Losing weight to achieve joint or hernia surgery: is the intragastric balloon the answer?

Background: Obesity is an epidemic, with its accompanying medical conditions putting patients at increased risk of postoperative complications. For patients undergoing elective surgery, preoperative weight loss provides an opportunity to decrease complications. We sought to evaluate the safety and efficacy of an intragastric balloon in achieving a body mass index (BMI) < 35 kg/m prior to elective joint replacement or hernia repair.