Gastric balloon is a popular treatment that helps with weight loss. Working with a simple system, the gastric balloon helps you achieve highly effective results in weight loss. When applied correctly, this method can help you achieve the body size you want.
The gastric balloon, which has been used worldwide for years to treat obesity, is a proven method. Thanks to the fact that it helps to lose weight in a short time and can be applied non-surgically, the gastric balloon is frequently preferred by patients and experts in recent years.
What is a Gastric Balloon?
Gastric balloon is an obesity treatment method produced from materials such as silicone or polyurethane, inflated with sterile liquid and placed in the stomach. Gastric balloon application is not a surgical intervention. However, depending on the type of balloon, some intragastric balloons are inserted and removed under endoscopy. Swallowable gastric balloons can also be used without endoscopy and anesthesia.
The mechanism of action of the gastric balloon is that it takes up space in the stomach and creates a constant feeling of satiety. In this way, patients consume less food and take in fewer calories at each meal, accelerating the weight loss process. The gastric balloon application, whose first studies started to be carried out in the 80s, has been developed and used with different types until today.
Who Can Get a Gastric Balloon?
Before the gastric balloon procedure, doctors will assess patients’ health status. The gastric balloon is only recommended for patients with a certain body mass index. Also, gastric ballooning is not recommended for people who have a stomach or intestinal disease or who are pregnant.
Patients suitable for gastric balloon application include the following:
- Overweight people who do not want to undergo a surgical procedure
- People who are at metabolic risk of surgery
- People who cannot lose weight with diet and exercise
A gastric balloon can be an effective method for suitable candidates. However, this method is not suitable for everyone and it is important to consult your doctor to assess your suitability.
How is a Gastric Balloon Procedure Performed?
It is very important for people who will have a gastric balloon to fast for 8 hours before the procedure. Where possible, the fasting period can be extended up to 10 hours. Apart from this, there is no other preparation that the patient needs to do beforehand for the gastric balloon procedure.
The patient arrives at the appointment on an empty stomach at the time of the procedure. First, an intravenous access is performed. The necessary tranquilizers are administered into the patient’s body through the opened intravenous access. Thus, the patient is placed in a semi-sleepy position.
General anesthesia is not needed during gastric balloon procedure. Therefore, the balloon insertion is performed while the patient is under sedation (sopor). The patient does not feel any pain or soreness during the procedure. The volume of the balloon is adjusted according to the size of the patient’s stomach and is usually removed after 6-12 months.
Advantages of Gastric Balloon
One of the biggest advantages of this procedure is that it does not require surgical intervention. Therefore, it is an ideal option for patients who are opposed to surgery or are not suitable for surgery. In addition, the recovery process after the procedure is quite fast and patients are usually discharged on the same day.
Is the Gastric Balloon an Effective Weight Loss Method?
The effect of gastric ballooning depends on the length of time the balloon stays in the stomach and how well the patient adapts to lifestyle changes. Usually the gastric balloon is removed within 6-12 months. As the balloon takes up space in the stomach during this time, patients consume less food and feel satiated more quickly. This accelerates the weight loss process. However, after removal of the balloon, the patient needs to maintain weight control. Because some patients may regain the weight they lost after the gastric balloon is removed. Therefore, the weight loss process should not only depend on the presence of the balloon, but lifestyle changes and healthy eating habits should also be adopted.
In conclusion, gastric balloon is an effective method of treating obesity, but it is important to use it in combination with the right candidate selection, correct preparation and an appropriate diet and exercise plan. As with any medical procedure, it is important that patients follow the doctors’ recommendations and consult their doctor if there are any problems.
After Gastric Balloon Procedure
Gastric Balloon Side Effects and Complications
After the procedure, patients may experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting and mild abdominal pain that may last for a few days. However, these side effects are usually temporary and disappear over time.
When the gastric balloon starts to lose its effect or some complications occur, it is recommended to remove the balloon. These are complications such as the puncturing, moving or dislodging of the balloon.
What Should be Taken into Consideration?
After the gastric balloon procedure, patients may need to make changes in their diet and lifestyle. Exercising regularly, following a healthy diet and limiting alcohol consumption will improve the effects of the gastric balloon.
The effect of the gastric balloon may vary from person to person and the physician’s recommendations must be followed after the procedure. However, the gastric balloon procedure should not only be considered as a weight loss method, but also as a beginning for a lifestyle change.
After the gastric balloon application, there are important issues to be considered. These can be listed as follows:
- Drink only liquids for the first few days: For the first few days after the gastric balloon procedure, it is recommended to consume only liquid foods. This will help the area where the gastric balloon was placed to heal.
- Follow the diet recommended by your doctor: After the gastric balloon procedure, your doctor may recommend a special diet program for you. Following this diet program will help you lose weight and increase the effectiveness of the gastric balloon.
- Drink plenty of water: It is recommended to drink plenty of water after the gastric balloon procedure. This enhances the effect of the gastric balloon and helps your digestive system to function properly.
- Do exercise: Regular exercise is recommended after the gastric balloon procedure. This will help you lose weight and adopt a healthy lifestyle.
- Do not skip your medical check-ups: After the gastric balloon procedure, you should go to your doctor regularly. During these check-ups, you can get information about the positioning of the gastric balloon, its effect and your general health status.
- Monitor possible side effects: Some side effects may occur after gastric balloon procedure. These include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, indigestion and constipation. Following such side effects, it is advisable to contact your doctor.
