Published in:
Open Access 01-07-2011 | Clinical Research
The Use of an Improved Intragastric Balloon Technique to Reduce Weight in Pre-obese Patients—Preliminary Results
Published in: Obesity Surgery | Issue 7/2011
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Background
In this study, a new safer and faster intragastric balloon procedure was also employed to treat pre-obese patients (body mass index (BMI) < 30).
Methods
From June 2006 to June 2009, 20 such patients were submitted to the Silimed Gastric Balloon treatment, as a part of a multidisciplinary program involving clinical, psychological, and behavioral approaches. For the 16 patients who had completed the 5–6-month treatment, the initial mean weight and mean BMI were 74 kg and 27.5 kg/m2, respectively.
Results
After the treatment, the mean weight and BMI values decreased significantly to 65.9 kg and 24.5 kg/m2, respectively. There were only minor complications—nausea and vomiting—with the exception of two cases of spontaneous deflation of the devices which were successfully removed by gastric endoscopy.
Conclusions
Thus, preliminary data suggest that this new intragastric balloon procedure might also be a safe and effective treatment for weight loss in pre-obese patients.