[Morbid obesity. Our results with the appetite-depressing stomach balloon]

Morbid obesity still remains a controversial topic with varied therapeutic approaches. In cases of unsuccessful conservative management we implant a gastric balloon or bubble. 30 balloons have been introduced in 24 patients with a mean age of 43 years (26-68 y.) and a mean body weight of 115 kg (87-160 kg). Mean overweight was 47 kg. The balloons were introduced immediately after gastroscopy performed to identify possible contraindications. Except in the initial 3 patients this procedure was carried out in the outpatient clinic. 25 silicon mammary prostheses were implanted until a special balloon (Ballobes-Balloon) became available for the last 5 cases. Implantation and follow-up has been uneventful in all cases. Our data suggest that a combination of this approach with close dietary management provides more efficient and rapid weight reduction than any diet alone.