Gastric balloon is a temporary device placed in the stomach to help with weight loss. This method, which does not require surgical intervention, provides a feeling of satiety by reducing stomach volume.
✓What is a Gastric Balloon?
A gastric balloon is a silicone-based and inflatable device. There are 2 types of gastric balloon applications.
✓1. Classic endoscopic balloon method:
✓A balloon is placed into the stomach via endoscopic method and inflated there. The balloon partially fills the stomach volume, limiting food intake and creating a feeling of fullness.
✓2. Swallowable balloon method:
✓In the swallowable gastric balloon procedure, without the need for endoscopy, anesthesia, or surgical intervention, a capsule-shaped balloon swallowed by the patient under doctor's guidance is placed inside the stomach and then inflated within the stomach. Like in the endoscopic balloon procedure, the gastric balloon provides a feeling of fullness in the stomach through its space-occupying effect and prevents overeating.
✓Who is Suitable for a Gastric Balloon?
A gastric balloon is generally suitable for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) between 27-40 who have not benefited sufficiently from traditional weight loss methods such as diet and exercise. It is also a method used as preparation for surgery in patients who are not suitable for surgical intervention or who are severely obese, referred to as morbidly obese, with high surgical risks. This treatment can also be helpful in treating health problems related to obesity in individuals, particularly in the treatment of uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, joint arthritis and similar conditions.
✓Those who cannot lose sufficient weight through diet and exercise
✓Those with a body mass index (BMI) between 27-40
✓Those with high surgical risk or severely obese (morbidly obese) patients for whom preoperative preparation is desired may be suitable.
✓How is a Gastric Balloon Placed? Endoscopic Gastric Balloon
It is performed with a light anesthesia procedure called sedoanalgesia.
✓The procedure takes approximately 20-30 minutes. The balloon, placed into the stomach via endoscope, is inflated with sterile saline (saltwater) and methylene blue. After the procedure, patients are discharged on the same day. The gastric balloon typically remains in the stomach for 6 months to 1 year depending on its type and is then removed again via endoscopic method.
✓Procedure Steps:
✓Sedation: For patient comfort
✓Endoscopic Placement: The balloon is placed in the stomach
✓Inflation: The balloon is inflated with sterile saline (saltwater) and methylene blue
✓Discharge: Leaving the hospital on the same day
✓How is a Gastric Balloon Placed? Swallowable Gastric Balloon
It is a method applied without the need for surgery, anesthesia, and endoscopy. It is sufficient for the patient to be fasting before the procedure and to use stomach medication for a certain period. The gastric balloon is placed within approximately 15-20 minutes. Since the swallowable balloon is a balloon that can dissolve on its own within 4-5 months, the patient does not need to visit the hospital again for removal.
✓Procedure Steps:
✓Patient uses stomach protective medication (proton pump inhibitor) for 1-2 weeks before the procedure
✓Liquid diet for 3 days before the balloon
✓The swallowable balloon is swallowed by the patient in the procedure room by the doctor
✓Verification through upright abdominal X-rays that the balloon is in the stomach
✓Inflation of the balloon with a special solution
✓Upright X-ray taken again to confirm the balloon is in the stomach lumen
✓Activation of the smart watch given to the patient during the procedure, the patient's scale, and the application on the mobile phone
✓What are the Features of a Gastric Balloon?
A gastric balloon promotes weight loss without requiring surgical intervention. It allows patients to feel full quickly with small amounts of food. This method gives effective results when applied together with diet and exercise. Additionally, it can help reduce health problems related to obesity.
✓Non-Surgical: No surgical risk
✓Weight Loss: Effective and rapid weight loss
✓Health Improvements: Reduction of obesity-related problems
✓Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes After Gastric Balloon
After the gastric balloon is placed, patients need to make significant changes in their eating habits and lifestyle. During the first few weeks, adherence to a liquid and puree diet may be necessary. It is important for patients to regularly take vitamin and mineral supplements. Additionally, regular physical activity also supports weight loss.
✓Possible Harms and Side Effects of Gastric Balloon
Although the gastric balloon is generally a safe method, it may contain some risks and side effects. These may include stomach nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, balloon deflation, or displacement. For this reason, it is important that patients maintain close cooperation with their doctors during the pre- and post-procedure periods.
✓Possible Side Effects:
✓Short-term: Stomach nausea, vomiting, cramps
✓Long-term: Balloon deflation or displacement