Gastric Balloon (Intragastric Balloon)

For temporary use, only in super-morbidly obese people (BMI >50) to allow them to reduce their weight to a point where they become eligible for other weight loss procedures.  In some cases, mildly overweight people utilise this procedure for temporary weight loss.

Advantages:

• Non-surgical.
• Provides a weight loss option for people who are not eligible for surgery.
• Can be a temporary option for people in the lower BMI ranges.
• Has been shown to cause temporary 13-24kg weight loss in 6 months.

Disadvantages:

• Weight regain is common once the balloon is removed.
• There is a small risk the balloon may be damaged requiring removal. A blue dye is placed inside the balloon which indicates if the balloon is damaged.
• A small number of patients cannot continue more than a few days with intragastric balloons due to nausea and vomiting.