Gastric Balloon

Gastric Balloon

Today, although information about weight loss and exercise is very easily available, many people are misinformed about weight loss. Shock diets can help you lose weight temporarily, but the faster you lose weight, the faster you gain weight is almost inevitable. With the advancements in technology and medicine, weight loss surgeries have become more and more popular in recent years. One of the techniques that helps to lose and maintain weight is the gastric balloon procedure.

What is a Gastric Balloon?

Gastric balloon is a method preferred by patients who do not want a surgical operation and used to help lose weight. In this method, a soft silicone balloon is temporarily placed in the stomach. The procedure is simple and non-surgical as the balloon is inserted into the stomach via endoscopy.

Immediately after the balloon is placed in the stomach, it is filled with salt water and allowed to float freely. Here, the purpose of the balloon is to give a feeling of satiety to prevent overeating. The less food consumed, the more weight is lost. Private Hürrem Sultan Hospital Gastric balloon procedure, unlike other surgical bariatric applications, does not need to change the stomach anatomy and is a completely reversible procedure. However, it is a short-term solution and depending on the type of balloon chosen by the patient, the duration of stay in the stomach is 6 to 12 months and then it is removed.

Who is Suitable for Gastric Balloon Procedure?

The requirements for the gastric balloon are generally less stringent than those of other bariatric surgeries. For this reason, this method is very suitable for patients who cannot meet the criteria of bariatric surgery with their body mass index or who are too sick to undergo surgery. A gastric balloon may be an option if one of the following is right for you:

• You have tried losing weight through diet and exercise and have had little or no success.
• You are willing to maintain a healthy lifestyle to ensure the longevity of the positive results you get after the procedure.
• You have not had any previous stomach or esophageal surgery.

How Much Weight Can I Lose With Gastric Balloon?

It is possible for patients to lose approximately 15% of their initial current weight, or around 10-25 kg depending on their initial weight. During this time, it would be more appropriate to work with a dietitian team to control diet and exercise so that the weight loss process can begin. Having a correct nutrition model and a new lifestyle program will form the basis of success.

As with other bariatric procedures, the gastric balloon does not guarantee excessive weight loss. Most of the patients who successfully follow the diet and exercise plan given to them for 6 months make it a habit. They see that even after the gastric balloons are removed, they do not have much difficulty in adapting to their life without a gastric balloon. However, if you return to your old lifestyle after the balloon is removed, it is highly likely that you will regain the weight you lost.

Are There Any Side Effects of the Gastric Balloon Procedure?

Although the gastric balloon is a relatively simple and safe method, there are some side effects that should be mentioned:

Nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps: Especially in the first 3 days, these side effects are expected to be seen in the patient and this is normal. Medication support will be given to manage these symptoms.

Dehydration: The appetite suppressed by the balloon can affect the amount of fluid consumed, but this problem disappears as soon as the stomach begins to adapt to the balloon.

Ulcer: The ulcer problem is usually caused by the balloon irritating the stomach lining. Doctors usually prescribe medication to reduce stomach acid to avoid this side effect.

Early removal: If the patient states that he or she cannot tolerate side effects in the first few days of placement, early removal of the gastric balloon is performed.

Are There Any Side Effects of the Gastric Balloon Procedure?

Although the gastric balloon is a relatively simple and safe method, there are some side effects that should be mentioned:

Nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps: Especially in the first 3 days, these side effects are expected to be seen in the patient and this is normal. Medication support will be given to manage these symptoms.

Dehydration: The appetite suppressed by the balloon can affect the amount of fluid consumed, but this problem disappears as soon as the stomach begins to adapt to the balloon.

Ulcer: The ulcer problem is usually caused by the balloon irritating the stomach lining. Doctors usually prescribe medication to reduce stomach acid to avoid this side effect.

Early removal: If the patient states that he or she cannot tolerate side effects in the first few days of placement, early removal of the gastric balloon is performed.

As a result, the gastric balloon is a method you can use when your weight loss efforts are not successful. However, do not forget that the gastric balloon does not have a role on its own in losing weight, and in this process, you have to be determined to make changes in your lifestyle; To get the best results, you have to work hard and take responsibility for your life.