Gastric Balloon

Overview of Gastric Balloon

For those who want to lose weight, diet and exercise are among the healthiest methods. However, it is not always possible to lose weight with these methods. In such cases, surgical and non-surgical treatment methods should be considered. One of the non-surgical methods is gastric balloons. This method can be preferred, especially if there is an excess of about 20 kg.

Those who need to lose weight urgently due to existing health problems can opt for this method. To determine whether this technique is suitable for you, an evaluation is carried out by a doctor. If deemed appropriate by the doctor, the procedure is decided upon.

Gastric balloon applications should be performed by a specialist doctor. This ensures that there are no adverse effects. Your doctor will inform you of what to do before and after the procedure, thus eliminating the likelihood of unexpected situations. There is no need to worry about the risks associated with the gastric balloon; the method is highly reliable and advantageous due to its quick application. Patients can return to their daily lives immediately since they are discharged shortly after the procedure.

Gastric balloon surgery has been in practice for about 30 years. It is suitable for those who are not candidates for surgical operations or who are apprehensive about surgical methods. The duration the balloon stays in the stomach varies according to its type. Some types are removed by the doctor, while others are expelled naturally from the body. The amount of weight loss achieved with this method also varies. Significant weight loss can occur if diet is followed properly.

What is a Gastric Balloon?

A gastric balloon is placed in the stomach for a specific period. Also known as a gastric balloon, this medical device inflates within the stomach. Those who opt for a gastric balloon are individuals dealing with obesity. After the balloon is placed, the volume of the stomach decreases, leading to reduced appetite and less food intake. The balloon stays in the stomach for 6 to 12 months. During this period, you can lose up to 20 kg with diet and exercise.

Those who lose weight with a gastric balloon should continue dieting and exercising to maintain their weight loss. Once the balloon is removed, the stomach returns to its original state. If you do not diet, you will regain weight quickly. Complaints after a gastric balloon procedure are minimal. Since the risk of complications is low, the patient’s comfort is not compromised.

In some cases, a gastric balloon procedure cannot be performed. If the patient has alcohol or substance dependence, they must first overcome these addictions. It is also unsuitable for pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant. It is risky for patients with heart, kidney, liver, and lung diseases. If the patient has previously had stomach or esophagus surgery, this technique can be problematic. Certain stomach and intestinal diseases also prevent the procedure. Hiatal hernia and esophagitis are among these conditions. Additionally, it is not suitable for those with reflux. Different treatment methods should be chosen for patients with ulcers and intestinal ulcers. During the initial examination, the doctor will review the patient’s medical history to understand any existing conditions.

Types of Gastric Balloons

Those researching “What is a gastric balloon?” may wonder if the procedure can be performed using different techniques. One method is known as the Allurion gastric balloon, also referred to as Elipse or swallowable. The Allurion technique is among the modern methods and is extremely easy to apply. If deemed suitable by the doctor, you can confidently choose this method.

An endoscopic method is another option. The balloon is inserted through the mouth and placed in the appropriate area. The doctor decides which of the swallowable and endoscopic techniques is suitable. The endoscopic gastric balloon, which reduces the volume of the stomach, allows for less food intake.

The techniques used are also classified according to how long the balloon remains in the stomach. Six-month balloons are called Medsil. The balloon offers the possibility of losing approximately 15-20 kg. Those with a body mass index between 27 and 40 can benefit from this method. One-year balloons are known as Orbera. The Orbera technique is suitable for those with a very high body mass index and weight.

Adjustable balloons are known as Spatz. In this technique, the balloon’s volume can be adjusted. Unlike other techniques, adjustments can be made as needed. Spatz is applied to patients who need to lose a significant amount of weight. The balloon’s volume can be increased or decreased depending on weight loss.

Those who undergo a gastric balloon procedure start losing weight as the volume of the stomach decreases. Since the food you eat passes through the digestive tract slowly, you feel full quickly. Preventing hunger pangs, having positive psychological effects, and promoting healthy eating are among the advantages of the method. The gastric balloon is a safe procedure with no risk of death.

Endoscopic Gastric Balloon

The endoscopic method is applied to patients who are not suitable for surgical techniques. If it is not advisable to perform sleeve gastrectomy and bypass surgeries, the endoscopic method should be chosen. The endoscopic technique involves several steps. The balloon is placed in the stomach using endoscopic imaging methods, disrupting the stomach’s routine movement. Patients who cannot lose weight start to slim down quickly. Although the risk of complications is low, the balloon may sometimes need to be removed. In such cases, the medical device is removed from its location in a short time. Reviews of the gastric balloon procedure are frequently researched by those curious about the operation details. Generally, patient feedback after the procedure is positive.

about the operation details. Generally, patient feedback after the procedure is positive. In the past, endoscopic methods were used for patients with a body mass index over 40. Over time, the method has become an alternative to surgical techniques. For the endoscopic method, the body mass index should be more than 35. However, if certain conditions are met, it can also be applied to patients with an index value of 30 and certain diseases. Those with sleep apnea, diabetes, and hypertension can comfortably lose weight with the endoscopic method. Patients who cannot lose weight in 4 or 6 months can continue using it for up to a year.

