

Obalon has the only FDA-approved swallowable, gas-filled intragastric balloon system for treating obesity, the company said.

According to Obalon, “Dr. Billy is currently director of bariatric surgery at St. John’s Regional Medical Center, a bariatric Center of Excellence and recognized by the American College of Surgeons, Blue Cross, Blue Shield and Health Net as an accredited bariatric program. In addition, he has extensive international experience and is a visiting consultant for the general surgery/bariatric surgery program at Hamad Medical Corp. in Doha, Qatar, one of the largest international Obalon Balloon System treatment programs outside the United States.”

The company said that running its own center would be a more efficient means to generate clients.

“We are transitioning the business with the intent to create a network of Obalon retail centers in the United States, where patients can access our novel weight loss treatment in an environment dedicated to a standardized experience and achieve the most successful outcomes,” said Bob MacDonald, Obalon’s chief retail officer, in prior comments.

San Diego has had its ups and downs when it comes to commercializing weight-loss treatments. This will be an interesting one to watch.


As the company says, it is the “attraction that takes you to the attractions,” a perfect description of Old Town Trolley Tours which is celebrating 30 years of touring. You see its colorful trolley cars and amphibious vehicles — San Diego SEAL Sea and Land Tours — out and about.

The company has a fleet of 36 vehicles — propane powered for the sake of the environment — and employs 120.

It has a variety of offerings and can take you to the coast and the ghosts, if “Frightseeing” is on your itinerary sheet.

It is another example of how far tourism dollars go in the San Diego economy.

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