GASTRIC BALLOON

Gastric balloon insertion is a procedure recommended for patients with a lower body mass index and is an important alternative to bariatric surgery. Most patients lose about 10 to 20% of their total body weight within six months. The gastric balloon is very effective, does not require surgery, and can be inserted in a few minutes in a fairly straightforward manner. However, treatment with a gastric balloon is only temporary and requires additional changes in the patient’s lifestyle and eating habits, a routine exercise program, and support, if necessary, in the form of nutritional counseling to be permanently successful.

The gastric balloon aids weight loss by reducing the space for food by about half. Of the average 1.5 liters of stomach volume, only about 60% remains. In addition, the gastric balloon narrows the passage of food, which slows the food’s journey through the stomach and leads to earlier stretching of the stomach wall, resulting in a faster and longer-lasting feeling of fullness.

WHO IS A GASTRIC BALLOON SUITABLE FOR?

The insertion of a gastric balloon is particularly suitable for patients with a body weight between 85 and 130 kilograms. In severely obese patients, the balloon stomach sometimes serves as a preparation for gastric reduction, since in this way the body weight and thus the general surgical risk for the patient are already reduced.

Time Required

After a short medical observation, the patient can leave the clinic on the same day. After 5 days of rest, a return flight home may be planned.

Before the Gastric Balloon

In preparation for the procedure, patients are not allowed to eat for at least 12 hours before the balloon is inserted, and they are not allowed to drink for 6 hours before the balloon is inserted. It is extremely important to adhere to this requirement because the inflation of the balloon often causes a mild feeling of nausea, which is why doctors may even administer anti-reflux and anti-nausea medications.

How Is the Treatment Carried Out?

The gastric balloon is a soft balloon made of well-tolerated silicone. This balloon is inserted through the mouth into the stomach using a medical endoscope, a flexible tube with a light and camera at the tip. Then the intragastric balloon is filled with 350-500ml of a sterile saline solution. The solution is dyed blue so that it can be clearly seen if a balloon is damaged and fluid leaks out. However, the color is completely harmless.

A gastric balloon can remain in the stomach for up to 6 months before it is removed again with the endoscope. This is to prevent complications, such as intestinal obstruction.

Duration of treatment: The insertion of a gastric balloon takes about 20 to 30 minutes and is performed as an outpatient procedure under light sedation.

After Insertion of the Gastric Balloon

Patients may experience discomfort, nausea or a feeling of pressure during the first few days after the insertion of a gastric balloon. These accompanying symptoms may last up to one week. A reduced feeling of hunger and an early feeling of satiety set in from the first day, as the balloon immediately almost halves the volume of the stomach.

From now on, patients must adhere to a detailed diet plan. For the first three days, they are only allowed to consume liquids, and only from the fourth day onwards are they allowed to start eating soft foods. From the tenth day, they are allowed to eat solid food again. This gentle diet helps the stomach to adapt to the new situation.

Patients will notice a significant weight loss during the first week. Men generally lose between 4 and 7 kilos, while women lose as much as 3 to 9 kilos on average. In the second week, appetite returns, but patients feel a sense of satiety after even the smallest amounts of food. From the third week, appetite increases steadily. Now it is important to eat slowly, focus on a healthy and balanced diet and follow the individually created nutrition program. In addition, sufficient exercise and a sustainable sports program should become part of daily life.

Only those who improve their diet plan and exercise sufficiently will achieve the desired weight loss, maintain the weight loss and ideally lose even more weight. Working with an experienced nutritionist is also useful as a supportive measure.

Possible Risks

Possible risks include reflux problems, nausea and vomiting, stomach cramps, sleep disturbances and, rarely, acute pancreatitis from an overfilled gastric balloon.

Costs for a Gastric Balloon in Istanbul

The cost of inserting a gastric balloon in our clinic in Istanbul ranges from 1,500 euros to 2,100 euros. So, this treatment is an affordable alternative to weight loss surgical procedures such as gastric reduction and gastric bypass surgery.

Are you thinking about having a gastric balloon inserted in Turkey? Then contact us! Our experienced team of doctors will be happy to advise you on all current treatment methods.