After the endoscopic procedure, patients are discharged from the hospital in a short time. In surgical operations, it is not possible to reverse the procedure. However, in the endoscopic method, the patient has the right to request the removal of the balloon. The endoscopic technique has no adverse effects on the digestive system organs.

Swallowable Gastric Balloon

The swallowable gastric balloon does not require anesthesia during placement. Since it is not a surgical technique, the balloon is easily placed in the stomach. The method, which is considered safe by doctors, keeps the balloon in the stomach for 4 months. The body expels the swallowable medical device naturally. The balloon leaves the body on its own within four months. The gastric balloon has no side effects and is capsule-shaped. The balloon, which is in pill form, must be swallowed with plenty of water. Once the balloon reaches the stomach, it inflates, reducing the volume of the stomach.

Reviews of the swallowable gastric balloon are generally positive. The low rate of complications is among the most significant advantages of the method. Additionally, the fact that no surgical method is used during the procedure is an advantage for patients. The Elipse gastric balloon is preferred when the body mass index is over 27. The person undergoing the procedure must be at least 18 years old. This procedure is not suitable for individuals over 65 years old.

The operation with the swallowable device takes 20 minutes. After detailed checks are conducted, the doctor approves the procedure. The capsule is swallowed by the patient under the doctor’s supervision. If the patient has difficulty swallowing the capsule, the doctor provides the necessary support. The balloon is inflated with 550 ml of water, and then the inflation process is monitored. The position and inflation of the balloon are checked with an X-ray. Once the balloon is placed, there are no issues. There may be some side effects after the procedure, with nausea being the most common. However, it subsides quickly.

Who is Suitable for a Gastric Balloon?

A body mass index between 25 and 30 indicates a mild obesity problem. If the body mass index is over 30, there is an obesity problem. The procedure can be performed in both cases. If the patient has morbid obesity and also has other diseases, there is no way to lose weight through a surgical technique. For example, if there is a hiatal hernia, a surgical method is not applied.

This technique is more advantageous than surgical methods. Surgical methods have more complications, and the recovery process is longer. Reviews of the gastric balloon show that those who cannot lose weight with diet and exercise turn to this method. The changes in the bodies of patients with obesity hinder weight loss. You can lose weight if you continue dieting and exercising. However, weight loss is slower in cases of obesity.

Those curious about “How is a gastric balloon placed?” must also be psychologically prepared for the process. It is essential to be determined to lose weight and ready to diet. The gastric balloon is not a method that causes complaints. Patients are generally satisfied with the results. The most significant concern is the balloon bursting, but this risk is minimal.

How to Eat After a Gastric Balloon Procedure?

The gastric balloon diet plan may be challenging for some patients. Following this plan is crucial for the success of the procedure. The diet plan begins with liquids for the first one to two days. During these days, you should consume items like herbal teas, regular tea, and yogurt. Soups without any solid pieces are also allowed during the first two days. You should drink at least 1.5 liters of water each day, sipping slowly. The drinks and soups should not be too hot or too cold to avoid causing any discomfort in the stomach.

After the second day, you can start consuming soft foods. Some patients may need to wait three to four days before transitioning to soft foods. Foods like vegetable puree, eggs, and cheese can be consumed after the second day. It is important to keep portions small during meals. You should wait at least one hour between meals and eat slowly.

As time progresses, you can transition to a normal diet. However, the type of diet will vary for each patient. A dietitian will determine the appropriate diet for you. To achieve your weight loss goal, you must strictly follow the diet plan. By attending dietitian appointments regularly, you can lose weight healthily. After the operation, you should avoid consuming fried foods, coffee, sugary drinks, and white bread. Snacks, processed meats, and chocolate are also not recommended.

How Much Does a Gastric Balloon Cost?

The cost of a gastric balloon varies depending on the type of balloon used. Prices also differ between hospitals and clinics. There is a difference in cost between endoscopic and Elipse gastric balloons. The fees also change over the years. Therefore, it is best to decide soon and get rid of your excess weight with a reliable procedure.

The cost of a swallowable gastric balloon for 2024 is at a reasonable level. One of the patients’ concerns is whether this procedure is covered by social security. The patient pays for the gastric balloon procedure out of pocket. Social security does not cover the cost of the procedure. Private health insurance also does not cover the expenses of this procedure. However, if the procedure becomes necessary, it is possible that the insurance may cover your expenses.

The cost of the Allurion gastric balloon is determined during the preliminary examination. During this examination, the cost is determined based on the patient’s condition and the type of balloon. If the patient accepts the cost and other conditions, the procedure is carried out.

Those researching the cost of a swallowable gastric balloon should also focus on selecting the right doctor. An experienced doctor increases the chances of a successful procedure. Additionally, regular post-operative check-ups ensure that the treatment process is completed smoothly.

Many people make the mistake of focusing solely on the price. However, you should focus on having a successful operation rather than the cost. You can also get information from people who have undergone this procedure. With this popular weight loss method, you too can get rid of your excess weight. This method, which has no harm to the body, allows you to lose weight and gives you a chance to overcome various diseases.