In gastric balloon application, a silicone balloon inflated with liquid or air is placed into the stomach. Thus, by reducing the volume of the stomach, a feeling of fullness is created in the stomach so that the amount of eating is reduced. The aim of placing a gastric balloon is to facilitate the patient’s weight loss. Since the risks it brings to the patient are very low, it has started to see widespread application in recent years. It is an endoscopic procedure applied in patients with a body mass index (BMI) between 30-35 who cannot lose weight through diet and exercise, in patients with a BMI above 35 who cannot undergo surgery, and in very obese patients with a BMI above 50.
As a result of the feeling of fullness in the stomach, the amount of food that the person can eat decreases. Thus, it has a positive effect on blood sugar and blood fat levels. With gastric balloon application, an average of 15-25 kg or 10-15% of the weight can be lost. However, permanent lifestyle changes are absolutely necessary to maintain the targeted ideal weight. In this direction, a planned diet and exercise programme should also be implemented.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia in 10-15 minutes. Beforehand, the stomach should be examined endoscopically and the presence of a medical condition that will prevent the application should be investigated.
Gastric balloon application is not performed in patients who have previously undergone gastric operation, those with tumours detected in endoscopic examination, stomach cancer history, esophagitis, alcohol and substance addiction, pregnant women and patients with stomach ulcers.
The patient can start taking liquid food 1 hour after the application. The patient can be discharged on the same day. Only liquid food intake is recommended for the first 3 days after the procedure. Over time, normal food is gradually switched to normal food. Depending on the type of balloons applied, they can remain in the stomach for 6-12 months. At the end of this period, they are removed endoscopically under anaesthesia.
What is a gastric balloon?
Gastric balloon is an inflatable (500-600 ml in volume depending on the size of the stomach) medical device that is temporarily placed in the stomach for 6-12 months. The gastric balloon is inserted into the stomach by endoscopy under general anaesthesia.
What does a gastric balloon treat?
It is a method that helps weight loss in patients who cannot lose weight through diet and exercise, in patients who exceed ideal body weight by 15-25 kg and in morbidly obese patients who cannot undergo surgery.
Am I a suitable candidate for a gastric balloon?
It is an endoscopic procedure applied in preparation for surgery in patients with a body mass index (BMI) between 30-35 who cannot lose weight through diet and exercise, in patients with a BMI>35 who cannot undergo surgery and in very obese patients with a BMI>50.
What are the risks of gastric balloon procedure?
There is no known risk of gastric balloon. It is a safe operation.
What should I do before the gastric balloon procedure?
You may be instructed to stop some medications before the procedure.
Step by step operation process:
Anaesthesia: The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia.
Surgical Procedure: The gastric balloon is inserted into the stomach under general anaesthesia by endoscopy. Depending on the size of the stomach, 500-600 ml. is inflated with saline or air.
What should I expect after the gastric balloon procedure?
Nausea, vomiting and cramping pain may occur in the first 24-48 hours after the procedure. All complaints are temporary. The patient can start taking liquid food 1 hour after the gastric balloon application.
What should I pay attention to after gastric balloon application?
You can return to work on the first day after the procedure. There is no need to rest. Diet is organised by the dietician. The first 3 days are fed with watery food. Soft vegetable dishes can be consumed for the next 4 days. After the first week, normal solid food is started.
What are the results of gastric balloon application?
Approximately 15-25 kg or 10-15% of the weight is lost.
Frequently Asked Questions
A gastric balloon is a silicone balloon inflated with liquid or air that is placed in the stomach to help the person lose weight.
The following people are suitable candidates for gastric balloon application: – 18-60 years old, – Those with a BMI between 30-35 who cannot lose weight through diet and exercise, – Those with a BMI between 30-39 who are not suitable for surgery, – Those with a BMI>35 who need to lose weight before bariatric surgery due to serious risks for surgery, – Those without alcohol and substance addiction, – Those without problems such as ulcers and large stomach hernia in the digestive system, – Those who cannot lose weight with diet and sports.
The procedure is performed endoscopically under general anaesthesia. After the balloon is placed in the empty stomach, it is inflated with 500-600 ml of saline or air depending on the size of the stomach.
The gastric balloon creates a feeling of fullness and satiety as it takes up volume in the stomach cavity. Approximately 50-100 ml. volume remains between the stomach and the balloon for feeding. Thus, the gastric balloon both provides portion control and reduces the patient’s feeling of hunger.
There may be cramping pain in the first 24-48 hours after the procedure. The pain lasts for a few days. It passes easily with home rest and painkillers.
For the first 3 days, watery food is consumed. Soft vegetable dishes can be consumed for the next 4 days. After the first week, normal solid food is started.
There are 2 types of gastric balloons according to the duration of their stay in the stomach: 6-month and 12-month balloons. We prefer the 6-month gastric balloon, because the most effective period of the balloon is the first 4 months.
The advantages of balloon application are that it involves almost no risk, it can be applied easily and in a short time and it is a procedure that can be repeated.
The disadvantage of gastric balloon application is that it is a temporary weight loss method.
With the gastric balloon procedure, 15-25 kg may be lost.
The fastest weight loss with gastric balloon is seen in the first 4 months.
Depending on the type of gastric balloon, it can stay in the stomach for 6 or 12 months.
You should not consume pastries, rice, pasta, chocolate, syrupy desserts, cola-style drinks for at least 2 years.
Depending on the type of gastric balloon, it is removed in 5-10 minutes after 6 or 12 months under general anaesthesia by endoscopy.
Leave a Reply