The early results of intragastric balloon application of different BMI groups

The aim of this study is to evaluate the weight loss effect of intragastric balloon (IB) application in patients with different body mass indexes (BMI) in the treatment of obesity.

Between 2005 and 2010, out of 251 obese patients treated with liquid-filled IB in our center, 220 obese patients in whom the balloons were removed after 180 days, aged 15–64 years and mean BMI 38.73 kg/m² (27.01–77.16) were evaluated. The data of patients [weight, BMI, excess weight loss percentage (EWL%) and excess BMI loss percentage (EBMIL%) changes] at the day of insertion, at the day of removal and at sixth month of the removal were compared, according to their BMI indexes.

The weight changes and BMIs of the patients had significantly decreased at the removal and at sixth month after the removal compared to the beginning (p < 0.01). However, the raise in the weights and BMIs at sixth month after the removal are also statistically significant (p < 0.01). The total weight losses, EWL% and EBMIL% according to BMI index groups are significantly decreased at removal compared to the beginning (p < 0.01). This significance is more prominent for patients with BMI 27–35 kg/m².

IB can be used alone for patients with BMI < 35 kg/m² to overcome obesity as a successful single stage procedure. However, for patients with BMI > 35 kg/m² IB application should be combined with a surgical bariatric procedure to achieve a sustainable weight loss.