Dozens of serious injuries and at least 5 deaths have been linked to fluid-filled stomach balloons for weight-loss. The most serious side effects are pancreatitis, balloon over-inflation, and stomach or esophageal perforation.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting stomach balloon induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by a stomach balloon for weight-loss, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Medical Device Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
What are Stomach Balloons?
Intragastric balloon systems (or “stomach balloons”) are weight-loss devices that are inserted down a patient’s throat into the stomach and filled with liquid. The fluid-filled balloon takes up space in the stomach, providing a feeling of fullness that makes it less appealing to eat food.
The FDA has approved 3 stomach balloons systems:
- ReShape® Integrated Dual Balloon System (Reshape Medical)
- Orbera® Intragastric Balloon System (Apollo Endo-Surgery)
- Obalon® Balloon System (Obalon Therapeutics, Inc.)
FDA: 5 Deaths Linked to Stomach Balloons in 1 Year
In August 2017, the FDA issued a warning after 5 people died after receiving the ReShape or Orbera stomach balloons. All of the patients died within 1 month, and 3 of them died within 1-3 days of balloon placement. The FDA is also investigating 2 more people who died after their Orbera or ReShape stomach balloon perforated their esophagus or stomach. Click here to read more.
Stomach Balloons and Pancreatitis
In February 2017, the FDA issued a warning after “several dozen” report of stomach balloons spontaneously over-filling with fluid or air — sometimes as soon as 9 days after placement of the balloon. The symptoms of balloon over-inflation include intense abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, discomfort, difficulty breathing, and vomiting. These side effects may require premature removal of the balloon.
Stomach Balloons and Spontaneous Over-Inflation
Stomach balloon patients can develop sudden and severe inflammation in their pancreas (acute pancreatitis) when a fluid-filled balloon presses on their internal organs. At least 4 patients were hospitalized with this side effect. All of them had the balloon removed. Pancreatitis was not listed as a possible side effect of stomach balloons until February 2017, so doctors and patients may not be aware of the risk. Symptoms include severe abdominal or back pain.
Stomach Balloon Complications
- Pancreatitis
- Pancreas inflammation
- Balloon over-inflation
- Stomach perforation
- Esophageal perforation
- Intestinal blockage
- Organ damage
- Death
What is the problem?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is nationally recognized as a class action law firm, but our trial attorneys are not currently filing a stomach balloon class action lawsuit. Instead, we are filing individual lawsuits for people who were injured by weight-loss stomach balloon side effects.
About Class Actions
Class action lawsuits usually include a large group of people who all have the same legal claim. Everyone joins together and shares any payout that is awarded through a settlement or courtroom jury verdict.
Why Our Law Firm is Filing Individual Lawsuits as Opposed to a Class Action
Individuals withs severe injuries from weight-loss balloons could be at a disadvantage if they join a class action lawsuit, especially if they have significant medical expenses and they have to share the payout.
Instead of a class action, our lawyers file individual lawsuits. We specialize in maximizing compensation for individuals with severe injuries rather than large groups of people with minor legal claims.
If you were injured by side effects of a stomach balloon for weight-loss, our lawyers may be able to help you file a lawsuit. You could be entitled to financial compensation for your medical bills — and more.
Do I have a Stomach Balloon Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting stomach balloon induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been injured by a stomach balloon for weight-loss, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Medical Device Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs' law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firm's reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.
