Multicenter Retrospective Analysis of Consecutive Swallowable Gastric Balloon Treatments in a Community Obesity Care...

Studies have demonstrated safety and effectiveness of the swallowable gastric balloon program (SGBP) for weight loss. If additional weight loss is desired, consecutive balloon treatments may be an adjunct treatment. The goal was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of consecutive placements of the SGB in adults with overweight and obesity.

Data on weight loss (WL), total body weight loss (%TBWL) and adverse events were retrospectively collected on patients who received consecutive SGBs between March 2017 and November 2023. The first SGB was swallowed and filled with 550 mL of distilled water in an outpatient setting. A second SGB was placed following passage of the first for additional weight loss. Lifestyle and nutritional follow-up were performed.

In total 121 patients underwent consecutive SGB treatment. Baseline mean age, weight, and BMI were 43.6 ± 11.1 years, 102.6 ± 22 kg, and 36.4 ± 7.0 kg/m², respectively. After passage of the first SGB at 4 months, mean WL and %TBWL were 14.0 ± 5.7 kg and 15.9 ± 5.7%, respectively. At the time of the second SGB placement, mean weight and BMI were 90.8 ± 20.2 kg and 32.0 ± 6.0 kg/m² respectively, indicating an average weight gain of 2.1 ± 3.9 kg. The second SGB resulted in additional mean WL and %TBWL of 7.3 ± 5.3 kg and 9.3 ± 7.1%, with total WL and %TBWL from baseline to passage of the second SGB of 19.3 ± 8.9 kg and 22.1 ± 9.5%, respectively. No serious adverse events occurred.

Consecutive SGBs treatment was safe and effective when additional weight loss was desired following passage of the first balloon.