A large majority of Americans are overweight. In fact, according to the CDC , 70% of adults are either obese or overweight. A total of 30% of Americans are obese.

The CDC defines being overweight as having a BMI, or body mass index, between 25 and 29.9. Obesity is defined as having a BMI of 30 or higher. Combined with the cultural definitions we have showing super skinny supermodels as being the epitome of beauty, many individuals become desperate and seek potentially risky interventions in order to lose weight.

One such intervention that has become quite popular is surgery using a gastric balloon. In this minimally invasive surgery, one or more silicone balloons is placed within a patient’s stomach, then inflated, making less room for food. As a result, the individual feels full sooner and eats less, and within a six-month timeframe, many individuals lose approximately 1/3 of their weight.

Is a Gastric Balloon Safe?

Gastric balloon procedures have been considered relatively safe until recently. Last month, the FDA issued an alert regarding potential complications linked to gastric balloon procedures.

The alert stated that since 2016, five patients have died as a result of gastric balloon procedures.

In its report, the FDA states, “All five reports indicate that patient deaths occurred within a month or less of balloon placement. In three reports, death occurred as soon as one to three days after balloon placement. At this time, we do not know the root cause or incidence rate of patient death, nor have we been able to definitively attribute the deaths to the devices or the insertion procedures for these devices (e.g., gastric and esophageal perforation, or intestinal obstruction).”

In addition to the five deaths, the agency goes on to state that two additional deaths were reported.

“The Agency has also received two additional reports of deaths in the same time period related to potential complications associated with balloon treatment (one gastric perforation with the Orbera Intragastric Balloon System and one esophageal perforation with the ReShape Integrated Dual Balloon System),” the alert says.

Earlier this year, the FDA issued another safety alert regarding gastric balloon safety. Two particular complications were noted following gastric balloon placement.

The first complication was linked to spontaneous over inflation of the gastric balloon. The balloons could become over inflated with air or liquid and cause problems to the patient. According to the safety alert, “Symptoms of balloon over-inflation included intense abdominal pain, swelling of the abdomen (abdominal distension) with or without discomfort, difficulty breathing, and/or vomiting.”

The second complication reported with gastric balloon procedures is acute pancreatitis. This swelling of the pancreas was reported as “due to the compression of gastrointestinal structures created by the implanted balloon(s).”

Have You Suffered Complications after Gastric Balloon Surgery?

If you have suffered from complications after gastric balloon surgery, you may be eligible to seek legal compensation for your injuries. An attorney can provide you with a free case consultation to discuss the unique situation related to your gastric balloon complications and can help advise you on your future legal options.

Plaintiffs who go on to file successful lawsuits against product manufacturers may be able to receive compensation related to their medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and more. Consult an attorney today for more information.

Join a Free Gastric Balloon Side Effects Class Action Investigation

If you or a loved one has suffered from complications following a gastric balloon procedure, you may be entitled to compensation.

Fill out the form on this page now or call 1-(855)-JONES-LAW (1-855-566-3752) for a FREE case evaluation. In general, gastric balloon lawsuits are filed individually by each plaintiff and are not class actions. After you fill out the form, the attorneys who work with Top Class Actions will contact you if you qualify to let you know if an individual lawsuit or class action lawsuit is best for you. Hurry — statutes of limitations may apply.

Learn More