Intragastric Balloon Device: Weight Loss and Satisfaction Degree

An intragastric balloon is a non-surgical device enhancing a sensation of early satiety and reducing food intake. The aim of this study is to analyze the results in terms of weight loss and patient satisfaction undergoing intragastric balloon implantation.

Air-filled and water-filled devices were used. All patients were participated in strict follow-up programs. Weight, body mass index (BMI), total body weight loss (TWL), percentage of excess weight loss (EWL), and satisfaction degree were taken into account.

Eighty-one patients completed a 6-month period with a device in place; 72 of them were then contacted for a follow-up at 12.3 ± 2.4 months post-removal. During treatment period, in 76 cases (93.8 %), a statistically significant reduction in weight was observed. A statistically meaningful linear correlation between a 3-month EWL (or TWL) and a 6-month EWL (or TWL) was found. At the end of endoscopic treatment, a significant link between baseline BMI and EWL >20 % was found. Sixty-three percent of the patients were not satisfied with the procedure, did not deem useful to change their diet, and refused to perform it again.

In our study, at device removal and 1 year thereafter, a statistically significant reduction in weight was observed. Most of the patients were found to have a weight loss more than the cut-off of 20 %. The weight reached at the third month appears to be predictive of the effectiveness of endoscopic treatment. Data showed an overall dissatisfaction with procedure.