Gastric Balloon

What is a Gastric Balloon?

Gastric balloon is a non-surgical weight loss method. A silicone balloon placed in the stomach helps to lose weight by taking up space. This balloon takes up space in the stomach and allows you to be full quickly with less food. It helps you to acquire healthy eating habits along with the feeling of satiety. It is a method that does not cause a permanent change in the stomach.

What are the Gastric Balloon Types?

Gastric balloons are generally divided into two;

1. Endoscopic gastric balloons
2. swallowable gastric balloon

Endoscopic gastric balloons are balloons placed with the help of endoscopy. Their removal is done by endoscopy in the same way. These balloons are also separated according to their residence time in the body and whether they are adjustable or not. Medsil, Medicone, Lex-Bal (Lexbal), End-Ball (Endball) are 6 month balloons. Orbera365 (Orbera) is a 12-month balloon. The Spatz3 (Spatz) is an example of an adjustable 12-month balloon.

The swallowable gastric balloon is a new technology developed in recent years. Patients swallow the capsule-shaped balloon with a small amount of water without the need for endoscopy or anesthesia and can return to their daily lives after the procedure.

Here, information about the endoscopic gastric balloon is given in general. You can find information about the Elipse swallowable gastric balloon under the swallowable gastric balloon heading.

How is the Gastric Balloon Applied ?

The gastric balloon is placed under anesthesia by endoscopy. The balloon placed in the stomach is inflated with sterile water colored with blue dye to reach the desired volume. Although this volume is 500 ml on average, it usually varies between 400 and 700 ml depending on the stomach capacity of the person. It is a quick and painless procedure. The duration of the procedure is on average 15 minutes. It is carried out on a daily basis. Does not require hospitalization. The patient is kept under observation for a short time and sent home.

Who is the Gastric Balloon Applied to?          

Gastric balloon is a suitable option especially for people who do not want to have surgery because of their risks. The risks are extremely low and it is a safe and effective procedure. Gastric balloon is recommended for patients with a body mass index (BMI) above 27. The following people are suitable for gastric balloon application.

– People who cannot lose weight despite dieting

– Those who cannot exercise for various reasons

– Those who need to lose weight as soon as possible for medical reasons

– People who do not want to have surgery because of their risks

– For preparation before bariatric surgery

To Whom Is The Gastric Balloon Not Applied?

– BMI below 27

– Those who have had previous bariatric surgery

– Those with stomach problems such as ulcers and severe gastritis

– pregnancy

Is Gastric Balloon a Painful Procedure ?

Since the gastric balloon application is performed under anesthesia, there is no pain or discomfort during the procedure.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Gastric Balloon?

The main purpose of the gastric balloon is not to provide a temporary weight loss, but to have a permanently fit and healthy body. During the time spent with the gastric balloon, healthy eating habits are acquired and a healthy lifestyle is started. The aim is to continue these habits after the balloon is removed. In addition, as a result of weight loss with the help of a gastric balloon, a significant regression is observed in diseases such as insulin resistance, diabetes and high blood pressure. In some patients, the need for medication decreases with the regulation of sugar or high blood pressure. The most important disadvantage of the gastric balloon is that it is temporary. The balloon is removed after 6 months or 1 year. However, this disadvantage is eliminated by continuing the acquired healthy habits. Generally, a period of 6 months is sufficient for weight control.

How to Remove Gastric Balloon?

The gastric balloon is removed by endoscopy under anesthesia as it was inserted. The duration of the procedure is about 20 minutes and there is no pain during the procedure.

How does the process work after the gastric balloon is inserted?

Minutes after the procedure is over, the patient comes out of anesthesia. The patient is kept under observation for approximately one hour. In the meantime, necessary drugs are given. Complaints that develop after gastric balloon often go away after 2-3 days. In the first days, the patient may complain of nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Medications to be used until the complaints subside are prescribed. After explaining the nutrition plan, the patient is sent home. During the familiarization process, the patient is in constant communication with the patient for complaints and questions.

How Much Weight Loss With Gastric Balloon ?

Depending on the patient’s compliance with the nutrition program, weight loss of 15 to 25 kg is possible.

How Should We Feed After Gastric Balloon Application ?

Gastric balloon occupies space in the stomach and provides a long-term feeling of fullness. Compared to the pre-application, a significant decrease is observed in the portion amount.

After the gastric balloon procedure, fluid consumption can be started and a liquid diet is usually applied for the first 2 days. Sugar-free, protein-rich liquids are used. 3-7. Between days, soft foods are given by trying. Cheese, soft fruits, purees, condensed soups and yoghurt can be consumed in this process. Patients can switch to solid foods after an average of 1 week. It is desired that the daily water consumption of the patient reaches 1.5 liters.

Things to consider after gastric balloon:

• Solids and liquids should not be consumed at the same time.
• It is necessary to wait at least 30 minutes between solids and liquids.
• Sugar consumption should be limited.
• Since very oily and very spicy products will increase stomach and reflux complaints, they should be consumed as little as possible.

Does the Gastric Balloon Pop ?

It is not possible for the balloon to burst violently and damage the stomach. However, perforation of the gastric balloon is rare. This probability is less than 0.1%. If the balloon is punctured, the blue dye used to inflate the balloon leaks out and mixes with the urine, dyeing the urine a blue-green color. This is how the balloon is punctured. If it is thought that the gastric balloon has been punctured, the relevant physician is informed. The punctured balloon must be removed within 48 hours.

Is There Any Harm of Gastric Balloon ?

Gastric balloon damages are negligible when compared to its benefits. It is a very fast and safe method. In general, the balloon does not harm the stomach or the body. Since balloons are generally made of silicone material, there is no chemical or biological interaction between the stomach and the balloon. Those who have a gastric balloon put in talk about the most nausea. Vomiting and abdominal pain are the next complaints. These complaints are usually temporary and patients get relief within a few days. Those who use Elipse gastric balloons mention that they have fewer complaints than those who have other gastric balloons. Gastric balloon comments of our patients are generally in this direction. If the stomach cannot adapt to the balloon, rarely the complaints may persist. This is called balloon intolerance (incompatibility), and the balloon may need to be removed early. This probability is around 1%. Complications such as ulcers or perforation in the stomach may occur very rarely.

What are Gastric Balloon Prices? Why Do Gastric Balloon Prices Vary?

There is no single answer to the question “How much is a gastric balloon?” Gastric balloon price varies depending on the type of balloon and the package you choose. The packages include dietitian follow-up and biochemical and genetic tests planned before the procedure. Prices vary depending on the dietitian follow-up period and the type of tests to be performed. In addition, the price of the gastric balloon has changed depending on the fluctuations in the exchange rates in 2021 and 2022. Gastric balloon price is at the most suitable level for 6-month balloons. Spatz gastric balloon price is higher because it is both 1 year old and adjustable. The price of the swallowable gastric balloon is different from the others because it is a new technology. Elipse gastric balloon price can also show periodically. Gastric balloon surgery price is included in the total procedure fee you pay. For detailed information about prices, you can contact us on our contact number or whatsapp line.