ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS AND RISKS?
Concerning the side effects associated with the technique of an intragastric balloon, those that stand out are related to the insertion, sedation and the accommodation of the stomach to the balloon. In the latter nausea and vomiting, a sensation of heaviness and light pain in the days following the insertion, are found in 90% of patients and are normal reaction of the stomach to a foreign body. For these issues medications are prescribed to improve symptoms.
Although much less frequent, there have been cases where the balloon has deflated, including instances where it has been eliminated in the faeces. Other complications are the erosion or ulceration of the stomach wall. These are very infrequent and can require surgical intervention.
The intragastric balloon technique is effective and safe in the hands of experts. Together with a hyper-caloric diet and physical exercise it is capable of producing substantial weight-loss in patients with obesity, avoiding surgery and the derived consequences while reducing risk.