What is Gastric Balloon?
A gastric balloon is a procedure performed endoscopically or by swallowing a capsule, which is placed in the stomach, occupying space and inducing early satiety.
Individuals considering this procedure should be aware of important factors:
- The weight loss results will be temporary. - Weight loss is expected to be in the range of 10-20% of excess weight. - Exercise and diet are mandatory. - During the first week after the procedure, there may be complaints of cramps, nausea, vomiting, and the possibility of balloon removal.
What is the Purpose of Gastric Balloon?
A gastric balloon is a commonly used weight loss technique. The goal is for the balloon to occupy space in your stomach, contributing to a quicker sense of fullness.
How is Gastric Balloon Inserted?
Gastric balloons come in two types: those inserted endoscopically and those in capsule form that can be swallowed. Endoscopic gastric balloons are placed in an endoscopy unit. While you are asleep due to anesthesia administered through a vein, your doctor evaluates your stomach with an endoscope. If there are no obstacles, the doctor simultaneously places the balloon into your stomach using the endoscope. The procedure takes about 10 minutes, and since you are asleep, you won't remember or feel it. Allurion gastric balloon (Swallowable Gastric Balloon) is swallowed with the help of water. Anesthesia and endoscopy are not necessary for this procedure. After you swallow the capsule, its position in the stomach is detected with an X-ray. Once it reaches the appropriate place, it is inflated with its special liquid and checked again with an X-ray. The inflation tube is then removed. If you have difficulty swallowing this balloon, it can also be placed endoscopically.
Who Should Not Get a Gastric Balloon?
It is not suitable for individuals with reflux, stomach ulcers, those who have had part or all of their stomach removed, or those with any stomach issues or hernias.
At What Weight is Gastric Balloon Inserted?
Gastric balloon can only be inserted in individuals with a body mass index (BMI) above 27. These checks must be performed before the procedures.
Does Weight Return After Gastric Balloon is Removed?
Until the removal of the gastric balloon, individuals must adopt correct eating habits and an active lifestyle. If not careful, weight may be regained after any weight loss method, including gastric balloon.
Are There Risks Associated with Gastric Balloon?
The risks of gastric balloon are relatively low. As with any endoscopic procedure, there are risks of irritating the stomach, bleeding, and perforation.
Does Gastric Balloon Have Harmful Effects and Side Effects?
After the gastric balloon application, there may be nausea and vomiting in the first week. If abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting persist beyond one week, the balloon may need to be removed.
Does Gastric Balloon Leave a Stitch Mark?
The gastric balloon application is an endoscopic procedure, inserted through the mouth into the stomach, so there are no stitches or wounds involved.
When Will I Lose Weight After Gastric Balloon is Inserted?
Gastric balloon application alone does not cause weight loss. The main factors determining when and how much weight you will lose are your eating habits and activity level.
How Much Weight Can Be Lost in 1 Month with Gastric Balloon?
The amount of weight lost with a gastric balloon is not determined by the balloon itself. Four factors determine this: how you eat, how much you exercise, your excess weight, and your metabolism rate.
How Effective is Gastric Balloon?
The gastric balloon fills part of the stomach. The effectiveness of the balloon depends on what types of foods you fill the remaining part of your stomach with and how far you stay away from psychogenic eating.
What Should Individuals Pay Attention to After Getting a Gastric Balloon?
People gain weight for various reasons, such as imbalanced and fast-food-heavy diets, sedentary lifestyles, genetic factors, etc. Many people find it difficult to lose weight. In the current years, individuals who are eager to lose weight have various options. Those making efforts to lose weight through diet and exercise are quite numerous.
What is Gastric Balloon Inflated With?
The gastric balloon is inflated with a special blue liquid. The characteristic of this liquid is to turn your urine blue-green if there is a leak in the balloon, serving as a warning.
What Are the Types of Gastric Balloons?
The types of gastric balloons are referred to as liquid-filled, air-filled, adjustable, or swallowable gastric balloons. The choice between them is made by doctors after necessary assessments. Additionally, gastric balloon prices may vary depending on these types.
Should a Diet Be Followed After Getting a Gastric Balloon?
We apply a special diet for the first 10 days to individuals who have a gastric balloon. Afterward, we provide a healthy eating program. The gastric balloon is applied to help you adhere more easily to this program.
Can the Gastric Balloon Burst?
The gastric balloons used by us are made of high-quality and sturdy materials, having passed necessary quality tests. Bursting of these balloons is highly unlikely. Leaks may occur very rarely. In this case, the situation can be easily detected by the color of your urine turning blue-green.
How Long Will the Gastric Balloon Stay in My Stomach?
There are various types of gastric balloons: 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year balloons, as well as swallowable balloons. In our preliminary meeting, we decide together which balloon is suitable for you based on patient compliance and the desired weight loss. All these types of balloons can be applied by us. Our goal is to provide you with a healthy body free from the excess weight you envision.
What Are the Types of Gastric Balloons Used?
- Bariglobe Balloon - Orbera Balloon - Spatz 3 Balloon - Allurion Elipse Swallowable Balloon
Does Gastric Balloon Guarantee Weight Loss?
The insertion of a gastric balloon does not guarantee that you will lose weight. The purpose of the gastric balloon is to create a quicker sense of satiety in you and make it easier for you to adhere to the diet. If you continue to overeat and do not follow the recommended program, we cannot assist you. Therefore, it is crucial for patients considering gastric balloon to be prepared for this process and adhere to the proposed program.
How Should Nutrition Be After Gastric Balloon?
Nutrition for individuals with a gastric balloon should be primarily liquid-pure for the first 10 days. Consuming solid food early can make it difficult for the stomach to adapt to the balloon, increasing stomach cramps and nausea. It is essential to progress according to your doctor's recommendations in this regard.
As can be anticipated, individuals researching gastric balloon may wonder how to eat after getting a gastric balloon. At this point, the person with a gastric balloon should eat according to the list prepared by their dietitian. Otherwise, weight loss may not occur. Additionally, fried foods, snacks, sugary and acidic drinks, white bread, processed meats, sweets, and sugary foods should never be consumed after getting a gastric balloon.
How Should the Exercise Routine Be After Getting a Gastric Balloon?
After getting a gastric balloon, a minimum of 10,000 steps should be taken daily. Light activities such as cycling, swimming, and walking should be preferred. In the following days, exercises like using a treadmill can be started.
Complaints After Getting a Gastric Balloon
Those who get a gastric balloon may complain, especially of nausea and cramps. However, these complaints may not be present in everyone. Some individuals may experience more severe complaints of nausea and cramps. Contraction complaints may also occur. If they do not subside, the gastric balloon may need to be removed.
Which Type of Gastric Balloon Should I Choose?
People who want to use a gastric balloon should decide with the help of doctors which type of gastric balloons to use. Because not every type of gastric balloon may be suitable for everyone.
What is Endoscopic Gastric Balloon?
Endoscopic gastric balloons are balloons that can be inflated with air or liquid after being lowered into the stomach. It is a technique applied to individuals who do not want to undergo surgery and want to lose weight with exercise. It is one of the more affordable options concerning gastric balloon prices.