Intragastric Balloon Treatment for Obesity: Prospective Single-Center Study Findings

Background: The intragastric balloon (IGB) procedure is an obesity treatment. Methods: A BioEnteric IGB was used in 33 patients between February 2006 and February 2009. Results: Of the 31 patients, 19 were female (61.3%). Mean age was 35.48 +/- 9.31 years. Following intravenous sedation, the balloon was inserted and inflated under direct vision by using saline (600 ml) and methylene blue (10 ml) solution. Average weight and mean BMI scores were as follows: 119.34 +/- 22.64 (range 80-170) kg and 41.84 +/- 8.28 (range 30-63.2) kg/ m2. Mean weight and BMI were measured as 104.31 +/- 21.33 (range 64-151) kg and 36.43 +/- 7.36 (range 26-52) kg/m(2) 6 months after the index procedure. Percent of excess weight loss (% EWL) and percent of excess body mass index loss (% EBMIL) were as follows: 29.16 +/- 15.99% (range 0.00-56.91%) and 35.45 +/- 19.46% (0-75.2%), respectively. All patients lost weight constantly for the 6-month period. Patients showed statistically significant weight and BMI losses for the first 3-month period but these decrements reached a plateau between the 4th and 6th month. Weight loss was not statistically significant during the second 3-month period. Few patients had mild complaints following balloon insertion; there was no balloon intolerance. Conclusions: IGB is safe and effective for short-term weight reduction in obese patients. Weight reduction during the second half of the treatment period needs closer follow-up.