RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with systemic co-morbi- dities. Conservative management has a low rate ofsuccess in the short and long term. Therefore, novel endoscopic strate- gies have emerged as alternative therapies to bariatric sur- gery. The intragastric balloon (IGB) is a temporary, effective and safe endoscopic treatment for weight loss. Objectives. 1. To describe changes in body mass index (BMI) in patients who completed treatment with IGB. 2. To describe metabo- lic co-morbidities and psychological features at admission. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with an age equal to or higher than 13 years-old were evaluated by a multidiscipli- nary team and categorized as "suitable" for IGB. The study took place in aprivate center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, bet- ween November 2007 andNovember 2012. The design was interventionist, longitudinal, comparative and retrospective. Interventions were: a) IGB placement was done with the usual technique; b) Nutritional monitoring was performed and a low calorie diet and an exercise plan were indicated. Follow-up was performed monthly. Main outcome measu- rements were: 1) Changes in BMI between baseline and at IGB removal according to diet and exercise compliance, 2) metabolic co-morbidities, 3) psychological traits evaluated wit checklist SCL 90. RESULTS: We included 385 patients, 66% female, mean age 41 years (range 13 to 70 years). A BMI decrease of 5 points (13 kg) was observed in the overall sample and in the 322 patients (83.6%) who completed 6 months (14 kg) (NS). The weight loss was greater in those who were compliant to diet and exercise (P = 0.0001). Most prevalent metabolic co-morbidities and psychological traits were dyslipemia and depression, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: IGB was effective in all patients. Weight loss was greater in patients compliant to diet and exercise.