What is the main reason for gastric balloon intolerance?

Question

1. Studies indicate about 10% of gastric balloon cases have it removed early due to intolerance. 2. Will doctors ever give a refund or replacement if this happens?

Christopher E. McGowan, MD · Answer

The primary reason for balloon intolerance is delayed (slowed) stomach emptying. We know that this is the primary mechanism that leads to weight loss with Orbera, but in some cases the slowing can be so severe that patients have persistent nausea and vomiting. This is called gastroparesis. This may necessitate early removal. 
We see intolerance occur at two time points. The most common is at month 2-3 after placement. At that time, stomach emptying may further slow, and patients will re-develop nausea and vomiting. This is very difficult to overcome with medications and we typically recommend balloon removal. 
Less commonly, intolerance may develop immediately after placement and continue for the first 1-2 weeks without improvement, requiring removal. In practice, this is much less frequent than the first scenario. 
Overall, the incidence of balloon intolerance and early removal ranges from 10-16% globally. Unfortunately, we cannot accurately predict who will be intolerant. The only identified predictor is use of SSRI anti-depressants. For patients on these medications, I counsel about the higher risk of intolerance. Otherwise, we try to screen for a history of frequent nausea, easy vomiting, or a "weak" stomach. This would be reasons to potentially avoid an intragastric balloon. 
There are ongoing studies evaluating other risk factors for early balloon removal, including the presence of baseline (pre-balloon) gastroparesis, which may be a factor. 
Unfortunately, when early balloon removal is needed, a refund is not typically provided.

H. Joseph Naim, MD, FACS · Answer

There are a few factors for intolerance, and different ways to treat it.
Main reason is that the Balloon is a foreign body and your stomach is trying to get red if it.
Ways to prevent that includes: hydration, nausea medications, at timed potassium replacement and maintaining a liquid diet with sips of oral intake all day!
Regardless, most of the time, after few days to about a week the symptoms are much improved and most of the times resolved.
Now, will doctors ever give a refund or replacement if this happens? No, but he or she may help you with an alternative treatment plan.

Edgar Serrano, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

The main reason for gastric balloon intolerance is the inability of the body to adapt to the presence of a foreign object in the stomach. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including:
Nausea and vomitingAbdominal painEarly satiety (feeling full after eating a small amount of food)HeartburnAcid refluxFatigueWeight lossIn some cases, gastric balloon intolerance can lead to more serious complications, such as:
Perforation of the stomach or esophagusInfectionObstruction of the intestinesBleedingIf you experience any of the symptoms of gastric balloon intolerance, it is important to see your doctor right away. They will be able to assess your condition and determine if you need to have the balloon removed.
Here are some of the factors that can increase the risk of gastric balloon intolerance:
Age: Gastric balloon intolerance is more common in older adults.Smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of nausea and vomiting, heartburn, and acid reflux.Alcohol consumption: Alcohol can irritate the stomach and increase the risk of nausea and vomiting.Obesity: People with obesity may be more likely to experience gastric balloon intolerance.Certain medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and Crohn's disease, can increase the risk of gastric balloon intolerance.Here are some things you can do to reduce your risk of gastric balloon intolerance:
Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help to reduce the risk of nausea and vomiting, heartburn, and acid reflux.Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption: Smoking and alcohol consumption can irritate the stomach and increase the risk of nausea and vomiting.Maintain a healthy weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can help to reduce the risk of gastric balloon intolerance.Talk to your doctor about any medical conditions you have: If you have any medical conditions, talk to your doctor about whether you are a good candidate for gastric balloon therapy.If you are considering gastric balloon therapy, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the procedure. They will be able to assess your individual circumstances and determine if gastric balloon therapy is right for you.

Pablo Garcia, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hello, I hope you are well. Yes, there is a percentage of patients who opt for balloon removal. This typically happens within he first few days as side effects may be very uncomfortable. These include abdominal discomfort and nausea. However, you would receive sympotamic medication in order to help subside these symptoms. As I have stated, these symptoms only last for the first few days, typically day 2-3. In case of intolerance, refunding would depend on your bariatric team.

What is the main reason for gastric balloon intolerance?

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