Intolerance to the Device – Abdominal Pain, Nausea, and Others

Common postoperative symptoms after intragastric balloon placement are abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. These side effects may occur in up to 90% of patients but normally resolve over 48–72 hours. If these symptoms do not resolve, they may lead to long-term complications, such as gastroesophageal reflux, esophagitis, or ulcers. Other uncommon complications include pancreatitis and gastric outlet obstruction. Balloon removal is necessary in as many as 20% of patients due to these unresolved symptoms.