Already in the 20th century, balloons were used to lose weight.
In through the mouth and down into the stomach, and then inflated or filled with water.
The patient then gets a feeling of satiety - which causes them to lose weight.
After several years of silence and product development, Sweden started using the method again five years ago in private care.
But despite improved procedures and a more durable balloon, the Swedish Medicines Agency warns that it can entail major risks.
- I would not advise anyone to do it, because it is not a great method.
A lot of complications, expensive and you only achieve a temporary effect, says Ville Wallenius, chief physician at Sahlgrenska.
Had to have emergency surgery
In Sweden, serious incidents such as far-reaching vomiting and intestinal upset have been reported.
In some cases, patients also need to be put to sleep and undergo emergency surgery.
In other countries, including the United States, there have been reports of deaths following the procedure.
According to the Swedish Medicines Agency, there may also be shortcomings in the information given to patients, both before and after the procedure.
In addition, they believe, despite the increasing reporting, that there is an underreporting.
- The doctors we have been in contact with have stated that they do not really see that the product has any use anymore.
Now there are other options on the market.
As drug treatment, for example, says Helena Henriksson, group manager of the Swedish Medicines Agency.