What Are The Risks?

The gastric balloon procedure itself is simple and serious complications are uncommon.  We believe it's important for you to have the full picture, however, so possible complications are listed below:

• Gastric discomfort; nausea and vomiting are common for the first few days following balloon placement.  A feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, abdominal or back pain, gastro–oesophageal reflux or indigestion have also been reported. There is a risk that the patient will not be able to tolerate the balloon in the stomach which with a standard balloon would result in its removal. The ReShape Duo balloon also helps to reduce early removal through intolerance as the dual balloons sit more steadily in the stomach, reducing nausea and associated side effects.
  
  

• There is a theoretical risk that the balloon could rupture and enter the bowel. If this occurred it would usually pass through the bowel and be expelled naturally but there is a risk, albeit extremely small, that the ruptured balloon could obstruct the bowel. 

   

• Nowadays implantation of the balloon is a very safe procedure and complications are rare. In the study of 714 patients (Lopez et al), implantation was successful in every case and overall complication rates were very low.
  

Scientific Reference
Lopez-Nava G, Rubio MA et al.  Bioenterics Intragastric Balloon (BIB).  Single Ambulatory Centre Spanish Experience with 714 Consecutive Patients treated with One or Two Consecutive Balloons.  Obes Surg 2010.  Published Online 20th March.