Efficacy of Intragastric Balloon Treatment: Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction 6 Months After Removal

Abstract

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the weight loss, changes in eating habits, and satisfaction with the intragastric balloon (IGB) procedure in patients undergoing treatment for obesity, with follow-up until 6 months after IGB removal. Materials and Methods: This study included patients who underwent the IGB procedure between January 2020 and September 2024 at our clinic and were followed-up for 6 months after IGB removal. Patient records were retrieved from the endoscopy database. Parameters before IGB and during IGB removal were obtained from these records. Upon obtaining verbal consent from patients contacted via their registered phone numbers, their self-reported weights 6 months after IGB removal were recorded, and their body mass index (BMI) was calculated. During the same interview, patients were asked about their eating habits before IGB and 6 months after IGB removal, as well as their satisfaction with the procedure, based on questionnaires used in previous studies. The data collected included patients' age, sex, weight, BMI, percentages of weight and BMI loss at IGB removal and 6 months after IGB removal, duration of IGB placement, maximum weight lost during IGB placement, time to achieve maximum weight lost, changes in eating habits, and satisfaction levels. Results: The mean age of the 62 patients who were included in this study was 33.24 ± 8.71 years, with 37 (59.67%) women and 25 (40.32%) men. The mean weight of the patients before IGB was 91.58 ± 7.04 kg, and the mean BMI was 32.00 ± 4.25 kg/m². The mean duration of IGB placement was 5.83 ± 0.41 months, with a mean maximum weight loss of 14.22 ± 4.70 kg and a mean time to achieve weight loss of 3.91 ± 0.91 months. There was a statistically significant difference between the weight before the IGB and the weight at IGB removal (p < 0.001). A significant difference was also noted in the weight before the IGB and 6 months after IGB removal (p < 0.001). The comparison of satisfaction levels showed no statistically significant difference in eating habits before the IGB (p = 0.384), whereas a significant difference was found in eating habits 6 months after IGB removal (p < 0.001). The weight loss differences between the satisfied and dissatisfied patients were significant at IGB removal and 6 months after, although no statistical difference was found in the pre-IGB weights between the satisfied and dissatisfied patients (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients undergoing the IGB procedure for obesity should correct their poor eating habits to maintain successful mid-term weight loss results.

Keywords: eating habits; intragastric balloon; obesity; patient satisfaction.

Figure 1

Comparison of the patients who were satisfied and dissatisfied with the procedure in terms of their EHTS before IGB placement (IGB: intragastric balloon, EHTS: eating habit total score).

Figure 2

Comparison of the patients who were satisfied and dissatisfied with the procedure in terms of their EHTS months after IGB removal (IGB: intragastric balloon, EHTS: eating habit total score).

Figure 3

Mean weights before IGB placement, during IGB removal, and 6 months after IGB removal for the patients who were satisfied and dissatisfied with the procedure (IGB: intragastric balloon, kg: kilogram, data are presented as mean ± standard deviation).