What is a Gastric Balloon?
Gastric balloon is a non-surgical weight loss method used in the treatment of obesity. A gastric balloon is a soft silicone-based balloon that can be swallowed or placed in the stomach by endoscopic methods. After the balloon is placed in the stomach, it is usually inflated with a serum solution or air. This balloon reduces the volume of the stomach, allowing the patient to feel full with less food, thus reducing calorie intake and encouraging weight loss.
A gastric balloon usually remains in the stomach for 6 to 12 months and helps patients lose weight during this period. Since the balloon remains in the body temporarily, it does not require a surgical procedure and the balloon is removed with an endoscopic procedure.
This method is an effective option for patients who are overweight but do not want to resort to surgical methods or are not suitable for surgical intervention. The gastric balloon is applied together with a low-calorie diet and exercise program to support weight loss. However, if healthy eating habits are not continued after the balloon is removed, there is a risk of regaining the lost weight.
Gastric balloon is a non-surgical weight loss method used in the treatment of obesity. A gastric balloon is a soft silicone-based balloon that can be swallowed or placed in the stomach by endoscopic methods. After the balloon is placed in the stomach, it is usually inflated with a serum solution or air. This balloon reduces the volume of the stomach, allowing the patient to feel full with less food, thus reducing calorie intake and encouraging weight loss.
A gastric balloon usually remains in the stomach for 6 to 12 months and helps patients lose weight during this period. Since the balloon remains in the body temporarily, it does not require a surgical procedure and the balloon is removed with an endoscopic procedure.
This method is an effective option for patients who are overweight but do not want to resort to surgical methods or are not suitable for surgical intervention. The gastric balloon is applied together with a low-calorie diet and exercise program to support weight loss. However, if healthy eating habits are not continued after the balloon is removed, there is a risk of regaining the lost weight.
Gastric balloon is a less invasive weight loss method that does not require surgical intervention. This method carries lower risks than surgical methods in the treatment of obesity.
Gastric Balloon
What is the Use of a Gastric Balloon?
How is a Gastric Balloon Inserted?
Preparation of the Patient
Before the procedure, the patient usually fasts for a few hours to empty the stomach contents. Light sedation is used to help relax the patient during the procedure so that they are comfortable during the procedure.
Endoscopy
First, an endoscopy is performed to examine the condition of the stomach and check whether it is suitable for the placement of a gastric balloon. The inside of the stomach is viewed with the help of a thin tube (endoscope) that extends from the mouth to the stomach.
Control of the Balloon
Another endoscopy is performed to ensure that the balloon is correctly positioned within the stomach. Once the balloon is fully inflated and in the correct position, the endoscope is removed.
After Processing
After the procedure is completed, the patient is kept under observation for a short period of time. Most patients are sent home the same day. Nausea, mild pain, and discomfort may be experienced for the first few days, but these symptoms will fade over time.
Who Can Get a Gastric Balloon?
Gastric balloons are usually applied to overweight individuals with a BMI between 27 and 40. It is an effective method for patients who do not have a high enough BMI for obesity surgery but still need to lose weight.
People who do not want to have a surgical procedure or are not suitable for surgery may consider gastric balloons as an option. Gastric balloons are a less invasive method that does not require surgical intervention.
Gastric balloons can be an effective auxiliary method for individuals who cannot lose weight despite diet and exercise programs or who have difficulty losing weight. The balloon helps these patients regulate their eating habits and accelerate weight loss.
In some cases, a gastric balloon can also be used to help the patient lose weight before bariatric surgery. This can be applied as a precaution to reduce the risks the patient may face during the surgical operation.
A gastric balloon can be effective in people who have obesity-related health problems such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and sleep apnea and who need to lose weight. The balloon can help alleviate these problems by providing weight loss.
A gastric balloon is not a long-term weight loss solution, but a tool to help lose weight. Patients must comply with diet and lifestyle changes for permanent weight control after the balloon is removed. Therefore, the people for whom a gastric balloon is most effective are individuals who are determined to change their lifestyle in order to maintain weight loss.
Although a gastric balloon is a safe method, doctors should first evaluate its suitability according to the patient's health status and weight loss goals. For example, it may not be suitable for individuals with digestive system diseases such as stomach ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease. Additionally, individuals with alcohol dependence or serious eating disorders may not be candidates for a gastric balloon.
