Background: Since 1998, we have used the BioEnterics
Intragastric Balloon (BIB\u2122) in association with restricted diet for
the treatment of obesity and morbid obesity.
Methods: 474 BIB were placed in 418 obese and morbidly
obese patients; 103 patients were male and 315 female; mean
age was 41.5 (18-71.6) years; mean weight was 116.9 (67-265)
kg; mean BMI was 42.02 (25.10-81.13) kg/m2; mean excess
weight was 49.1 (4.2-179.7) kg corresponding to mean 65.5 (6.8-
247.8) % of the ideal weight. 53 patients had two balloons, 3
patients underwent three balloon insertions. The patients were
given a balanced diet of 1,000 kcal/day with the temporary addition
of omeprazole, vitamins and oligoelements. The duration of
the treatment at the beginning of our experience was four
months, but later six months.
Results: After balloon-therapy, the mean weight loss was 13.9
(2-57) kg; the mean reduction in BMI was 4.74 (0.3-10.98) kg/m2.
In 45 patients (9.49%), we had to remove the BIB early for vomiting.
There was a rate of 4% of spontaneous deflation and/or
fecal expulsion.
Conclusion: The BIB is a valid method as preparatory treatment
of morbidly obese patients before bariatric surgery in order
to reduce operative risk; the results are comparable to those
obtained with restricted diet only but in less time and with an
acceptable risk of complication