Original Intragastric balloon and multidisciplinary team

Background: The intragastric balloon is widely used for weight reduction in obese patients, but results are variable. We describe our results enhancing the impor-tance of aMultidisciplinary Team (MT) taking part in the treatment. Methods: A retrospective review was done concerning a total of 119 balloons, placed in 116 patients, under endoscopic control and conscious sedation, from May 2001 until August 2006. 49 patients were prepared and recommended to be followed by a MT in a physical unit, at least every 15 days during 6 months. 67 were indicated and followed by other colleagues, without MT. Removal was performed 6 months later. Results: Concerning our 49 patients, mean age was 38, 1 years, 31 female and 18 males, with BMI ranged bet-ween 32 and 63, average of 42. The average decrease of weight excess was 31, 85 % (-4, 45-80, 4%), and the BMI diminished 5,3 points (from 13,6 to gain of 0,9). The treat-ment failed in 34,6 % of our patients —including 4 patients lost of follow-up (8, 16%)—, compared with 53, 8 % of patients without structured MT for selection and follow-up. Physical exercise enhanced markedly the results with 45, 8 % of excess of weight loss in women and 39, 7 % in males, compared with 14, 6 and 15, 6 % in patients who didn’t follow the program. The weight loss was mostly fat mass, 89,9 % in men and 75,6 % in women.-The results maintenance was obtained in 40 % of patients one year later. There were no major complications; one balloon had to be removed at 3 weeks because of intole-rance, another at 5 months because of gastroesophageal reflux. Conclusions: BIB is an effective help to achieve a short term weight loss in obese patients; nevertheless, good and long lasting results will depend on the modification of life style obtained by a multidisciplinary approach