AIM:

Obesity appeared with increasing frequency in recent years. The aim of this study is to evaluate safety and efficacy of intra-gastric balloon therapy in patients with morbid obesity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

Eighteen patients (11 women and 7 men; Body Mass Index (BMI) > 35 kg/m2) were included into the study, and endocrinological problems are excluded in all of them. Psychiatric examinations were performed in all patients. The mean age of the patients was 40±5 years, and mean BMI was 42±0.96 kg/m2. Elastic silicon balloon which is filled 500-700 ml saline plus 10 ml methylene blue was used (Bioenterics Intragastric Ballon System INANEMED health Santa Barbara). Patients were discharged with diet (1200-1400 kcal/day). All patients were controlled every week in the first month, every 2 weeks during the follow-up period.

RESULTS:

At the end of 3 months, mean weight loss was 12±2.5 kg. BMI was regressed to 35±2 kg/m2 (p<0.05). Excep nausea and vomiting during the first month, we did not observe serious complication.

CONCLUSION:

Intragastric balloon treatment seems to be safe and effective procedure in obesity treatment.

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