Are there any people who shouldn’t consider the gastric balloon?
A. The gastric balloon system is NOT right for you if: • You have a BMI of less than 27. • You are pregnant or breast-feeding • You have had previous gastric surgery, or any of the following conditions: • A history of gastrointestinal motility disorders • Uncontrolled eating disorders, such as bulimia • Any inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract • Potential upper-gastrointestinal bleeding conditions • A large hiatal hernia (larger than 5 cm) • A structural abnormality in the esophagus or pharynx, such as a stricture or diverticulum • You are addicted to drugs or alcohol • You are unwilling to participate in an established, medically supervised diet and behaviour modification programs • You are taking chronic, high doses of aspirin, anti-inflammatory agents, anticoagulants, or other gastric irritants.
