Gastric Balloon

Gastric balloon insertion is usually an endoscopic procedure, meaning it is performed through a tube and does not require a surgical incision. First, the patient is sedated (anesthetized) so that he or she can undergo the procedure in comfort. Then, the doctor advances an endoscopic tube through the patient's mouth into the esophagus.

Once inside the esophagus and into the stomach, a gastric balloon is inserted through the endoscopic tube. The balloon is inserted into the patient's stomach filled with fluid. This procedure increases the volume of the stomach and creates a feeling of fullness. As the balloon is filled with fluid, the patient starts to eat less. Over time, he/she will also start to lose weight.

To screen for contraindications to gastric balloon placement, a full history and physical examination of patients must be completed. First of all, a gastric balloon should not be performed in women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy. It is also contraindicated for those with stomach problems such as stomach ulcers, active inflammatory bowel disease, stomach or intestinal tumors. Some medicines may interact with the gastric balloon. People taking regular medication should be especially careful. Gastric ballooning is also not recommended for people with serious heart or respiratory problems. People with swallowing difficulties may find it difficult and risky to use a gastric balloon. Congenital or acquired digestive system problems such as atresia or stenosis, previous open abdominal surgery are contraindicated. 

 This procedure is also not recommended for those with a serious psychiatric illness, allergy or sensitivity to the endoscopy required to insert or remove the gastric balloon.

If a person who has had a gastric balloon placed wants to become pregnant, they should consult their doctor. The gastric balloon procedure and the dietary supplements taken during this procedure may affect the pregnancy process. Doctors will assess how the gastric balloon affects during pregnancy and take appropriate measures if necessary.

The gastric balloon success rate in Turkey is on par with the world average. This procedure is performed with great care in Turkey. All specialists have been doing this task for a long time and usually produce successful results. At the same time, success rates vary depending on the amount of weight loss and the person's lifestyle after treatment. On average, a weight loss of 10% to 15% is usually achieved with the gastric balloon in the first months. However, this can increase or decrease depending on how the person motivates themselves, their diet and exercise habits. If you want to have a gastric balloon, you can have this treatment in Turkey with complete confidence.

The lifespan of the gastric balloon usually varies between 6 months and 1 year.  During this period, the gastric balloon reduces the person's appetite to support weight loss. However, the gastric balloon should be removed at the end of the specified period. Long-term use is not recommended because such devices can put pressure on the lining of the stomach and the stomach can be damaged. We recommend that individuals considering obesity treatment consult a doctor and follow expert advice.

How much weight loss will occur after the gastric balloon procedure depends on many factors such as age, gender, initial weight, eating habits and lifestyle. We can say that people who have a gastric balloon usually lose between 15-25 kg. However, this number varies from person to person, some people may lose 15 kg, while others may lose 30 kg. The most effective period of the gastric balloon is the first 3-4 months. During this period, weight loss occurs rapidly. It is very important to stick to the nutrition program recommended by your doctor. 

The most important thing here is that the patient can maintain his/her eating habits after the balloon is removed. We recommend avoiding high-calorie, sugar-containing foods. A small amount of weight gain may occur after the balloon is removed. In cases where the patient does not change his/her eating habits, problems such as insufficient weight loss or inability to maintain weight may occur. However, in compliant patients, weight loss continues even after the balloon is removed.

The most common side effect of the gastric balloon is nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain immediately after the procedure. This may occur during the body's acceptance of the balloon inserted into the stomach and usually subsides within the first few days.

However, gastric balloon surgery can also have longer-term side effects. One of these side effects can be the difficulty for the person who has had the gastric balloon inserted to change their eating habits. At the same time, problems such as nausea and vomiting can negatively affect a person's diet. In addition, nutritional problems such as vitamin and mineral deficiencies may also occur during the weight loss process with the gastric balloon. After gastric balloon application, the body's water and mineral balance may also be affected. Therefore, it is important to drink enough water and consider vitamin and mineral supplements, following the doctor's recommendations.

Another side effect of gastric balloon surgery, although rare, may be leakage or bursting of the balloon. This requires urgent medical attention. It is important to talk to your doctor before the gastric balloon procedure and assess whether the procedure is suitable for you.