Intragastric Balloon (Gastric Balloon)

Intragastric Bolon (Stomach Balloon) is one of the effective methods applied to obesity treatment. It is a non-surgical, endoscopic space-occupying balloon placement procedure in the stomach. As it does not leave any permanent scars, the patient does not need to be hospitalized. Although it varies according to the person, an average of 20-25 kg loss can be seen.

To Whom Is It Applied?

In order to reduce the risk by providing 20-30 kg weight loss before surgery, in patients who are scheduled for surgery due to Morbid Obesity, but at high risk to have surgery,

People who do not have the desired weight in order to have obesity surgery,

People whose weight is above the normal level, who are unsuccessful in losing weight with other methods,

It can be applied to people who are not satisfied with their weight.

Will I Get Anesthesia?

General anesthesia (complete drowsiness) is not required. For the comfort of the patient, it can be done in a state of semi-sleep, called sedation.

Is there any risk?

Compared to weight loss surgeries, gastric balloon is known as the most innocent application. After the Intra Gastric Balloon is applied, abdominal pain and spasm occur especially in the first 3 days, and the uncomfortable feeling seen in the following days disappears.

Nutrition After Gastric Balloon

Plan your schedule during the day as three main meals and three snacks.

Make sure that the foods you consume are protein-based. (Meat and its derivatives, milk and dairy products, dried legumes.)

Consume foods by controlling their fat and carbohydrate and fat contents.

Take care to chew your food very well and swallow it.

Pay attention to solid-liquid separation. Consume liquids at least 15 minutes after solid food intake.

Your eating time should be at least 20 minutes. Consuming your meals quickly will stimulate your feeling of pain and fullness.

You should avoid carbonated and caffeinated drinks. (Soda, cola, soda, etc.)

Types of Balloons

Gastric balloons can be classified as those that simply inflate with liquid or air, and those with fixed volume or adjustable volume.

Generally, 500 milliliters of blue serum is used in balloons that are inflated with liquid. In case of leakage, it stains the patient's urine green and it can be easily understood that the balloon is leaking. The balloon is visualized by ultrasonography performed in the control.

Air-inflated balloons can be inflated more (500-750 milliliters). They do not create weight. It is not possible for the patient to understand the leakage situation. The final state is determined by taking the image of the balloon with the direct abdominal X-ray taken during the control.

How Much Weight Is Lost With Gastric Balloon?

This is the most frequently asked question with no definite answer. Because the weight to be lost after the gastric balloon is applied varies from person to person. There are people who lose 3 kilos with a gastric balloon, as well as those who lose 30 kilos. The person who loses 3 kilos usually does not make any effort and leaves all the expectation to the balloon and leaves the balloon early.

How much weight is lost with a gastric balloon? Another factor that determines the answer to the question is the weight of the person while having the balloon fitted. If an individual with a balloon is 180 kilos, it can be considered as a small loss to lose 20 kilos, while it can be considered as a weight loss above the expected for someone who is 80 kilos.

The type of balloon is partially effective in losing weight. Scientific studies indicate that there is no difference between liquid and air balloons in terms of weight loss, if they wish, if liquid balloons are filled with 500 milliliters, the targeted weight loss can be easily achieved.

The volume of the balloon is also effective in losing weight. Both liquid and air balloons are inflated in different volumes. While liquid balloons are usually inflated with 400-500 milliliters, air balloons are inflated with 500-750 milliliters. The larger the balloon volume, the more weight loss can be achieved. However, at the beginning of all these factors, it is important for the person to understand the balloon application with a realistic approach and not to expect everything from the balloon and the physician. This process is a process that the physician, patient, dietitian will carry out together and that success will be high with good harmony.

Gastric balloon is an alternative treatment method for people who cannot lose weight with diet, sports, acupuncture, drugs or who constantly lose weight and regain weight. Gastric balloons are balloons made of silicone that can be inflated with liquid or air. After gastric balloons are applied to a patient, they are punctured in the stomach and the liquid or air inside is evacuated.

How Should Nutrition After Surgery Be?

Your nutrition program will be planned in accordance with the person and conditions during the hospitalization period. The patient will be educated about alternative menus, and under the control of our nutritionist, you will be transitioned to puree on the 15th day and solid food on the 30th day.

What are the Advantages of Gastric Balloon?

There are many methods to get rid of overweight and obesity, which are a public health problem. The most effective of these methods is of course; They are obesity surgeries. However, obesity surgery is also the most risky. Because anesthesia is required for obesity surgery, there are risks such as leakage, infection and bleeding due to the cut organ. Gastric Balloon sedation