What is obesity?
	Obesity is the increase of fat cells in the body leading to putting weight. It is called excessive obesity or pathologic obesity when it threatens the life of one or more people. It is calculated through comparison of weight to height, which is called Body mass Index (BMI).
	Causes of excessive obesity:
	The causes of excessive obesity are too many, and it is not only eating much as most people think. It is a genetic factor which makes it possible in your body to be obese. When the weight of the person reaches some limit, it becomes irreversible even with sporting, exercise and diet systems.
	Health problems stemming from obesity:
	Diabetes & cardiac problems. Osteoarthritis. Breathing problem (lack of Oxygen). Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Depression. Infertility.
	Treatment of Excessive Obesity:
	In our Surgery Department, we offer two types of treatment:
	Gastric Balloon. Gastric banding.
	Gastric Balloon:
	It is a balloon made of silicon which is inserted in the stomach & filled with 600 mm of sterile saline liquids. The balloon presses on the appetite point in the stomach causing a feeling of satisfaction to the obese patient. The balloon fills part of the stomach; therefore, the patient can’t take a big meal. The balloon is introduced into the stomach using endoscopy within 15 minutes under GA (general anesthesia) without the need for surgery of the abdomen. The patient stays 24-48 hours, however, the patient can discharge from the hospital 6 hours after introducing the balloon, but it is preferable to stay 24 hours for follow-up.
	Side effects of the balloon:
	Usually, the patient suffers nausea & vomiting for 2-3 days; then he/she starts improving gradually.
	When will the patient be able to return to normal activities ?
	The patient can do the daily activities starting from the 4 th day after the balloon insertion, because there are no wounds in the abdomen.
	Types of food a patient can take after balloon insertion:
	During the 1 st week the patient can take beaten food or mixed food in the mixer; then, the patient can have the usual food types but he/she should chew them thoroughly. The patient shall be given the list food types that he/she should avoid.
	Duration of the balloon in the stomach:
	The balloon is kept in the stomach for six months because it is affected by the gastric acidic contents; therefore, it must be removed by the end of the six months period.
	Removal of the Balloon :
	The balloon is normally removed in the same way it was placed.
	Doctor’s advice after removal of the balloon:
	Doctors advise patients to adhere to the list of food types & to take some exercise.