Swallowable Gastric Balloon: As a Noninvasive Option for Weight Loss

Background: Obesity is a multifactorial disease that has had an increase in its prevalence. Its treatment requires a multidisciplinary team to prepare the patient for bariatric surgery. But not all patients are willing to undergo a surgical procedure. Other options to surgery were developed, such as the swallowable gastric balloon, a novel device that allows weight loss (WL) due to a restrictive function without anesthesia, endoscopy, or surgery and is completely ambulatory. Methods: A descriptive, retrospective, and observational study was presented. A total of 497 obese patients of both sexes, who underwent placement of a swallowable gastric balloon for WL, were included. The study was conducted at a single center between January 2020 and January 2024. Results: A total of 515 balloons were placed (497 patients). 71% were women. The mean age was 39 years. The mean body mass index was 31.7. The mean WL was 14.3%, with weight maintenance at 12 months in 86% of patients. A 100% success rate was obtained in its implantation. The adverse effects described were nausea and vomiting (22.9%), abdominal pain (33%), reflux (52%), headache (12%), and asthenia (24%). Complications reported included intolerance in 1.1%, hyperinflation in 0.3%, catheter breakage upon removal in 0.3%, and dehydration in 0.5%. No procedure-related mortality was reported. Conclusions: Swallowable gastric balloon is an excellent option for patients with overweight or grade I and II obesity.