Gastric balloon to treat obesity: a double-blind study in nondieting subjects

To determine its efficacy and safety in treating obesity, a silicone-rubber balloon was passed into the stomach of 10 nondieting, obese subjects. In a counterbalanced sequence, the balloon was inflated with 400 mL for 1 mo and deflated for 1 mo. Lower intakes of solid and liquid test meals (NS), significantly slower gastric emptying, and concomitant changes in glucose, insulin, glucagon, and cholecystokinin concentrations consistent with slower emptying resulted during balloon inflation. After balloon inflation, one small gastric ulcer developed, which subsequently healed. Significant weight loss occurred during the second and third week of the inflation period (F[1,9] = 5.0, p less than 0.05). However, the weight loss was small and the significant effect did not continue through the fourth week.