Obesity is a disease that represents a serious risk to the patient’s health. The most practical measure to assess the presence of overweight is the calculation of the body mass index (BMI), expressed by the ratio: weight (kg)/height2 (m2): normal weight 20-24.9 kg/m2; overweight 25-29.9 kg/m2; obesity 30-34.9 kg/m2; moderate obesity 35-39.9 kg/m2; severe, extreme or morbid obesity 40-49.9 kg/m2; supermorbid obesity > 50kg/m2. The goal of treatment is to achieve controlled and sustained weight loss. To do this, the patient must adopt a definitive change in lifestyle: caloric restriction in the diet, performing physical exercise on a regular basis and modifying unhealthy lifestyle habits. In severely obese patients or if they are moderately obese but also suffer from other important diseases, (bariatric) surgery is the most effective measure. An endoscopic technique (intragastric balloon) has been available for several years now, without the need for surgery, which can help you lose weight.

WHY PLACE AN INTRAGASTRIC BALLOON?

The intragastric balloon is a temporary measure to significantly reduce weight that is contemplated in 2 situations: in patients with an indication for surgery but who, due to their obesity, present a high surgical risk; or in patients who do not require surgery in whom the change in lifestyle is not very effective.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

With the introduction of a small balloon in the stomach, the patient needs to eat a smaller amount of food to achieve gastric fullness and satisfy their appetite.

HOW IS AN INTRAGASTRIC BALLOON PLACED?

The placement of an intragastric balloon can only be performed by a specialist doctor, depending on the type of balloon it will be by fluoroscopy such as the OBALON or by Digestive Endoscopy, and it is preferably carried out under intravenous anesthesia. The folded balloon is inserted through the mouth into the stomach. Once in the stomach, the balloon is filled with saline solution mixed with a dye. The balloon will remain floating in the stomach, significantly reducing its ability to hold food. The duration of this intervention is generally less than 30 minutes, and does not usually require hospital admission.

WHAT EFFECTS DOES THE PATIENT NOTICE AFTER PLACEMENT?

During the first few days the patient may experience nausea and vomiting. After this time, these symptoms tend to disappear and the patient will only notice that they are satisfied with less food.

HOW LONG SHOULD IT BE WEAR?

It is usually advisable to remove the balloon no later than 6 months. To do this, the endoscopy must be repeated in the operating room and under general anesthesia, deflate the balloon and extract it through the mouth.

WHAT FOLLOW-UP SHOULD I TAKE AFTER THE PLACEMENT OF A BALLOON?

Follow-up fundamentally requires the attention of a team of endocrinologists/nutritionists who assess nutritional habits and try to provide new eating patterns, since once the balloon is removed, the patient does not recover the lost weight. The team of psychologists/psychiatrists will be responsible for giving the necessary support to the patient before and after the placement of the balloon. The gastroenterologist/endoscopist will control the efficacy of the treatment and the appearance of possible complications derived from the placement of the balloon.

IS THE PLACEMENT OF AN INTRAGASTRIC BALLOON INDICATED IN MY CASE?

The intragastric balloon is not indicated in all patients. The suitability of placing a ball intGastric surgery must be evaluated by a team of specialists who will analyze its possible advantages and disadvantages. Its placement is usually recommended only in those cases of obesity in which the BMI is greater than 30. The patients who benefit most from this type of treatment are those who are seriously overweight (weight > 40% or > 20- 25 kg from your ideal weight). The placement of the balloon is contraindicated in people with previous surgical interventions on the stomach, significant gastric injuries, pregnancy, or with difficulties in accepting treatment and follow-up.

HOW DOES THE INTRAGASTRIC BALLOON WORK AND WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?

The effectiveness of the intragastric balloon as a method to lose weight is fully demonstrated. It is estimated that in patients with significant obesity, weight loss is close to 1 kg per week. However, it must be stressed that long-term efficacy, once the balloon has been removed, will depend on the patient changing their dietary habits. An intragastric balloon is a temporary measure and complementary to changes in lifestyle.

WHAT IS THE RISK IF I HAVE AN INTRAGASTRIC BALLOON IMPLANTED?

Although it is a safe technique, all interventions have their risks. It may happen that the balloon deflates due to a puncture and passes into the small intestine and causes an obstruction of it. The appearance of lacerations, ulcers, hemorrhages or perforations is possible. There are effective medical and endoscopic treatments to solve these complications